Dede Feldman (state senator in the north valley of Albuquerque) is my all time favorite elected representative. She does the most amazing things for our district!! One of the many nice things she does is before each legislative session, she sends out a questionnaire to ask her constituents about how they want her to act in the upcoming session. Then she sends out a newsletter responding to how she voted and what the results are.
Currently she is chairing the state Health & Human Services committee, so this questionnaire is about improving health care coverage for New Mexicans. I am too ignorant to answer properly, so I am begging the help of all the highly aware Kossacks to answer. One of her questions works for the poll, but the other ones are yes/no. I will happily print the thread out & send it to her.
Thank you so much for your help!! Your answers will provide critical input to someone who is willing to make broad, positive changes to how New Mexicans receive health care.
Question One
Which of the following do you support to provide quality, accessible health care (can be any, all, or none of the following):
- A mandate that all New Mexicans must carry insurance (with premium assistance for those who cannot afford policies)
- A law that forbids insurance companies from refusing coverage to people with pre-existing conditions
- A requirement that HMOs and insurance companies devote a minimum percent (e.g. 85%-90%) of their revenue to medical care, not to administration or profit.
- A requirement that doctors, dentists and other health care providers accept Medicaid.
- Allowing employers and individuals to buy into the state employee plan and/ or a Medicaid benefit plan.
- Requiring employers to provide insurance coverage for their employees or play a fee to the state so workers could purchase insurance on their own.
- Restricting premium hikes based on health status and experience to no more than 10% rather than the current 20%.
Question Two
How should a comprehensive insurance system in New Mexico be financed?
- Payroll taxes like Medicare.
- Contributions from employers equivalent to what they would have to spend to cover their employees.
- Contributions from hospitals and health care facilities who will no longer have to cover indigent and charity care.
- Increased gross receipts taxes.
- Taxes on soft drinks (currently categorized as "food" and therefore exempt).
- Other (please explain)
Thank you so much for helping with this!!