HOUSE JOINT MEMORIAL 32

46th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2004

INTRODUCED BY

Gail C. Beam

FOR THE LEGISLATIVE HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE

A JOINT MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THE HUMAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT IN COOPERATION WITH THE UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO HOSPITAL TO CONDUCT A STUDY TO EXPLORE WAYS TO EXPAND THE UNM CARE AND CARE ONE MODEL OF CARE STATEWIDE.

     WHEREAS, the university of New Mexico hospital operates a health care program called "UNM care" that serves residents of New Mexico who have incomes below two hundred thirty-five percent of the federal poverty level; and

     WHEREAS, this program utilizes principles of managed care, including assignment of a primary care physician, cost-sharing such as copayments and premiums, care management and provision of both inpatient and outpatient services; and

     WHEREAS, those enrolled in the program pay for these services based on a financial assessment and ability to pay; and

     WHEREAS, the program currently has over twelve thousand people enrolled, and provides over fifty-five thousand visits a year to enrollees in Bernalillo county; and

     WHEREAS, the university of New Mexico hospital is also conducting a pilot disease management program within the UNM care program called "care one", which targets patients at the highest risk of deteriorating clinical status, and for incurring high costs within the near term; and

     WHEREAS, these high-risk patients represent one percent of the population, but consume about twenty percent of the resources; and

     WHEREAS, UNM care and care one together make a significant difference in ensuring appropriate, early access to needed health care services and improved health outcomes and potentially reducing the overall cost of providing care to many residents of New Mexico; and

     WHEREAS, the university of New Mexico hospital is conducting a study to evaluate the effectiveness of the care one program that will measure financial impact, utilization of services, quality of care and patient satisfaction and to test the workability of this model of care; and

     WHEREAS, expansion of this model of care to other hospitals and locations in the state could reduce the number of uninsured and improve access to health care services and the health status of many New Mexicans;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the human services department, in cooperation with the university of New Mexico hospital, conduct a study to explore ways to expand UNM care and care one statewide; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the study analyze the experience of the university of New Mexico hospital with respect to potential benefits of care coordination, a comprehensive team approach, optimal, individualized care for patients and payment policies of these programs; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the study explore the ability of other hospitals, independently or in collaboration with the university of New Mexico hospital, to implement such programs; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the findings of this study be reported to the interim legislative health and human services committee at its October 2004 meeting; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be sent to the human services department and the university of New Mexico hospital.

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