AN ACT

RELATING TO INSURANCE; REQUIRING INSURERS TO OFFER COVERAGE FOR CERTAIN PART-TIME EMPLOYEES.

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

     Section 1. A new section of Chapter 59A, Article 22 NMSA 1978 is enacted to read:

     "COVERAGE OF PART-TIME EMPLOYEES.--An insurer that provides group health insurance pursuant to Chapter 59A, Article 22 NMSA 1978 shall make available, upon an employer's request prior to issuance, delivery or renewal, coverage for regular part-time employees who work or are expected to work an average of at least twenty hours per week over a six-month period. Nothing in this section shall be construed to require an employer to offer or provide coverage for regular part-time employees."

     Section 2. A new section of Chapter 59A, Article 23 NMSA 1978 is enacted to read:

     "COVERAGE OF PART-TIME EMPLOYEES.--An insurer that provides group health insurance pursuant to Chapter 59A, Article 23 NMSA 1978 shall make available, upon an employer's request prior to issuance, delivery or renewal, coverage for regular part-time employees who work or are expected to work an average of at least twenty hours per week over a six-month period. Nothing in this section shall be construed to require an employer to offer or provide coverage for regular part-time employees."

     Section 3. A new section of the Health Maintenance Organization Law is enacted to read:

     "COVERAGE OF PART-TIME EMPLOYEES.--A health maintenance organization that provides coverage for health care services pursuant to the Health Maintenance Organization Law shall make available, upon an employer's request prior to issuance, delivery or renewal, coverage for regular part-time employees who work or are expected to work an average of at least twenty hours per week over a six-month period. Nothing in this section shall be construed to require an employer to offer or provide coverage for regular part-time employees."

     Section 4. A new section of the Nonprofit Health Care Plan Law is enacted to read:

     "COVERAGE OF PART-TIME EMPLOYEES.--A health care plan that provides coverage for health care pursuant to the Nonprofit Health Care Plan Law shall make available, upon an employer's request prior to issuance, delivery or renewal, coverage for regular part-time employees who work or are expected to work an average of at least twenty hours per week over a six-month period. Nothing in this section shall be construed to require an employer to offer or provide coverage for regular part-time employees."

     Section 5. EFFECTIVE DATE.--The effective date of the provisions of this act is July 1, 2005.

HB 289

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