New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez's administration is moving ahead to establish a state-run clearinghouse to help small businesses and tens of thousands of individuals find affordable health insurance they currently lack. However, a fight over the health insurance exchange could break out in next year's Legislature. Attorney General Gary King's office is reviewing whether new legislation is needed to implement an exchange or whether it can be done as the Martinez administration plans without a change in current law.
The exchange is to be ready to enroll people next October and fully operating by January 2014.
Some states waited for the outcome of the presidential election to make a decision, but Human Services Secretary Sidonie Squier says New Mexico has been working since last year on an exchange.
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.