Committee adopts HAFC substitute to extend 80/20 health coverage to certified school employees

The HAFC substitute for House Bill 47 (substitute 233742) was presented as the '80/20' measure to require school districts and charter schools to cover 80% of employee health insurance costs and to broaden participation in the state purchasing arrangement. Representative Vlada said the substitute eliminates waivers, requires statewide participation in NMSIA and adds reference-based pricing and expanded oversight by the Health Care Authority to control hospital costs.

Scott Mohan representing the New Mexico School for the Deaf asked the committee to consider special schools in a future study so their K–12 teachers may access benefits. John Dirich of the American Federation of Teachers New Mexico thanked sponsors and the committee for continuing efforts to bring down healthcare costs for educational employees. Bethany Jarrell, president of NEA New Mexico, said adopting an 80/20 insurance coverage model is an effective retention tool for educators amid a statewide shortage.

Committee action included a motion by Representative Baca to do not pass House Bill 47 as amended while simultaneously moving a do-pass on the HAFC substitute for HB47; the motion was seconded by Representatives Herrera and Duncan and adopted with no recorded opposition.