HEALTH CARE SHARING MINISTRIES & INSURERS

HB 271 defines "health care sharing ministries" as faith-based, nonprofit organizations that coordinate participant contributions for medical expenses, distinguishing them from insurance. The bill requires these ministries to provide written disclaimers stating they are not insurance, that contributions are voluntary, and participants remain personally responsible for medical costs. It also mandates ministries to suggest contribution amounts without guaranteeing payments and to issue monthly statements detailing expenses. This directly affects ministries operating in New Mexico and their participants, clarifying that such organizations cannot be classified as insurers under state law.