Governor Martinez Signs SB 221 establishing a State-based HIX

Just as it was stated by members of the NM HIX Task Force, now the real work begins.

We as Tribes need to contact the Governors office and Senator Shendo and Representative Taylor to submit names for the Executive Board of Directors and the Native American Advisory Board.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 28, 2013   Contact: Enrique Knell (505) 819-1398 enrique.knell@state.nm.us     Governor Susana Martinez Signs Bipartisan Legislation to Establish State-Based Health Insurance Exchange By New Mexicans, For New Mexicans   SANTA FE – Governor Susana Martinez announced today that she has signed Senate Bill 221, establishing a state-based health insurance exchange in New Mexico. The bill creates a framework for a marketplace where consumers can shop for affordable health insurance. The legislation was sponsored by Sen. Benny Shendo (D-Jemez Pueblo) and Rep. Tom Taylor (R-Farmington).   “As I said during my State of the State address, I didn’t support Obamacare, but it is the law of the land. My job is to implement this law in a way that best serves New Mexicans,” said Governor Martinez. “For over 18 months, we have been working to design, build, and implement a health insurance exchange that meets the unique needs of New Mexicans. This legislation builds on those efforts, which had already received conditional approval from the Obama administration, and represents a tremendous amount of hard work and compromise shared by my administration, the legislature, advocates, and the healthcare industry. We still have plenty of work left to do, but I am confident that, working together, we can get it done.”   SB 221 also lays out board appointments, requires the establishment of strong conflict of interest policies, and allows the board to create a Native American Service Center (NASC) to help with outreach to Native American populations. The legislation closely mirrors the Martinez administration proposal to operate a state-based exchange that already received conditional approval from the federal government in January.   “Governor Martinez reached across party lines and compromised to get this done,” said Rep. Taylor. “Once enacted, this new statute will provide a framework to establish an exchange for New Mexicans, by New Mexicans. I appreciate the hard work of the governor and everyone involved to help pass this legislation.”   “SB221 represents a compromise on the establishment of a state-based health insurance exchange. Many parties were able to come together - including legislators, the administration, industry, and advocates - and work towards a solution for New Mexicans,” said Sen. Shendo. “I especially would like to thank Governor Martinez, Senator Jerry Ortiz y Pino, and Representative Taylor for their input and support.  This may not be a perfect solution, but it is a start that helps keep New Mexico on the path towards the creation of a unique solution for New Mexicans. I am pleased we were able to accomplish passage of this legislation and look forward to working on the exchange for years to come.”   Governor Martinez also acted on the following legislation:   SIGNED HB 72 – Commercial Car Lease Adjustment Clauses SIGNED HB 93 – Campaign Fund Transaction Recording SIGNED SB 40 – No Electronic Communications in Jails SIGNED SB 140 – NM Poison & Drug Information Center SIGNED SB 320 – Assistance Animal Act Changes   ###