Many people in La Plata County know Local First for its support of locally owned businesses. Fewer may realize that the organization is also playing a role in improving health care affordability.
For small businesses, health care coverage is often the second-largest expense after payroll. For working families, premium increases directly affect household budgets and the overall cost of living. Recognizing that health care affordability is both a personal and economic issue, the Local First Foundation has partnered with Peak Health Alliance since 2021 to expand insurance options in Southwest Colorado.
Through this collaboration, residents and businesses have access to Elevate Health Plans. These plans, offered on the individual marketplace, were introduced to increase competition and bring more affordable choices to the region. Since the partnership began, it has saved residents and businesses an estimated $6 million in health insurance premiums, helping lower the cost of doing business for employers and easing financial pressure on families.
The benefits extend beyond those enrolled in Elevate Health Plans. A recent study found that increasing competition in the marketplace has reduced premiums for everyone purchasing individual marketplace coverage in Southwest Colorado, not just those insured through Elevate. By bringing an additional high-quality option into the region, the initiative has helped stabilize pricing across the broader market.
Support from the city of Durango’s Community Support Fund and the Rocky Mountain Health Foundation has been instrumental in advancing this effort. Funding from these sources enables Local First Foundation to expand outreach, education and enrollment assistance so residents and businesses can understand their coverage options and make informed decisions during open enrollment periods.
Through continued collaboration with community partners and strategic funding from local and regional sources, Local First Foundation has been able to deepen its focus on health care affordability. Contributions from individual donors and local businesses, including those who become Localist members of Local First, help sustain and expand this important work. By supporting affordable health coverage, the organization is striving to build a stronger, more resilient regional economy for employers, employees and families alike.
Ashley Christie is the executive director of Local First.
