State Expansions: New Mexico
In August 2006, the governor and the state legislature appointed the Health Coverage for New Mexicans Committee (HCNMC) to identify or develop several different health reform models that could realistically lead to universal coverage in the state. Each model had to provide health coverage for all New Mexicans regardless of their ability to pay; remove lapses in coverage because of unemployment, underemployment, or changes in health providers; identify ways to keep prices in check; include coverage for individuals with high health care needs and pre-existing conditions; and optimize the use of federal matching funds.
Three models were chosen by the HCNMC for further analysis.
- The Health Security Act would use both public and private funds to create a statewide health plan in which New Mexico residents would have the same health benefits as state employees.
- New Mexico Health Choices would provide government-subsidized vouchers to individuals and tax credits to employers who offer health insurance to their workers. The plan would give New Mexicans a range of private and government options to obtain affordable health insurance.
- The New Mexico Health Coverage Plan would preserve the current public and private health care systems, expand the state Medicaid program, and provide incentives to employers to provide health insurance for their workers.
Mathematica Policy Research, Inc. analyzed the three models and reported its results in Quantitative and Comparative Analysis of Reform Options for Extending Health Care Coverage in New Mexico.
On June 25, 2007, the HCNMC drafted recommendations to the state legislature, which did not include adopting any of the three proposals.
Governor Bill Richardson has also crafted a proposal for comprehensive health reform in New Mexico called the Health Solutions New Mexico Plan.
In September 2008, New Mexico lawmakers enacted a bill to cover more uninsured kids who are eligible for State Children's Health Insurance Program. Effective January 2009, the law allocates $22.5 million for greater outreach and enrollment efforts as well as coverage of approximately 17,000 additional children.
New Mexico Expansion Resources
For general resources on state expansions, see Other Resources.
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