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Exchange to offer low cost health plans
SANTA FE (AP) — The cost of medical coverage plans available through New Mexico’s health insurance exchange likely will be lower than in many other states, according to a new national study. The state’s insurance regulator also said uninsured New Mexicans will find more health insurance options through the exchange than currently
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September 7, 2013
are available through the private insurance market. For people who qualify for federal subsidies to buy their insurance, premiums will typically be lower than current market rates, according to State Insurance Superintendent John Franchini. “I don’t care what anyone says, they’re not going to be able to be beat,” Franchini said of insurance costs
after the federal tax credits. “That’s the fact that might drive a lot of people to the exchanges.” The exchange is to serve as an online shopping center for buying insurance from private companies, and about 83,000 uninsured New Mexicans are expected to enroll next year. Federal law requires exchanges to begin enroll-
ment next month and be fully operating in January. New Mexico initially plans to use a federally operated exchange to enroll individuals and a state-run system for businesses. A study released this week by the Kaiser Family Foundation reviewed insurance premiums proposed to state regulators for exchange plans in the District of Columbia and 17
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“This is the first time in many, many years that we’ve had five insurance See EXCHANGE, Page A3
JILL MCLAUGHLIN RECORD STAFF WRITER
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Franchini said the New Mexico rates submitted by five insurance companies will be very close to what regulators will soon approve.
Chaves Co. man contracts West Nile
WASHINGTON (AP) — The drop in the unemployment rate in August to a 4 1/2-year low was hardly cause for celebration. The rate fell because... - PAGE B5
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states, including New Mexico.
Jill McLaughlin Photo
Children were eager to purchase goodies before the 4:30 p.m. show of the Jordan World Circus at the Bob Crosby Arena at the Chaves County Fairgrounds Friday. The circus, based in Las Vegas, Nev., presented two, two-hour shows.
A 57-year -old Chaves County man with West Nile Virus was hospitalized recently, making him one of a growing number of New Mexicans who have contracted the potentially deadly illness, the state Department of Health confirmed Friday. An 84-year-old San Juan County woman has also died, NMDOH said. This is the second West Nile death in New Mexico in 2013. The woman had contracted encephalitis, one of the See VIRUS, Page A3
NM high court to J.O.Y. Centers provide a hear gay marriage community for seniors case next month
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SANTA FE (AP) — New Mexico’s highest court signaled Friday it may quickly resolve whether gay marriage is legal in the state. The five-member state Supreme Court issued an order setting an Oct. 23 hearing in a case that finally could decide whether marriage licenses can be issued to gay and lesbian couples. The court took the step a day after New Mexico’s 33 counties and county clerks statewide filed a petition asking justices to determine whether a state district judge in Albuquerque was correct last week in declaring it’s unconstitutional to deny marriage licenses to same-sex couples. More than 900 marriage licenses have been issued in New Mexico since Aug. 21, when the Dona Ana
County clerk decided independently that gay marriage was allowed. Seven other counties have followed in granting licenses to same-sex couples or planning to do so, several in response to court orders. “This is excellent news because county clerks will now know what the law is, and they’ll know how to not just administer their offices but how to serve their constituents,” said Daniel IveySoto, a lawyer for clerks and a Democratic state senator from Albuquerque. The quick hearing “indicates the Supreme Court is interested in clarifying the law,” he said. The high court could issue a decision immediately after hearing arguments from lawyers in the case or See MARRIAGE, Page A3
This article is one in a series of stories focusing on local agencies that receive support from the United Way of Chaves County, which is currently conducting its annual fundraising campaign. AMY VOGELSANG RECORD STAFF WRITER
Providing activities as well as a sense of community, Chaves County J.O.Y. Centers continue to help senior citizens from their four locations throughout the county. They provide many different services for those 60 years and up, includ-
ing transportation, housekeeping and caregiver support. One of their most popular services, however, is providing meals. According to Executive Director Charlotte “Charlie” Phillips, they either deliver or have congregate meals, serving 425 to 435 meals a day. Phillips has been with J.O.Y. Centers for a little more than 13 years, but she has spent most of her life working with seniors. Her dad was older, and she said it’s maybe the time she spent with him that led her to spend so much time with other seniors. Although there is something to be said about volunteering and providing the services, for Phillips the best part is the stories. “I enjoy the stories (the seniors) tell us, and they
have the best outlook on life,” she said. Her personal favorites are the tales from WWII, Korea and Vietnam veterans.
These stories not only benefit the volunteers, but they give the seniors a chance to talk about their past and to share experiences with others their age. It’s a social environment and community. Although J.O.Y. Centers don’t have anything new planned for the upcoming year, they will continue all the services they already provide.
“We’re going to keep doing what we’re doing and doing it the best we can,” Phillips said. For more information about the centers and their services, call 6234866.
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Campos: Still trucking after 4 million miles JILL MCLAUGHLIN RECORD STAFF WRITER
T ito Campos said he can’t understand what the fuss is all about. But his wife, Jane, sitting beside him at his house where they raised three children, couldn’t be more proud. On the wall, she points to an oak case. On the shelves are glass plaques given to her husband. Each award marks every million miles he has driven his truck without an accident or spill. “I’m proud of him,” Jane Campos said. “He has really worked hard all his life. He’s still working hard. “And I just love him.”
Campos was only the second driver since Goendyke Transport was founded in 1932 to drive 4 million miles without an accident or spill. It is the equivalent of 160 trips around the world, or 16 trips to the moon and back. Another 37 drivers have reached 10 years of safe driving miles and 50 have driven 1 million safe miles. Campos and his wife
also celebrated 50 years of marriage last month. They renewed their vows at St. John’s Catholic Church. “I’m not the first and I won’t be the last,” T ito Campos said, modestly. “It’s just another milestone I’ve achieved. We’ve raised our children here. They went to all of the schools, and left for their own lives. They’ve done good for themselves. See SPOTLIGHT, Page A3
Jill McLaughlin Photo
Tito Campos stands beside the numerous awards given to him for achieving safe-driving milestones during his 32-year career as a truck driver for Groendyke Transport.