HOUSE DEMOCRATS NEWS

New legislation to provide quality, affordable health care to all New Mexicans advanced through the House Health and Human Services Committee today.  

Sponsored by Rep. Deborah Armstrong (D – Albuquerque), House Bill 122 reduces New Mexicans’ health care costs and expands coverage by: 

• Establishing a Healthcare Affordability Fund to put new revenue toward a quality healthcare plan for all New Mexicans. 
• Raising the health insurance premium surtax by 2.75%, bringing in over $110 million in revenue, largely from the federal government.

This bill expands health care coverage, particularly for New Mexicans who need it the most and don’t have access now, reducing costs for everyone.

“It is even clearer in this pandemic that too many New Mexicans struggle to access and pay for the health care they need,” said Rep. Armstrong. “By creating the Health Care Affordability Fund, we will get more New Mexicans covered and cared for. In New Mexico, we value community. Providing quality health care to all New Mexicans makes all of our communities stronger.” 

New Mexicans say that affordability is their No. 1 barrier to health care. According to a 2019 United States of Care study, more than one-third of New Mexicans have skipped or refused a recommended medical test because they couldn’t afford it, compromising everyone’s public health. 

HB 122 passed the House Health and Human Services Committee with a party-line 7-3 vote, and will be heard next in the House Taxation and Revenue Committee.

Members of the public can track legislation on the New Mexico Legislature website, access committee meetings and House floor sessions via the Webcasts tab, or participate by Zoom to provide public comment on committee hearings. During the 2021 Legislative Session, the House of Representatives is focused on passing critical legislation while protecting the health and safety of the public, the staff, and the legislators.