Universal Coverage Proposals Under Consideration in New Mexico
The private health insurance industry in New Mexico likely will face legislation seeking to replace private insurance with a state-run, single-payer system, New Mexico Business Weekly reports.
Business Weekly notes that the industry has to:
- Reduce losses from uninsured patients who receive no-cost care in hospital emergency departments;
- Lobby for higher Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement rates; and
- Campaign against proposed legislation to replace private insurers with a state-run system.
The state's Human Services Department is currently evaluating three universal coverage models, one of which will likely be adopted in 2008, according to Business Weekly.
The New Mexico Health Security Act, one of the proposed models, will be introduced during the 2007 legislative session. Business Weekly notes that the measure, which has failed several times in the past, is likely to be more successful as employers, especially small businesses, are facing double-digit cost increases for providing health care.
Industry experts say employers this year will be seeking more health coverage contributions from workers and plans with more limited coverage, including for dependents. Insurers will offer more plans with reduced coverage and higher deductibles, according to Business Weekly (Domrzalski, New Mexico Business Weekly, 1/8). This is part of the California Healthline Daily Edition, a summary of health policy coverage from major news organizations. Sign up for an email subscription.