The state Senate has begun to debate the governor’s bill that would expand health care to low-income New Mexico children under the age of 18. The cost is just under $58 million and the money would come from what economists project will be a surplus over operating expenses for this year, which ends June 30. It’s one of the major bills in the special session.

If you want to read what the bill does, click here.

Some of the main provisions of the legislation would:

• requires health insurance coverage for individuals up to age 19 (Section 5);

• expands the premium assistance program in the Medical Assistance Division to children up to age 18 (Section 1);

• amends the Insurance Code to guarantee issue in the individual market (Section 3) and reduce rate increases in the small employer market (Section 2);

• requires 85 percent of premiums collected by insurers be spent on direct services; if not, the difference between the amount reimbursed for services and 85 percent of premiums received shall be paid into the Healthy New Mexico Fund or other fund designated by DFA (Section 3);

• requires businesses to offer a pretax health coverage option (Section 6).

Sen. Carroll Leavell, R-Jal, is at this moment trying to amend the bill. He says a provision requiring insurance companies to pay a state premium tax out of the 15 percent left over after 85 percent of premiums is spent on direct services would hurt insurance companies.

"If we do this, we may run the companies out of business," Leavell said.

Sen. Dede Feldman, D-Albuquerque, is opposing the amendment.