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Thursday, August 12, 2010

Governor Bill Richardson Establishes NM Office of Health Care Reform; First Meeting On 8/18

Governor Bill Richardson today released a statement announcing that he has signed an Executive Order establishing the New Mexico Office of Health Care Reform and expanding the Health Care Reform Leadership Team. He said both will be instrumental in implementing the state’s plan for the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act passed by Congress earlier this year.

“Implementing the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act is a very big task and must be done carefully to ensure all New Mexicans will benefit from health care reform,” Richardson said. “The Office of Health Care Reform will collaborate with the expanded Leadership Team to lead the executive branch in establishing policies, priorities, and objectives for state government’s comprehensive effort in reaching our goals for implementation.”

Last month, Governor Richardson concurred with several recommendations contained in the Health Care Reform Leadership Team’s strategic plan, Implementing Federal Health Care Reform – A Roadmap for New Mexico. These included creating an Office of Health Care Reform within the New Mexico Human Services Department that would use existing staff resources and expanding the Leadership Team created earlier this year and chaired by HSD Secretary Katie Falls.

The expansion includes six additional members:

  • The Secretary of the Department of Finance and Administration,
  • The Secretary of the Public Education Department,
  • The Secretary of the Higher Education Department,
  • The Director of the Risk Management Division of the General Services Department,
  • The Director of the Workers’ Compensation Administration, and
  • The Director of the Women’s Health Advisory Council.

The expanded Leadership Team has scheduled its first meeting, which is August 18, 2010 in Santa Fe from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at 37 Plaza la Prensa. The public is welcome.

The Office of Health Care Reform is required to report to the Governor no later than November 1, 2010 regarding legislative proposals needed to implement health care reform in New Mexico for the 2011 legislative session.

Click for the text of the Executive Order (pdf).

August 12, 2010 at 11:18 AM in Gov. Bill Richardson, Healthcare, NM Legislature 2011, Obama Health Care Reform | Permalink

Comments

May I suggest paperless healthcare. No one should have to walk into some state brick and mortar, and have to take a number to take care of this business. Don't make access to good health care a Byzantine nightmare.

Posted by: qofdisks | Aug 12, 2010 10:41:39 PM

May I suggest the Health Security Act? In addition to the benefits mentioned by the Governor the Health Security Act will ensure that every New Mexican will have health coverage, unlike the federal "reform" package, and will save the state over $300 Million.

I am continually amazed that we continue to follow the terrible insurance paradigm when a proven solution exists that will provide coverage for everybody AND save us money individually and for the state as well.

Terry Riley

Posted by: Terry Riley | Aug 13, 2010 9:06:06 AM

Yes, it appears that the Governor is proceeding with the scheme he has wanted all along.

Posted by: qofdisks | Aug 13, 2010 7:03:33 PM

I agree that we must make the crucial decision about whether or not to go with a private insurance exchange model or the NM Health Security Act. We will continue to be involved from now until the legislative session, and beyond. Many of you know that I have been working with the Health Security Campaign as the Outreach and Education Coordinator for many years (7 years to be exact).

I would be happy to update some of you at a meeting at your convenience if you will be in touch with me.

Best regards,

Dana

Cell: 505-269-3779

Dana Schultz Millen, PhD, MPH
Health Security for New Mexicans Campaign
Education and Outreach Coordinator
Phone: 505-856-8359
Campaign Office: 505-897-1803
Fax: 505-897-8611
dsmillen@msn.com
www.nmhealthsecurity.org
P.O. Box 2606
Corrales, NM 87048

Posted by: Dana Millen | Aug 18, 2010 2:56:56 PM

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