Health Insurance Enrollment in NM, New State Officials Sworn In

This week on New Mexico in Focus, producer Sarah Gustavus checks in on health insurance enrollment in New Mexico. The current open enrollment period ends on February 15. If individuals don’t sign up for health coverage, many will have to pay a penalty at tax time next year. Who is reaching out to New Mexicans who aren’t signed up to talk about their options? Erik Lujan is a certified health care guide with Native American Professional Parent Resources (NAPPR). He tells us about working with families in Native communities. Joe Martinez, Consumer Outreach Coordinator with Health Action New Mexico, shares how local organizations are partnering to provide information and enrollment assistance to rural New Mexicans.

Also this week, Gene Grant and our Line panelists discuss what’s next for recently sworn in elected officials. They also debate Governor Susana Martinez’s decision to appoint Tourism Secretary Monique Jacobson to head the Children, Youth and Families Department. The Public Regulation Commission is holding hearings in Santa Fe this week on PNM’s plans for the San Juan Generating Station and our panelists will also weigh in on public debate over the proposal.

GUESTS:
Erik Lujan, Native American Professional Parent Resources (NAPPR)
Joe Martinez, Health Action New Mexico

LINE PANELISTS:
Merritt Allen, Principal and Executive Director, Vox Optima, LLC
Martha Burk, Political Psychologist, Author and Women’s Issues Expert
Eric Griego, Former New Mexico Senator
Tom Garrity, The Garrity Group PR

CORRESPONDENT:
Sarah Gustavus

Host: Gene Grant

The Producer of NEW MEXICO IN FOCUS is Sarah Gustavus. Associate Producer is Kathy Wimmer. Funding for this program was provided in part by the McCune Foundation Communications Fund, Santa Fe Community Foundation.

Episode 826 for air January 9, 2014