Hilltop to Collaborate with New Mexico on State Health Reform Evaluation

The Hilltop Institute, in collaboration with the New Mexico Human Services Department, has received a grant to perform an evaluation of the New Mexico State Coverage Insurance program (SCI). The grant is one of 15 nationwide that was awarded through the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation State Health Access Reform Evaluation (SHARE) Initiative. The project will identify factors that have influenced employer participation in the New Mexico SCI program through surveys and analysis of administrative data. The project will not only benefit New Mexico, but will have national significance as well. Other states may face similar operational challenges related to combining public health insurance coverage with commercial-style insurance that requires employer contribution. New Mexico’s experience with its SCI program will provide lessons to other states that implement public/private partnerships or premium assistance programs requiring employer cooperation. This project is a state/university research partnership between New Mexico and Hilltop. Senior Research Analyst Anna Sommers, PhD, at The Hilltop Institute, is the principal investigator for the project. She will lead Hilltop’s project team, which includes Acute Care Policy Director Ann Volpel, MPA, Research Analyst Asher Mikow, MHA, Economic Analysis Director Hamid Fakhraei, PhD, and Research Assistant Laura Spicer. Insure New Mexico! Director Mari Spaulding-Bynon, JD, is co-principal investigator.

June 18, 2008