First of Two HealthSOLUTIONS New Mexico Bills Unanimously Passes House Health and Government Affairs Committee

The House Health and Government Affairs Committee unanimously approved House Bill 37, Electronic Medical Records Act. HB 37 is one of two bills in Governor Richardson's HealthSOLUTIONS New Mexico plan. The bill, sponsored by Representative Peter Wirth, will help control costs in health care and increase quality by implementing a plan to maintain, use and protect electronic medical records.

"My HealthSOLUTIONS plan is building support with groups who understand the health care challenges New Mexicans face, especially employers and physicians," said Governor Bill Richardson. "Everyone knows something must be done. So businesses, providers, clinics and physicians are carefully reviewing the various health care proposals, and are choosing my plan. My plan is the only one that let's people keep coverage if they like it, is fiscally responsible and gets us to universal coverage."
 

Today Governor Richardson's HealthSOLUTIONS plan received statements of support from the NM Medical Society, Women's Health Advisory Council, Lovelace Health System, Molina Healthcare, Presbyterian Healthcare Services, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico, the Independent Insurance Agents of New Mexico, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, the Hidalgo Medical Services, NM Medical Board, and the Primary Care Association with its 150 clinics across the state. Last Friday, the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce and its 5,300 members endorsed the Governor's plan.

 
"The Governor's plan is a well thought out solution to the health care crisis we have in New Mexico," said David Roddy, Executive Director of the New Mexico Primary Care Association. "Over time it will ensure that all New Mexicans have the basic security of health coverage."

HB 62, the HealthSOLUTIONS New Mexico Act, sponsored by Rep. John Heaton is scheduled before the HHGAC tomorrow morning, the same committee that passed HB 37 today. HB 62 covers the other three components of the Governor's universal health care plan, which brings affordable, accessible quality health coverage to New Mexicans.

• Insurance Reform to make coverage more affordable and accessible.
• Coverage Mechanisms and Participation to assure everyone has coverage.
• Health Coverage Authority to reduce bureaucracy and create a single point of accountability.