SENATE JOINT MEMORIAL 33

50th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2012

INTRODUCED BY

Dede Feldman

A JOINT MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THE NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TO APPOINT A HEALTH CARE REFORM OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE OF THE LEGISLATURE TO MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS REGARDING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF FEDERAL HEALTH CARE REFORM IN THE STATE.

     WHEREAS, the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010, also known as the Affordable Care Act, was passed in March 2010; and

     WHEREAS, the Affordable Care Act provides for billions of dollars in grants to states, so far bringing more than one hundred thirty-five million dollars ($135,000,000) in federal grants to New Mexico; and

     WHEREAS, the Affordable Care Act requires states to set up, or allow the federal government to establish, state health insurance exchanges to make health coverage as well as information on choosing the right plan accessible to New Mexicans; and

     WHEREAS, the Affordable Care Act seeks to expand health coverage to most New Mexicans by making affordable coverage available through medicaid expansion, subsidies for private insurance offered on health insurance exchanges and programs such as the basic health program; and

     WHEREAS, the Affordable Care Act changes many of the rules regarding how insurance coverage is provided, such as guaranteeing coverage to anyone who applies, banning preexisting condition exclusions and rescissions and requiring coverage for certain preventive services; and

     WHEREAS, the Affordable Care Act provides for many programs and over thirty grants that could assist in addressing many of New Mexico's health care work force needs; and

     WHEREAS, many of the Affordable Care Act's provisions require state action to bring New Mexico into compliance with federal law and to reap the benefits of the opportunities it offers; and

     WHEREAS, the office of the governor has created an office of health care reform to implement the executive branch's plans for carrying out the provisions of the Affordable Care Act; and

     WHEREAS, as the policymaking branch of New Mexico government, the legislature has a crucial role to play in ensuring that the Affordable Care Act is implemented under legislative direction;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the New Mexico legislative council be requested to create an interim health care reform oversight committee of the legislature made up of members drawn equally from the senate and the house of representatives; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the health care reform oversight committee be charged with reviewing the grant applications and expenditures as well as policy implementation that the executive branch undertakes pursuant to the Affordable Care Act; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the health care reform oversight committee be charged with receiving input and recommendations from the public and from advisory groups; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the health care reform oversight committee make recommendations for administrative, legislative, regulatory, operational and financial actions necessary to implement and supplement the provisions of the Affordable Care Act; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the health care reform oversight committee make recommendations regarding: the creation of a health insurance exchange or other entities designated in the Affordable Care Act; the creation of any other entities to supplement the provisions of the Affordable Care Act; changes in state law necessary to reconcile differences or conflicts between federal and New Mexico insurance law; changes to policy regarding medicaid, health care work force development, community clinics, health care disparities and health information systems; and other health-related issues; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the health care reform oversight committee be charged with meeting at least monthly during the months of June through November 2012; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the members of the New Mexico legislative council.

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