Presidential candidate New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson (D) on Thursday announced a health care proposal that aims to increase the number of insured state residents, the Santa Fe New Mexican reports (Terrell [1], Santa Fe New Mexican, 10/26). Under the proposal, the state would phase in a requirement that people obtain private health coverage, enroll in a state-subsidized program or provide documentation showing they have sufficient financial resources to afford health care expenses out of pocket. Some residents, primarily those who are able to afford coverage, would be required to start showing proof of coverage beginning in 2010, such as when they renew a driver's license.

In addition, the proposal would require employers with six or more workers to pay into a state-run fund, with the payments offset by the amount that an employer contributes to coverage for its employees.

The proposal would create the New Mexico Health Care Coverage Authority, which would administer most of the health care mandates and oversee decisions on benefits and eligibility. Richardson's proposal also would increase the use of electronic claims and health records to improve quality of care, control costs and reduce errors (Terrell [2], Santa Fe New Mexican, 10/26).

In materials released during the announcement of the proposal, the Richardson administration said, "Cost is not the only criteria for determining the best approach to achieve universal coverage for New Mexicans. The governor has consistently stated that he will not support any type of system that does not have a role for the private insurance market. He believes that it would be too disruptive to eliminate their role" (Terrell [1], Santa Fe New Mexican, 10/26).