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NM Health Exchange Passes Senate

By KRWG News

New Mexico – A bill to create the New Mexico Health Insurance Exchange has passed the Senate by a vote of 36 to 3. Senator Dede Feldman (D-Bernalillo) and Senator George Munoz (D-Cibola & McKinley) sponsored the bill which will create a nonprofit public corporation to provide qualified individuals and employers with increased access to health insurance.

The barebones bill will draw on the New Mexico Health Insurance Alliance and the New Mexico Medical Insurance Pool to provide board members and staff. The 11-member Board of Directors will reflect the geographic and cultural diversity of New Mexico, and possess expertise in health care, finance, policy and coverage.

"It's a great start we can build upon as health care reform evolves," Sen. Feldman said.

Sen. Munoz said, "The bill is a requirement that done right will touch every New Mexican life." Sen. Munoz also said this was the best way this could be done.