SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) - The New Mexico House of Representatives has endorsed a bill aimed at ensuring medical insurance coverage for people with pre-existing conditions.

Democratic legislators prevailed over Republicans in the 40-24 vote on Thursday. The bill would adopt provisions of former President Barack Obama’s health care law into state statute in an effort to protect medical patients with pre-existing conditions. The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration.

Advocates for the legislation says provisions of the Affordable Care Act are at risk from a lawsuit by Republican state attorneys general and the Trump administration’s push for cheaper, skimpier health plans.

Bill sponsor and Rep. Elizabeth Thomson of Albuquerque says the bill provides basic guarantees to insurance coverage and health care for people with serious ailments.

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