Health Care Coverage for All

Heard the theory that small businesses are not willing to pay for health insurance for their employees?  Think again.  According to a report in today's Albuquerque Journal, the State Coverage Insurance program, which provides federally subsidized medical insurance to low-income workers and small businesses has closed enrollment due to overwhelming demand.  

According to the report, over 40,000 workers and small business owners have enrolled in the program, which has created a logjam for enrollment.  The state has had to close enrollment and are only allowing new enrollees when members drop out.

The reverberations for health care reform, both federally and locally are sending clear signals to policy makers of the need to provide quality, affordable health care to everyone--including children!  For the uninsured children, we need to look at effective ways to deliver low-cost, no cost health care that is accessible.  One way to accomplish this is to consider expanding funding for New Mexico's School Based Health Centers (SBHC) that provide quality health care to low-income children on school campuses.  Being school based, these health centers address the primary, behavioral and social emotional issues that are directly tied to academic performance. Furthermore, Students are able to access health care on campus, which allows young people to stay at school and not miss valuable class time.  

Over the last few years, Gov. Bill Richardson's administration doubled the number of SBHCs in the state.  However, these SBHCs are running far below capacity and are woefully underfunded.

Aside from government funding, it is critical to look at private commercial insurance reimbursement as a potential strategy to sustain and expand school-based health care over the long-haul.