Shafroth makes health insurance pledge
21 02 08 - 10:40
The Democratic candidate in the 2nd Congressional District also outlines a national health care plan.
By Jenel Stelton-Holtmeier
The Denver Post
Article Last Updated: 02/20/2008 11:52:38 PM MST
Will Shafroth pledged Wednesday that, if elected, he would refuse taxpayer-funded health insurance provided for members of Congress until Capitol Hill lawmakers pass reforms to insure all Americans.
The 2nd Congressional District Democratic candidate made the announcement at a news conference in his Boulder home with his 14-year-old daughter, Lily, at his side. A few weeks after she was born, Lily developed whooping cough and was admitted to the neonatal intensive-care unit, driving his interest in health care reform.
"It's personal for me," Shafroth said.
Having left his job in December to focus on his campaign, Shafroth is covered under COBRA, which allows a continuation of employer-provided health insurance, but he must pay the full premium. His coverage ends in 2009.
"It's a sacrifice, I recognize that. But it puts me in the same situation as many Americans," he said.
Shafroth is running against former state Senate President Joan Fitz-Gerald and entrepreneur Jared Polis to replace Rep. Mark Udall, who is running for the U.S. Senate.
Shafroth is the first candidate in Colorado to make such a pledge. He unveiled a health care plan that would create a government-subsidized program to provide access to health insurance for all Americans.
In contrast to single-payer plans, Shafroth indicated that his plan would not make coverage mandatory. Instead, it would allow individuals an affordable option, with individual cost based on ability to pay.
Wanda James, campaign manager for Polis, took aim at the optional aspect of the plan, stating that it will still allow "people to fall through the cracks."
"What we desperately need in this country is health care for all. Period," she said. In response to the pledge, James said, "It's not going to do anything to create a plan for this country."
The campaign for Fitz-Gerald did not respond.
Shafroth declined to list a specific funding source for the program or a total cost, stating that information was not complete.
Jenel Stelton-Holtmeier: 303-954-1661 or jsteltonholtmeier@denverpost.com