A state health insurance exchange official says a recent federal court ruling shouldn't prevent New Mexicans from qualifying for premium subsidies.
New Mexico Health Connections CEO Martin Hickey told fellow board members Friday that New Mexico is considered a state-based exchange by federal health officials.
Federal appeals courts have issued conflicting rulings about subsidies, with one deciding that subsidies are available only in states running their own exchange. About three dozen states rely on the federal online system.
Another court upheld subsidies nationwide.
Board members were told it could be a year or more before further appeals resolve the subsidy dispute.
About 78 percent of New Mexicans who've selected exchange health plans qualified for subsidies, according to the federal government.
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