Gov. Polis lists new priorities after prolific year

DENVER (AP) - Colorado Gov. Jared Polis delivers his second state of the state address Thursday to a Legislature in the control of fellow Democrats.

Polis' policy priorities have a particular emphasis on healthcare. His biggest proposal likely will be legislation to create a state-administered public option for health insurance.

The idea is to generate more competition in a Colorado market where many rural residents have few options, even with the state health insurance exchange created under the Affordable Care Act. It would build on healthcare-related legislation enacted last year.

Key accomplishments include a state reinsurance program to lower private insurance rates, hospital price transparency and consumer protections against surprise out-of-network medical bills.