Bill to Allow PRC Appeals of Managed Healthcare Decisions Unanimously Passes NM House

From the NM House Democratic Leadership:
Santa Fe, NM – A consumer would be able to appeal to the Public Regulations Commission (PRC) regarding managed healthcare decisions made by the superintendent of insurance under a bill sponsored by Rep. Rhonda S. King (D-Bernalillo, Santa Fe, Torrance). House Bill 589 unanimously passed the House today with a vote of 67-0. The bill provides consumers with an additional level of appeal before having to go to court. The bill is supported by the PRC and the superintendent of insurance.

Rep. King said, “This provides the consumer with another venue of appeal before going through what can turn out to be a costly court process.”

House Bill 589 would amend the insurance code to provide the PRC with additional authority over Insurance Division matters. The PRC would review all of the orders of the superintendent of insurance and provide the consumer the right to appeal; the PRC would review all of the managed health care decisions made by the external grievance appeals panel and would provide the consumer the right to appeal; and the PRC would have to approve all of the appointments made by the superintendent of insurance to boards, commissions, or groups.

PRC Chairman Ben Ray Lujan said, “This is a consumer-friendly bill.  It provides consumers with another option to address their concerns or complaints before having to go to court.”

Editor's Note: This bill previously was passed by the House Business and Industry, Health and Government Affairs and Judiciary Committees. It now moves to the Senate. You can find contact information for your State Senator here.