As a State Senator, I have devoted my career to improving the lives of the state and communities. As part of that work, one of my main focuses is on improving the state’s health care system, and I’ve been working hard to give more neighbors access to the health care they need to prosper. rice field.
But when I started my public service journey, I knew very little that one day I would find that I was relying on a great healthcare provider in Colorado to save my life.
Recently, when I returned from teaching a training session for work at Milwaukee, I was very short of breath and dizzy while leaving the plane. When I arrived at the boarding area, I fainted, and when I woke up, I was surrounded by passengers and rescuers who were worried.
I was rushed to UC Health with abnormal blood pressure and arrhythmia. My team of talented doctors at UC Health diagnosed an autoimmune disease. Over time, this led to the development of pulmonary hypertension, which put incredible stress on my heart.
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My condition is rare, and 20 years ago the illness was sentenced to death. But even today, advances in science and medicine allow me to lead a long, happy and productive life. However, a port drip tube connected to a pump can be used to continuously deliver life-saving medicines to the heart. For the rest of my life.
This kind of life-changing diagnosis is scary. But I am very grateful to the UC Health team for being with me at every stage and supporting me as I move forward.
Also, remember that the level of care I received is not currently available in all Colorados. Our health care system is broken and has made great strides in recent years, but there is still a long way to go before everyone has access to and affordable quality care for them. I have.
As a state legislator, it feels strange that you experience the consequences of a law that you have passed directly. In my last session, I endorsed a bill that makes life-saving prescription drugs and healthcare more affordable and reliable, like the kind I’m currently dependent on — House Bill 22-1370. The bill leaves the treatment of the patient to the doctor, not the insurance company, by limiting the number of times the patient must try and fail the treatment preferred by the insurer before giving the treatment recommended by the doctor. ..
This protection is very important for new diagnostics like me, and I and my doctor can find a treatment plan that suits my condition without jumping over too many red tapes. I did.
HB22-1370 also ensures that 25% of health insurance is expected to pay prescription drugs by requiring that 25% of health insurance be out-of-pocket rather than unpredictable percentage-based co-insurance. Understand, save people’s money and provide certainty. For patients who adapt to their new reality. It also guarantees that once you get a prescription drug that works for you, you will not be forced to change to another in the middle of the planned year.
The bill is just one of many ways in which health care has been made more affordable and accessible during the 2022 legislative session, and has already changed the lives of Coloradans in everyday life. I can say 100% surely.
But making prescription drugs more affordable, addressing the shortage of healthcare providers that plague the state, and linking life-changing diagnosed people with mental health care to help them cope and move forward. There is still much we can do to help.
Our family and our community are of the highest value and they need healthcare to work for them rather than oppose them. I will continue to fight for these reforms and more to give all Colorado access to the quality and affordable healthcare they deserve.
Faith Winter in Westminster represents District 24 of the Colorado Senate.
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