Good Morning everyone,
I just wanted to relay the information that was given to me yesterday by the Senate Finance Committee Staff. The way I understand it all bills that were waiting to be heard in the Senate Finance Committee are going straight to the Senate Floor for a vote. With only two more days left in the Legislative session this is not uncommon. I checked the Senate Floor Agenda for today Friday March 14, 2013 and HB 376 was not on it. I also checked the Agenda for the Senate Finance Committee and the same notice from yesterday "Committee called at the will of the Chairman" and "See door for agenda".
In discussion with other advocates Committee Chairman might be holding the bill because of a recommendation of his Staff member Mr. Mike Burkhardt's objection to NA ability to enroll or dis-enroll on a monthly basis. The full discussion was posted yesterday. Mr. Burkhardt wanted an amendment to the bill to exclude this portion. As I understand it currently Salud members have a month to decide whether they want to "Opt-in" to managed care, or whether the want to "opt-out" and use Medicaid Fee For Service, after that they are "locked in" to that option for one year. In my opinion continuing this practice is okay if it gets the bill passed and we get permanent legislation on this issue. There is a possibility that Senator Smith will hold the bill because this issue is unresolved an to me that is unacceptable, to come all this way do all this work and have one Staffer (who is a Former HSD Director) hold up the bill.
What is needed now is Tribal leaders, Health Programs, Advocates, community members to call Senator John Arthur Smith and demand to know the status of HB 376. If the bill is being held up demand that it be sent to the Senate floor for a vote.
Senator Smith does not have his office number posted online but you can call the Chief Clerk of the Senate and ask to be directed to his offices (505) 986-4714 or email:
john.smith@nmlegis.gov
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