I would like to thank Ange Nobes for the letter to the editor (Herald, Sept. 17) regarding the reasons to vote “No” on Amendment 69. I had a hard time finding a link to the actual language, but finally Googled “ColoradoCare Content” and clicked on the link “Proposed Initiative Measures 2015-2016.” It was an eye opener.
I was for single-payer health care for all until I read the details. Particularly disturbing were sections 9 and 11. I recommend everyone read them before voting.
The proposed tax is high but it can be raised by the agreement of a majority of the ColoradoCare board once a year if deemed necessary! The starting tax is decided by a vote of the people but yearly increases are not.
I am also concerned about the effect on retirees and folks on Medicare. Not only will Social Security and IRA distributions be taxed at 10 percent, but pensions over $20,000 a year will be taxed at that rate as well. Folks on Medicare will not be able to use ColoradoCare as primary and if I read Section 11 correctly, it will not provide adequate supplemental coverage. For those on Medicare who have employee subsidized supplemental insurance, ColoradoCare will be of no value but you will still be taxed an additional 10 percent on retirement income!
ColoradoCare sounds good on the surface but please read the details before you vote, I did and I am voting “No.”
Anita Cohen
Durango
