HEALTH CARE ENROLLMENT NUMBERS LAGGING IN GARFIELD, EAGLE COUNTIES
Glenwood Springs—An Eagle County-based group charged with enrolling people in the state’s health exchange program is struggling to get the word out to the masses. Officials with West Mountain Regional Health Assistance Network say since “Connect for Health Colorado” was launched October 1st, they’ve been able to reach about a thousand people in Garfield and Eagle counties combined. That effort includes walk-ins, personal appointments and public presentations.
GARCO COMMISSIONERS UNHAPPY WITH GOVERNMENT HEALTHCARE PRICING FOR RURAL COUNTIES
Glenwood Springs—Garfield County Commissioner Tom Jankovsky says the pricing structure for rural, resort counties under the state health exchange program is discriminatory. Jankovsky says too many people in western Colorado are seeing their health insurance premiums skyrocket simply because of their geographical location. He says a more equitable price structure must be implemented before middle class families are sent into poverty.
REDSTONE HOUSE FIRE
Redstone/Carbondale—An alert, quick-thinking neighbor saved the family dog from a burning home and fought back flames in Redstone Sunday night along with one firefighter until more help arrived. According to reports from the Carbondale and Rural Fire Protection District the call about the house fire in the Redstone Ranch Acres subdivision went out around 6:30. Flames were visible outside the chimney chase and had spread to frame of the house but crews were able to contain the fire to the chimney area. It took four fire trucks and a crew of 18 about an hour to get the fire out. No one was hurt and the cause is still under investigation. Carbondale Fire Chief Ron Leach credits the neighbor for saving the house with his quick response and use of fire extinguishers until crews arrived.
