Schleiger v. State

We granted certiorari to consider whether the state may take into account one’s insurance coverage in determining “ability to pay” for state hospitalization costs pursuant to sections 27-12-101, et seq., C.R.S. 1973. We hold that under the applicable statutes the state may do so, and therefore we affirm the decision of the Colorado Court of Appeals in State v. Schleiger, 37 Colo. App. 195, 547 P.2d 1295 (1975).

The Schleigers’ minor daughter, Pamela, was hospitalized at the Colorado State Hospital. During the period of hospitalization, Mrs. Schleiger, through her employer, was covered by group…