The New Mexico House on Tuesday voted 56-6 to approve a bill (HB 147) that would create a Health Care Authority to develop a plan by January 2009 for "accessible and affordable" health care for all state residents, the AP/Santa Fe New Mexican reports. The measure now moves to the state Senate.

The bill, sponsored by State Rep. Danice Picraux (D), would create the 11-member Health Care Authority, comprising the state insurance superintendent, five members appointed by the governor and five members appointed by the Legislature. All decisions by the committee would need to be supported by at least seven of the authority's members. If the bill is approved by the state Senate, the Health Care Authority would take over the New Mexico Health Policy Commission and its budget in July. The commission's executive director would serve as the interim head of the authority.

According to the AP/New Mexican, "Lawmakers have been reluctant to make major decisions about the health care system during the session that ends Feb. 14, and it appeared the bill approved ... on Tuesday may have the brightest prospects for passage." State Rep. Luciano Varela (D) said, "My concern is, if we take too much on this session, we will not do justice to the health care system in New Mexico." Supporters of the measure say it provides the framework for fundamental health care system changes.

Gov. Bill Richardson (D) has asked lawmakers to pass separate legislation that would require all state residents to obtain health insurance, expand government programs and require businesses to contribute to the cost of health care. That bill remains in committee. Richardson spokesperson Gilbert Gallegos said that "another study is unacceptable to the 400,000 New Mexicans who need access to quality health care now" (Baker, AP/Santa Fe New Mexican, 2/5).

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