Ahead of President Obama’s Trip to Colorado Tomorrow, State Senator Betty Boyd, Colorado Democratic Party Chair Pat Waak, Physician Michael Pramenko, Local Residents and Organizing for America Colorado State Director Discuss Urgent Need for Health Insur

For Immediate Release

Date: August 14th, 2009

Contact: Ricardo Ramírez 202-863-8148

Ahead of President Obama’s Trip to Colorado Tomorrow, State Senator Betty Boyd, Colorado Democratic Party Chair Pat Waak, Physician Michael Pramenko, Local Residents and Organizing for America Colorado State Director Discuss Urgent Need for Health Insurance Reform

DENVER, CO - In advance of President Obama’s trip to Grand Junction tomorrow, the Colorado Democratic Party held a press conference call today to discuss the urgent need to pass health insurance reform this year. The call included State Senator Betty Boyd, Colorado Democratic Party Chairwoman Pat Waak, Grand Junction Physician Dr. Michael Pramenko, Mesa County resident Robynn Sundermeier and OFA Colorado State Director Gabe Lifton-Zoline.

During the call the speakers also discussed President Obama's eight Health Insurance Guarantees. Under the President’s Health Insurance Guarantees, everyone will benefit, even people who currently have insurance, because any legislation he signs will include these iron clad guarantees - guarantees which will reverse years of unfair insurance company practices: 1) no discrimination for pre-existing conditions, 2) no exorbitant out-of-pocket expenses, deductibles, or co-pays, 3) no cost-sharing for preventive care, 4) no dropping of coverage for the seriously ill, 5) no gender discrimination, 6) no annual or lifetime caps on coverage, 7) extended coverage for young adults, and 8) guaranteed insurance renewal.

Below are statements from the call:

Pat Waak, Colorado Democratic Party Chair

“In Colorado where you have three-quarters of a million people without health insurance, it’s absolutely crucial that we have some kind of health care reform and President Obama has been clear that his three principals are about lowering costs, guaranteeing choice and ensuring that all Americans have access to quality, affordable care…This is the kind of reform that helps those that are already covered and those that are not covered.”

State Senator Betty Boyd

“The status quo just is not sustainable… the health care reform that the President is recommending will build on our current system and bring security and stability to people who already have insurance and give access to quality, affordable care to those who don’t. Reform is not just about the people who don’t have insurance, but it’s about the people who are always afraid of losing their coverage if they become sick, loose their job or change their job.”

Robyn Sundermeier, Mesa County Resident

“Intellectually, as Americans, regardless of our political affiliations, we really need to work together as a team and support President Obama’s health care plan… I have hope and believe with all my heart that we can change and reform the health care system as we know it to have quality and affordable health care for all Americans.”

Dr. Michael Pramenko, Grand Junction Physician

“One of the reasons we’re working so hard on reform is we see the need for change. We’ve got a significant primary care shortage here and the costs are escalating here and everywhere else in the country.”

Gabe Lifton-Zoline, Colorado Organizing For America State Director

“Organizing for America is talking to folks around the state about the President’s plan for health insurance reform…. We’re hearing from Coloradans doing everything they can, working hard, but are still having a hard time getting the coverage they need.”

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