1. Are All Coloradans Able to Get Affordable, Efficient Health Care?
Jeff Bontrager
Emily Johnson
2017 Colorado Access to Care Index Webinar
May 10, 2018

2. Our Presenters Jeff Bontrager
Director of Research on Coverage and Access
Emily Johnson
Associate Director of Economic Analysis

3. What We’ll Cover Today Findings Background and Methods
How to Use the Index

4. Three Takeaways
The Colorado Access to Care Index compares access between communities and over time.
Colorado scores pretty well, but rural areas of the state tend to score lower.
Colorado struggles the most with using recommended health care services, also known as realized access.

5. What is the Access to Care Index?
A synthesis of the best data available over time to understand whether Coloradans have access to the care they need.

6. Colorado’s Access Score

7. Access to Care Score by County

8. Urban Counties Have Better Access

9. Changes in Access to Care Scores, 2013-2017

10. Index Objectives Measure disparities and change over time.
Give the big picture of access to care.
Give communities the data they need to develop local priorities.

11. The Ultimate Goal

12. Access to Care Index Structure

13. Selecting Metrics Directly related to access to care
Trendable over time
Available at the sub-state level (ideally by county)

14. Sources Colorado Health Access Survey
Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies
American Community Survey
All-Payer Claims Database
Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System

15. Scoring
Aspiring to a Perfect 10

16. A Note about Past Years
Due to changes in data sources, CHI made adjustments to the 2013 and 2015 indices to ensure they are comparable with Please use the most recent versions at

18. The Interactive Dashboard

19. The Interactive Dashboard

20. The Interactive Dashboard

21. The Interactive Dashboard

22. Love Excel? We Didn’t Forget About You.

24. Using the Index Identify Health Equity Concerns
Income Group
0 – 138% FPL
139 – 400% FPL
Over 400% FPL
Overall Score
8.1
8.3
8.7
Potential Access
9.4
9.3
9.6
Pathways to Care
8.5
9.2
Realized Access
6.4
6.8
7.2
Income Group
0 – 138% FPL
139 – 400% FPL
Over 400% FPL
Overall Score
8.1
8.3
8.7
Potential Access
9.4
9.3
9.6
Pathways to Care
8.5
9.2
Realized Access
6.4
6.8
7.2
Income Group
0 – 138% FPL
139 – 400% FPL
Over 400% FPL
Overall Score
8.1
8.3
8.7
Potential Access
9.4
9.3
9.6
Pathways to Care
8.5
9.2
Realized Access
6.4
6.8
7.2

25. Using the Index Trending Over Time

26. How to Use the Index Start with overview, then drill down.
Look at trends to see how access to care has changed over time.
Use as a launching point for discussions on where to focus efforts and where to dig deeper.
Use to place areas of focus in a broader context – what are the ripple effects?

27. How to Apply the Index to Your Work What We’ve Heard From You
The Index can be used to:
Inform local planning and decision-making
Launch conversations about health equity
Present to local leaders
Advocate for underserved populations
Write grants

28. Three Takeaways
The Colorado Access to Care Index compares access between communities and over time.
Colorado scores pretty well, but rural areas of the state tend to score lower.
Colorado struggles the most with using recommended health care services, also known as realized access.

29. Stay Tuned! Children’s Access to Care Index: 2017 Update
Medicaid Access to Care Index
Commercial Insurance Access to Care Index
NEW!
NEW!

30. Jeff Bontrager | Emily Johnson
@CHI_Bontrager