The Colorado Springs Gazette fired off a well-aimed editorial regarding the recent move by a Senate Committee to increase the medical malpractice caps in that state. They write,

Politicians who feign support for affordable health care, while supporting Senate Bill 164, are either confused or they’re lying. Either way, they’re paying favor to trial lawyers — a loyal constituency — while selling out the cause of health care for all.

The three Democrats on the Senate’s five-member State, Veterans & Military Affairs Committee recently voted to move forward with Senate Bill 164, which would substantially increase the awards granted by judges and juries in malpractice suits. If the bill passes, doctors would be hit with increases in their malpractice insurance premiums. Senate President Peter Groff introduced the bill, and Sens. Abel Tapia, Chris Romer and Sue Windels voted it through committee.

They argue that, if the bill passes, it will mean a twelve to fourteen percent rise in the cost of premiums. These premiums already account for ten percent of the average phycisians overhead. And those premiums are simply for the same coverage these doctors now have. If the bill passes, each doctor will have to pay for more coverage simply to protect himself.

The math can’t be evaded. Raising caps will mean less access to more expensive health care.