This bill amends existing laws related to group insurance contributions for school districts and charter schools in New Mexico. It eliminates the option for these entities to receive waivers for participation in public school insurance authority health, disability income, and term life plans, effective July 1, 2027. The bill mandates that school districts and charter schools contribute at least eighty percent of the cost of insurance for their employees. Additionally, it introduces a requirement for a reference-based pricing program for hospital services and establishes a comprehensive study to evaluate the sustainability of insurance programs for public school employees, which must be completed by October 1, 2026.

The bill also outlines specific contributions for state departments and institutions, with varying percentages based on employee salary brackets. It emphasizes the need for effective cost-containment measures in group medical insurance plans and requires annual reporting on these measures. Furthermore, it sets forth provisions for the secretary of health care authority to ensure affordable health benefit premiums for certain employees and to provide a variety of health benefit plans by July 1, 2026. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the insurance framework for public school employees while ensuring financial sustainability and accessibility.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 10-7-4, 22-29-10
AF substitute: 10-7-4, 13-7-3, 22-29-9, 22-29-10
Final Version: 10-7-4, 13-7-3, 22-1-2, 22-29-10