Every New Mexican should have access to healthcare services without worrying if they can afford it.
On Friday at 1:30 pm, the Senate Health and Public Affairs Committee will consider Senate Bill 71, which would help protect New Mexicans from crippling medical debt. The committee was originally scheduled to hear the bill Wednesday.
We need your help to provide public comment at the hearing in support of this bill!
Medical debt is out of control in New Mexico. People are routinely sent to collections or sued by hospitals over unaffordable medical bills.This legislation would stop collections against low-income patients, stop hospitals from overcharging uninsured patients, and help families get connected with healthcare coverage that can pay for their care.
The Friday hearing for House Bill 112, which would prohibit discrimination in state and locally funded healthcare programs, is postponed. More details to follow.
Instructions
When: 1:30 pm, Friday, February 5
How to join: By 8:00 a.m. Friday, February 5, please send an email to SPAC@nmlegis.gov with your name, email address, entity representing (if any), bill number, and state if you are For or Against the bill.
You will be contacted by the committee’s Zoom operator who will give you instructions on how to access the public comment portion by Zoom.
What to expect during the hearing: The committee will be taking public comment. The chair of the committee (Chair Jerry Ortiz y Pino) will announce the bill and ask who supports SB 71. At that time, to provide a comment use the Zoom reaction button and raise your hand. The Chair will call your name and unmute your zoom when it is your turn to speak.
SB 71 summary: https://nmtogether4health.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/SB71DebtCollection-1.pdf
- Stopping hospitals from sending low-income patients to collections or suing them.
- Requiring hospitals to check if patients have insurance or qualify for private or public insurance, before sending a bill to the patient.
- Stopping hospitals from overcharging uninsured patients.
Tips for public comment
- Keep your remarks brief and to the point.
- If you have a personal story about getting sent to collections, being sued over medical debt, or being unable to pay for large medical bills, please share it.
- Close the Legislature’s webcast page when you give your comment so there is not an echo during your remarks.
- Make sure you are not muted when you start speaking.
- Do not rely on your computer or phone for notes. Write them down or print them in case your computer screen freezes.
- Close other tabs and windows in your browser to make sure your connection is good.
- If your connection or microphone doesn’t work, be prepared to call in with the information below.
