RELATING TO INSURANCE; CLARIFYING AND EXPANDING THE DEFINITION OF HEALTH INSURANCE IN THE NEW MEXICO INSURANCE CODE; DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO:

Section 1. Section 59A-7-3 NMSA 1978 (being Laws 1984, Chapter 127, Section 109) is amended to read:

"59A-7-3. "HEALTH" INSURANCE DEFINED.--"Health" insurance is:

A. insurance of human beings against bodily injury, disablement or death by accident or accidental means, or the expense thereof;

B. insurance of human beings against disablement or expense resulting from sickness, old age or accident; and

C. insurance appertaining to insurance described in Subsections A and B of this section, including:

(1) provisions operating to safeguard contracts of health insurance against lapse in event of strike or layoff due to labor disputes; and

(2) insurance that reimburses or pays on behalf of an employer or health care plan sponsor all or part of the employer's, sponsor's or health care plan's expenses or obligations arising pursuant to a health care plan."

Section 2. EMERGENCY.--It is necessary for the public peace, health and safety that this act take effect immediately.