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Support Health Care for all New Mexicans

Take action by   Friday, March 2, 2007

The Health Security Act -- SB-720 in the Senate and HB-1222 in the House -- is being considered in the Senate Finance Committee on Wednesday afternoon and in the House Health and Government Affairs Committee on Thursday morning, respectively. 

We’re told that the Senate committee starts one half-hour following the close of the floor session, and that the House committee meets Thursday morning at 8:00 am.

As State Central Committee member Terry Riley notes, passage of this legislation is consistent with the Democratic Party of New Mexico’s Platform, which reads:

We believe that health care is a right for all New Mexicans through a system of universal health care.  Every New Mexican should have ready access to high-quality health care. 

To be clear, this particular legislation has not been considered by the DPNM State Central Committee and alternative proposals may also be consistent with the DPNM Platform and pending in the Legislature.

The text of the legislation can be read on the state legislature web site. http://legis.state.nm.us/lcs/_session.asp?chamber=H&type=++&number=1222&Submit=Search&year=07

Call your senators and representatives and thank them for their support or urge them to vote in favor of this legislation.  If you can attend the two upcoming meetings please take the time.  Your presence can make a difference.

Below is a summary of the Health Security Act:

The New Mexico Health Security Act

·   This legislation has evolved over many years – becoming stronger with input from organizations and various interests around the state.

·   It is a New Mexico solution to our health care crisis.

The Health Security Act:

·   Sets up our own New Mexico health insurance plan that is based on the old-fashioned concept of insurance, where approximately 1.6 million young, old, healthy and the not-so-healthy New Mexicans share the risk.*

·   Exclusions:  military personnel, and federal retirees maintain their own plans.  Tribes and plans covered under ERISA have the option to join.

·   Creates an independent non-governmental commission to administer the Health Security Plan.  This Commission is geographically representative and publicly accountable.

·   Maintains the private delivery system.

·   Does not require new taxes.

o  The Health Security Plan is paid for by combining existing public dollars spent on health care (Medicaid, Medicare) with premiums based on income and employer contributions (with caps).

o  Counties decide how their indigent funds could be used under this system.

·   Requires a go-slow approach to develop and implement the Health Security Plan.

o  Year 1: analysis of the cost-with public input.  If the financial costs are too much and not approved by the Legislature, the Health Security Plan will not go into effect.

o  Years 2 & 3:  If the numbers look good, it is estimated that working out the details of the Health Security Plan with public input from around the state will two more years with the ability to extend the time to proceed or to put on the brakes should this phase prove to be not workable.

The Plan Guarantees:

·   Health care coverage for all New Mexicans, regardless of age, income, employment, or health status.

·   Freedom of choice of doctor and hospital within the state and across state lines.

·   Comprehensive benefits, no less than those offered to state employees.

·   Protection for retirees so they will not lose what they already have.

*  According to numerous state studies, including one completed for New Mexico, pooling state residents will result in a reduction of health expenditures of billions of dollars.

These bills have also received memorials or resolutions asking for passage in this legislative session in 13 county commissions and 9 city councils around the state.  There are also over 130 organizations that support the Health Security Plan.  Time is running short on the legislative session.