More State Regulation of Healthcare on Way

Dede Feldman

Capitol Report New Mexico - New Mexico Democrats have been grumbling about Gov. Susana Martinez vetoing a number bills they sponsored in the last legislative session (click here to read some caustic comments from one state rep) but on Thursday (April 7th), they were elated to see Gov. Martinez sign a bill that strengthens regulations on rate increases that health insurance companies charge. “I’m delighted,” Sen. Dede Feldman (D-Albuquerque) said after Gov. Martinez signed Senate Bill 208/499 which requires rate hike requests be based on actuarial evidence, that supporting documents be made public on the Internet and that Public Regulation Commission (PRC) members have the authority to remand a rate hike back to the state’s Insurance Superintendent. “Consumers need to know if insurance rates are fair and reasonable.” Feldman and other liberals were worried the conservative Governor would veto the measure but Martinez said in a statement that it’s essential that “the rate review process is as thorough and transparent as possible, especially during these difficult times when many families are cutting costs to make ends meet.” Read full story here: News New Mexico

More State Regulation of Healthcare on Way