By KRWG News
New Mexico – Gov. Bill Richardson's administration will limit enrollment in a program offering taxpayer-subsidized health insurance for low-income adults.
The state hopes to save $16 million to cope with a budget shortfall. The Human Services Department said Thursday it will stop enrolling individuals in the State Coverage Insurance program early next month. Individual applicants will be placed on a waiting list.
People can continue to enroll if they are part of an employer-sponsored group.
About 45,000 New Mexicans get insurance through the program, and a third of those are part of groups in which the employer pays a share of the premiums.
Individuals must pay part of the premiums. The state and federal governments pick up the remainder of the cost.
Copyright 2009 The Associated Press.