NW New Mexico News

The New Mexico House of Representatives has advanced a new Health Insurance Tax & New Fund bill that sets out to change the healthcare platform throughout the state. 

Republican leaders have been out outspoken against the tax, not holding back against the Democrat-driven bill.

HB 278 will create a 300% tax increase on New Mexico health insurance premiums, according to GOP leaders. This bill’s sponsor, Deborah Armstrong (D-Albuquerque), “contended that New Mexico should divert the federal tax cut from the pockets of New Mexicans and use it to bolster the already overspent state budget and create an ambiguous and secretive health fund,” wrote a House GOP statement in response to the bill’s announcement.

“While you were spending Sunday with your families, House Democrats stole your federal tax break,” said House Republican Whip Rod Montoya (R-Farmington) in the statement. “The Federal Government gave all insurance premium payers a break on their health insurance premiums. Armstrong and Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham have decided to intercept your refund to pay for their bloated budget and to start an undefined health fund. The Democrats had to pass the bill for New Mexicans to find out what was in it. Sound familiar?”

New Mexican Republicans have not shied away from calling out supporters of the new bill – including the governor – questioning their integrity and leadership.

“The federal government gave New Mexicans a health insurance tax cut, and New Mexico Democrats just took that money from your wallet,” said Rep. Kelly Fajardo (R-Los Lunas) in response to the bill.

On the contrary, Adriann Barboa, a spokesperson for a coalition of nonprofits called New Mexico Together for Health Care, said that HB 278 is a “one-time opportunity” for New Mexicans to get insured across the state.

The bill passed the House in a 41-25 partisan vote.