In the early stages of the 2002 legislative session, state legislators proclaimed that increasing access to healthcare and making prescription
medications more affordable were a priority for the state of Colorado.
Indeed, a variety of bills addressing healthcare issues were introduced
during the 63rd session of the Colorado General Assembly. However, in
the face of opposition and large campaign contributions from a variety of
interests including pharmaceutical manufacturers, insurance companies,
business associations, lobbyists and nursing home operators and additional contributions from medical professionals, trial lawyers and unions, all of whom contributed generously to the campaigns of members of the state legislature and to the Governor, no substantial changes passed that would increase necessary benefits, lower the cost of prescription medication, ensure minimum standards for long-term care facilities or allow victims of medical malpractice and those denied necessary medical treatment to receive adequate compensation.