NMPSIA Fall Update
Chris Parrino
The following represents an overview of NMPSIA programs and a financial update. Should you desire more information, feel free to contact Chris Parrino, NMPSIA School Business Official Board Representative at [email protected]. Or, you may contact NMPSIA directly, 1-800-548-3724.
Board
The NMCEL appointed Mr. Ricky Williams, Superintendent, Hagerman Municipal Schools to represent school superintendents on the NMPSIA Board. Mr. Williams attended his first NMPSIA Board meeting on July 30-31, 2018.
Administration
Mr. Sammy Quintana, Executive Director, NMPSIA, is retiring, effective August 31, 2018. Mr. Quintana has served in this position for 20 years. He has many additional years of experience within state government and has served on numerous committees and organizations related to education.
On July 31, 2018, the NMPSIA Board appointed Ms. Ernestine Chavez as Executive Director. Ms. Chavez has worked at NMPSIA for 22 years and has served as the NMPSIA Deputy Director for the last three years. She will continue to work primarily with the Benefits Program (with some oversight of the risk program) and managing the agency. Ms. Chavez can be reached at [email protected], or at 1.800.548.3724.
Ms. Chavez has named Mr. Richard Valerio as Deputy Director. Mr. Valerio has held the CFO position at NMPSIA. Mr. Valerio will work primarily with the Risk Program and assist with the Benefits Program. He will continue to work jointly with the CFO to oversee the agency’s budget and Financial Division. Mr. Valerio can be reached at [email protected] or at 1.800.548.3724.
Ms. Chavez also named Mr. Patrick Sandoval as CFO. Mr. Sandoval has held an accountant position at NMPSIA. Mr. Sandoval will work primarily with the agency’s budget will oversee the Financial Division. Mr. Sandoval can be reached at [email protected] or at 1.800.548.3724.
Benefits Division
NM Institute of Mining and Technology will be joining the NMPSIA employee Benefits Program on January 1, 2019. NMPSIA is working with the college on a transition plan. NMPSIA is excited to be bringing on another educational entity.
NMPSIA has reduced the copay for video visits under both BCBSNM and Presbyterian to $0 in order to remove any financial barrier for members who are willing to use this great alternative for health care. Physicians can e-prescribe medications in order to treat members. This is a great benefit, especially for members living in rural communities with little or no after-hours care for non-emergent situations. If a member cannot be treated through a video visit, the member will be redirected to other health care options.
(BCBSNM will be offering video visits for behavioral health beginning on August 15th at the same $0 copayment, and Presbyterian is working toward implementing this option with the next few months.)
NMPSIA’s data warehousing services provided by Segal have assisted in rate projection and plan design to determine where NMPSIA needs to focus on enhancing member education to better assist members in efforts to manage their overall health status. Diabetes, asthma, cancer, coronary artery disease, inflammatory conditions, and hemophilia continue to be some of cost drivers on both the medical plans and the prescription drug plan.
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