SENATE BILL 776

48th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2007

INTRODUCED BY

Mary Kay Papen

AN ACT

RELATING TO INSURANCE; REQUIRING INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR GENERAL ANESTHESIA AND HOSPITALIZATION FOR DENTAL SURGERY.

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

     Section 1. A new section of the Health Care Purchasing Act is enacted to read:

     "[NEW MATERIAL] GENERAL ANESTHESIA AND HOSPITALIZATION FOR DENTAL SURGERY.--

          A. Group health care coverage, including any form of self-insurance, offered, issued or renewed under the Health Care Purchasing Act shall provide coverage for general anesthesia and hospitalization for dental surgery.

          B. The provisions of this section do not apply to short-term travel, accident-only or limited or specified disease policies.

          C. Coverage for dental surgery may be subject to deductibles and coinsurance consistent with those imposed on other benefits under the same group health care coverage, including any form of self-insurance."

     Section 2. A new section of Chapter 59A, Article 22 NMSA 1978 is enacted to read:

     "[NEW MATERIAL] GENERAL ANESTHESIA AND HOSPITALIZATION FOR DENTAL SURGERY.--

          A. An individual or group health insurance policy, health care plan or certificate of health insurance that is delivered, issued for delivery or renewed in this state shall provide coverage for general anesthesia and hospitalization for dental surgery.

          B. The provisions of this section do not apply to short-term travel, accident-only or limited or specified disease policies.

          C. Coverage for dental surgery may be subject to deductibles and coinsurance consistent with those imposed on other benefits under the same policy, plan or certificate."

     Section 3. A new section of Chapter 59A, Article 23 NMSA 1978 is enacted to read:

     "[NEW MATERIAL] GENERAL ANESTHESIA AND HOSPITALIZATION FOR DENTAL SURGERY.--

          A. A blanket or group health insurance policy, health care plan or certificate of health insurance that is delivered, issued for delivery or renewed in this state shall provide coverage for general anesthesia and hospitalization for dental surgery.

          B. The provisions of this section do not apply to short-term travel, accident-only or limited or specified disease policies.

          C. Coverage for dental surgery may be subject to deductibles and coinsurance consistent with those imposed on other benefits under the same policy, plan or certificate."

     Section 4. A new section of Chapter 59A, Article 46 NMSA 1978 is enacted to read:

     "[NEW MATERIAL] GENERAL ANESTHESIA AND HOSPITALIZATION FOR DENTAL SURGERY.--

          A. An individual or group health maintenance organization contract delivered, issued for delivery or renewed in this state shall provide coverage for general anesthesia and hospitalization for dental surgery.

          B. The provisions of this section do not apply to short-term travel, accident-only or limited or specified disease policies.

          C. Coverage for dental surgery may be subject to deductibles and coinsurance consistent with those imposed on other benefits under the same policy, plan or certificate."

     Section 5. A new section of Chapter 59A, Article 47 NMSA 1978 is enacted to read:

     "[NEW MATERIAL] GENERAL ANESTHESIA AND HOSPITALIZATION FOR DENTAL SURGERY.--

          A. An individual or group health insurance policy, health care plan or certificate of health insurance delivered or issued for delivery in this state shall provide coverage for general anesthesia and hospitalization for dental surgery.           B. The provisions of this section do not apply to short-term travel, accident-only or limited or specified disease policies.

          C. Coverage for dental surgery may be subject to deductibles and coinsurance consistent with those imposed on other benefits under the same policy, plan or certificate."

     Section 6. EFFECTIVE DATE.--The effective date of the provisions of this act is July 1, 2007.

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