The House Health and Human Services on Monday passed 8-1 legislation supported by New Mexico Together for Healthcare that ensures that every New Mexican can access healthcare regardless of their immigration status.
Current federal guidelines put the responsibility on each state to make clear that indigent care programs in that state cover patients without discriminating based on immigration status. HB 112, Health Benefits for Certain Non-Citizens, makes that clarification for New Mexico, guaranteeing that no county indigent programs discriminate and deny care to certain immigrants.
“Every New Mexican should be able to access critical healthcare services,” said Nicolas Cordova, an attorney with the New Mexico Center on Law and Poverty. “Passing this affirmative law will create uniformity among the indigent care programs in each county and will ensure all patients can get the care they need when they need it.”
In his testimony, Cordova cited cases in which undocumented immigrants couldn’t get healthcare, including a man who needed knee surgery to be able to keep working.
Gaby Hernandez, a DACA recipient and organizer with Casa de Salud said their mother never had access to healthcare coverage and because of immigration status their family had to make impossible decisions about whether to access care or pay utility bills.
“No one should face discrimination when accessing healthcare,” Hernandez said.
Liz Lopez, a case worker with Casa de Salud, further told the committee that she sees clients and family members “put in a difficult position” because their immigration status blocks them from getting the care they need.
The bill’s sponsor, Rep. Javier Martinez, said that many counties, like Doña Ana County, already extend indigent care to all residents without discriminating due to immigration status. Martinez said, however, that other counties have inconsistent or discriminatory restrictions in place and do not feel empowered to change those policies without the affirmative state legislation required by federal guidelines.
HB 112 now goes to the House State Government, Elections and Indian Affairs Committee for consideration.
