BRIEF: Christus wants to join state health exchange

July 09--Christus wants to join state health exchange

A subsidiary of Christus Health, the Texas-based nonprofit parent company of Christus St. Vincent Regional Medical Center in Santa Fe, has applied to become the fifth health insurance company offering plans on the New Mexico Health Insurance Exchange, a company spokeswoman said Tuesday.

Christus Health Plan first must become a licensed insurer in the state. Aaron Ezekiel, head of Affordable Care Act implementation for the state superintendent of insurance, said the superintendent's office is reviewing the application.

Open enrollment for the exchange begins Nov. 15 under the federal health care law, said Dr. J.R. Damron, chairman of the New Mexico Health Insurance Exchange board.

He and Ezekiel, who also serves on the board, said they would welcome another insurer to join the exchange. Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Mexico, New Mexico Health Connections, Molina Healthcare of New Mexico and Presbyterian Health Plan currently sell plans on the exchange.

"With competition, you usually get lower prices and better care," Damron said.

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