Colorado Medical Society

Introduced by: Arapahoe-Douglas-Elbert Medical Society

Subject: 60-Day Medical Coverage for All Motor Vehicle Drivers

Referred to: Reference Committee on Health Affairs

WHEREAS, the state of Colorado requires a license to operate a motor vehicle, and

WHEREAS, there is a known risk of severe injury and extreme medical costs, and

WHEREAS, physicians, hospitals, and first responders are ethically and legally obligated to provide emergency and continuing follow up care, and

WHEREAS, physicians, hospitals, and first responders are providing care for an increasing number of patients who are not able to pay due to lack of medical insurance, and

WHEREAS, a high percentage of drivers and passengers in motor vehicles have no health insurance and are medically indigent, and

WHEREAS, the state of Colorado requires auto insurance of every driver in the state but does not require medical insurance with their auto insurance, therefore be it

RESOLVED, that the state of Colorado require all licensed operators of motor vehicles to carry comprehensive medical insurance for themselves and their passengers to cover costs of care for the first sixty days following the date of an accident, and be it further

RESOLVED, that the Colorado Medical Society Delegation to the American Medical Association take to the AMA House of Delegates a resolution that would provide a mechanism for physicians to be compensated for care provided.