This bill aims to enhance health coverage in New Mexico by mandating that health coverage carriers include all types of health care providers who operate within their legal scopes of practice. New sections are enacted across various laws, including the Health Care Purchasing Act, the New Mexico Insurance Code, the Health Maintenance Organization Law, and the Nonprofit Health Care Plan Law. Each section stipulates that group health plans and individual or group health insurance policies must allow participation from any licensed or certified health care provider, while also clarifying that insurers are not obligated to contract with every willing provider. Additionally, the bill allows for varying reimbursement rates based on quality or performance measures.

The bill also includes the repeal of specific sections of the NMSA 1978 that may be outdated or redundant in light of the new provisions. The new regulations will apply to any health insurance policies or contracts entered into or renewed after July 1, 2026, ensuring that the updated inclusion of health care providers is implemented in a timely manner. Overall, the legislation seeks to broaden access to health care services by ensuring that a diverse range of providers can participate in health plans, thereby potentially improving patient care and outcomes.