New Mexico Health Care Reform Package Introduced in Legislative Special Session

New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson's Health Care Reform Package has been introduced in the 2008 Legislative Special Session. The three bills introduced in the House and Senate focus on insurance reform, including covering all uninsured New Mexico children, consolidation of public programs, and electronic protection of patient privacy.

"My health care reform package will give 50 thousand uninsured children access to health care, will assure patient's medical records remain private, will reform health insurance, and eliminate unnecessary bureaucracy," said Richardson. "This package is fiscally responsible, meets the urgent need to cover every child, and makes insurance more affordable at a time when state government can afford to help its citizens."

Senate Bill 19, the Health Care Benefits Act -- sponsored by Senator Tim Jennings -- creates the Health Care Benefits Administration and phases in consolidation of public health coverage programs which will lead to more efficient and effective administration.

House Bill 5, the Electronic Medical Records and Health Information Exchange Act -- sponsored by Representative Peter Wirth -- will protect patient privacy during electronic medical record exchanges and clarify when and how electronic medical records can be used, according to a release from the Governor's Office.