HB 122 Supported by Community Leaders
The House Health and Human Services Committee on Wednesday passed, 7-3, HB 122, a bill supported by New Mexico Together for Health Care that creates and funds a Health Care Affordability Fund so that more New Mexicans can get the health coverage they need.
“Everyone needs quality, affordable health care,” said Adriann Barboa, New Mexico Policy Director for Forward Together Action. “New Mexico has a unique opportunity with HB 122 to bring down health care costs and increase coverage. Creating a health care affordability fund is the right thing to do for New Mexico and New Mexicans.”
HB 122 will generate more than $110 million annually to invest in expanded and improved coverage for uninsured and under-insured New Mexicans. The bill creates a Healthcare Affordability Fund using a repealed federal fee on health insurance companies, and invests it in reducing costs for New Mexico’s consumers.
According to a 2019 survey conducted by NMT4HC, 90 percent of New Mexicans want the state to take action to make healthcare more affordable. Further, 44 percent of the uninsured say they don’t have coverage because the premiums are too high. And, 39 percent of New Mexicans skipped or refused a medical test recommended by a doctor because they couldn’t afford it.
“Too many New Mexicans struggle to get the care they need,” said Nicolas Cordova, an attorney with the New Mexico Center on Law and Poverty. “This health care affordability fund is an investment in the future health of our state.”
Christina James, an advocate for McKinley County, told the committee that making health care more affordable would have a huge impact on her as she works to care for her young son who was born with a life-threatening heart condition.
“Families like mine need the option to get affordable care,” James said. “My son deserves access to the health care he needs to grow and thrive.”
HB 122 now goes to House Taxation and Revenue Committee for consideration.
