Gerald Zarlengo, MD, Chairman & CEO Copic Insurance Company

Since the early years of Copic, we have recognized not only the importance of, but the need for legislative advocacy in medicine and health care delivery. It has become progressively harder to navigate the legislative process and the surrounding politics. These challenges elevate the need to bind closer to our partners, like the Colorado Medical Society, to raise awareness of the challenges confronting physicians, thoughtfully engage legislators, and use our position to champion ideas that improve health care.

Copic’s long-term investment in legislative advocacy is led by our Public Affairs team. They manage the resources and relationships that focus on key issues that align with our expertise such as professional review, licensing, new duties and requirements, liability, and so much more. As the political landscape changes, our commitment to this work remains a foundation for how Copic’s mission is put into action and used to protect and strengthen health care.

The many forms of advocacy

Legislative advocacy requires complex coordination, relationship building, and a multi-faceted approach. A typical day can start with poring over the details of newly introduced legislation and then end with a presentation to physician leaders on policies that shape health care delivery. It is a year-round endeavor that moves at a rapid pace during the legislative session, but also entails consistent engagement during the months between.   

Over the years, we have learned how critical engagement is for our success. This includes engaging our communities to build awareness about Copic, why we are dedicated to protecting access to quality care, preserving the physician-patient relationship, and maintaining the ability to review and improve care and how legislation can impact any or all of these priorities. Engagement also takes the form of cultivating statewide relationships with key stakeholders (e.g., elected officials, advocacy partners, community organizations, etc.) to build trust and to share how their neighbors, citizens, or members are impacted by legislation. Last, and most importantly, engagement must include our insureds – the physicians providing preventative, specialized or emergency care. This may take the form of direct connections, virtual discussions, or direct communications to make sure our physicians are aware of how laws change and what it means for them.

Monitoring legislation

At the core of our legislative advocacy efforts is monitoring legislation. Every year, there are countless bills brought forth that have the potential to impact health care. Our Public Affairs team along with Copic legal/medical experts review and analyze draft and proposed legislation. It’s an in-depth task that involves scrutinizing language, gathering research, considering intended (and unintended) consequences, and bringing in different perspectives. This involves working closely with partners, such as the Colorado Medical Society and Colorado Hospital Association, to represent the health care community, the medical providers on the frontlines, and the patients they serve.

Our work tracks alongside the progression of bills through the legislative process. As we monitor changes, we are weighing in with recommendations and having discussions with legislators and partner organizations to ensure that decisions about health care in Colorado are well-informed and consider the relevant perspectives.

The 4 Cs framework

When explaining Copic’s legislative and other broader advocacy
efforts, we often highlight “the 4 Cs” that guide our approach:

Convening is about how Copic serves as a catalyst to connect diverse stakeholders – from rural physicians and patient advocates to hospital administrators and insurance providers. Getting the right people in the room is often the biggest challenge. It is an essential step for examining an issue to better understand the different parts and recognizing how different interests can align or conflict with one another. 

Collaborating focuses on how Copic can utilize the strengths and resources of those who come together to move the best ideas forward. This collective view generates insight and action beyond what occurs when individual organizations operate on their own. It also reinforces the value of looking past our own perspective by listening to others and the insight they offer.

Coordinating is about the alignment of people, resources, and ideas. For Copic, this includes connecting physicians and other medical professionals with their legislators and facilitating interactions that strengthen awareness on key issues. The Humanitarian Award, an annual award that we present with the Colorado Medical Society to a volunteer physician who is making a difference in their local community, is a great example of honoring amazing humans, lifting up the great work of physicians, and connecting them with their legislators.

Communicating refers to how we share our expertise and experience. Copic’s access to information, such as claims data and best practices, is valuable in identifying risks and allows us to develop programs or resources to address these. The knowledge we gain from legislative advocacy is disseminated across the health care community in actionable ways that support better outcomes.

Copic’s legislative advocacy efforts are a testament to our unwavering commitment to supporting the health care community. Through monitoring legislation, engaging with stakeholders, and utilizing the 4 Cs framework, we strive to protect and advance the interests of medical professionals and patients alike.

Eligible Colorado Medical Society (CMS) members can receive up to a 10% premium discount on Copic policies. Get more information on CMS membership by contacting membership@cms.org.