Colorado tightening reins on health insurance exchange

Colorado’s health insurance exchange is facing more scrutiny from the Legislature.

The state Senate gave initial approval Monday to two bill to increase oversight of the quasi-public exchange, called Connect For Health Colorado.

One of the bills authorizes state auditors to take a closer look at how the exchange operates.

The measure is a priority for Republicans who have newly taken control of the Senate. Democrats opposed the measure last year, but are supporting it this year.

The other bill requires lawmakers to approve before the exchange awards employee bonuses. Republicans call it a needed check on the exchange. Democrats called it onerous for an agency that both sides want to run with minimal government interference.

Both measures await final Senate votes before heading to the House.