GOV. RITTER'S STATEMENT ON PRESIDENT OBAMA'S HEALTH REFORM ADDRESS

Gov. Bill Ritter issued the following statement tonight applauding President Obama for his address to a joint session of Congress about the need for responsible health care reform:

“Skyrocketing health care costs are breaking the budgets of hard-working families, small businesses and states. Too many Coloradans are one illness away from bankruptcy. President Obama is right: the status quo is unacceptable. Fixing our economy requires responsible, moderate reform that will provide security and stability for those who have health care and access to affordable insurance for those who do not.

“I applaud the President for his vision and commitment to finding bipartisan solutions, to building on what works and to fixing what’s broken rather than starting over. In Colorado , we’ve taken a number of steps to control costs, improve quality and ensure access for all. We’ve invested in health information technology, supported delivery system reforms to improve quality and contain costs, and covered thousands of uninsured Coloradans. Now we need our federal partners to do their part by passing comprehensive health reform.

“Cost containment must be at the heart of health reform. We must focus on delivering better value for every health care dollar spent. Governors understand this challenge because health care is such a significant part of our state budgets. In Colorado , Medicaid enrollment is at an all-time high. Nearly 500,000 Coloradans are now on Medicaid, up 20 percent from a year ago and accounting for more than 20 percent of the state’s budget. We must build a more sustainable system.

“While the cynics in Washington have resorted to scare tactics and partisan game-playing just to score political points, I am proud to stand with President Obama to keep fighting for responsible reform and serious solutions.”