NM health insurance exchange proposal advances

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A proposal to create a state-operated health insurance exchange is heading to the Senate with bipartisan support, including from Republican Gov. Susana Martinez.

Supporters said Saturday the latest proposal was a compromise that will allow New Mexico to meet a deadline for having an exchange ready to enroll uninsured New Mexicans in October and be fully operating by January.

The exchange will be an online shopping center for uninsured people and small businesses to buy health coverage from private insurance companies.

Under a federal health care overhaul, states had the option of establishing their own exchange or leaving it to the federal government.

A proposal backed by Martinez cleared a final Senate committee Friday and is headed to the 42-member Senate for consideration.