Denver Health is facing financial difficulties due to the lack of health insurance among its patients, which resulted in $140 million in unpaid medical bills in 2023. The city council is considering a bill that would increase the sales tax by 0.34% to help cover these costs. Some council members are concerned about the potential impact on the city’s economy, while others view it as necessary for the health and well-being of the community.
The proposal has been met with mixed reactions from council members, who are aware of the financial burden that unpaid medical bills have placed on Denver Health. According to Denver Health officials, city funding designated for unpaid medical bills has not been raised in 15 years, making it difficult for the organization to sustain its current level of care. However, some council members argue that raising taxes could negatively affect other important aspects of the city’s infrastructure and services.
Despite these concerns, others believe that passing this proposal is a necessary step towards ensuring that everyone has access to quality healthcare services. If approved by the city council, voters will have a say in whether or not they want to increase their taxes to support this cause. The bill will be presented for its first reading at Monday night’s meeting and will be discussed further at a later date before voting takes place in June.
In conclusion, this decision will ultimately be up to Denver residents, who will determine how their city approaches addressing medical debt and providing essential healthcare services to those in need.
