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New Signups For High-risk Program Halted

New Mexico officials say new enrollments in a program that's part of the 2010 federal care overhaul are being suspended because there's only enough money to pay for those already enrolled.

The Public Regulation Commission's insurance division says the suspension of new enrollments in the high-risk insurance pool is a result of a budget report provided by the federal government.

The insurance pool helps provide care for serious and expensive illnesses until 2014 when other types of expanded coverage provided by the overhaul take effect.

According to the state insurance division, 1,500 people in New Mexico are now participating in the high-risk program and won't be affected by the suspension.

Insurance Superintendent John Franchini says there's also a state insurance pool that can help those needing assistance.