HOUSE BILL 274

48th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2008

INTRODUCED BY

Keith J. Gardner

AN ACT

RELATING TO HEALTH INSURANCE; REQUIRING THE INSURANCE DIVISION OF THE PUBLIC REGULATION COMMISSION TO ASSESS ANY LEGISLATIVE HEALTH BENEFIT MANDATES, HEALTH INSURANCE RATING REQUIREMENTS, STATUTES OR RULES EVERY FIVE YEARS AND REPORT ITS RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE INTERIM LEGISLATIVE HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE.

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

     Section 1. A new section of the New Mexico Insurance Code is enacted to read:

     "[NEW MATERIAL] REASSESSMENT OF MANDATES.--

           A. By August 1, 2008, and every five years thereafter, the division shall examine any health benefit mandates, health insurance rating requirements, statutes or rules regarding the issuance or coverage of health insurance and the impact that each of these has upon:

                (1) the cost and availability of insurance products;

                (2) health care costs;

                (3) the availability of health care providers, durable medical equipment and pharmaceuticals; and

                (4) the overall policy goals stated in the mandate.

          B. The superintendent shall present the results of the division's assessment to the interim legislative health and human services committee by September 1, 2008 and by September 1 every five years thereafter. The assessment shall include determinations regarding the impact on premiums and individuals' health if those health benefit mandates, health insurance rating requirements, statutes or rules were amended or repealed."

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