The legislative session is officially underway, and the clock is ticking on decisions that will determine whether New Mexicans keep their healthcare. Federal cuts are putting coverage at risk. New Mexico didn’t choose these cuts — but this session, lawmakers can choose how we respond. Together, we’re demanding action to keep healthcare affordable and accessible for our communities, by: 1) supporting the Governor’s budget request for the Health Care Affordability Fund (HCAF) because it does the most to protect coverage; and 2) advocating for lawmakers to pass House Bill 4 (HB 4), sponsored by Rep. Szczepanski, which would increase the amount of funding that goes to the HCAF. Learn more:
HCAF Budget Request (HB 2)
HB 4 - HCAF Distribution fact sheet
Systems Impact of Federal Changes
Summary of Network Meeting Participant Feedback
New federal actions are putting at risk healthcare, food access, and the safety of immigrant families across New Mexico. Hundreds of families from northern and southern New Mexico shared their stories at recent NMT4HC Network Meetings—making one thing clear: our state cannot thrive when people cannot access care, put food on the table, or live without fear.
This summary highlights the biggest federal threats and what New Mexicans say they will mean for their communities.
Summary of Federal Changes to Healthcare and Food Programs
This summer, new federal laws and rules put at risk healthcare and nutrition assistance for New Mexicans. More than 100,000 families who rely on Medicaid and 70,000 enrolled through BeWell could face major consequences for their health, well-being, and financial security. This factsheet breaks down the biggest federal changes and what they mean for New Mexico.
HB186 – Medicaid Forward
HB 186 – State-Administered Health Coverage Plan
Support passage and implementation of HB186 – Medicaid Forward
Medicaid Forward is a program that would decrease healthcare coverage costs for the state, employers, and all New Mexicans, ensuring no one pays more than 5% of their household income for healthcare coverage.
Healthcare Affordability Fund
Know Your Rights
Medicaid Forward
STUDY: Medicaid Forward in New Mexico: A report released October 2024 by the New Mexico Health Care Authority (HCA) says Medicaid Forward could expand access to health coverage, lower costs, reduce provider burdens, and create a more integrated, efficient system of care.
Click here to read further or download.
Click here for the full interim legislative packet presented to LHHS on Nov. 22, 2024.
STUDY: Medicaid Forward in New Mexico: A report released October 2023 by the New Mexico Office of the Superintendent of Insurance (OSI) says New Mexico’s uninsured rate, overall spending on healthcare, and hospitals uncompensated care costs could all drop significantly if Medicaid Forward is implemented.
Click here to read further or download.
Medicaid Forward: Unlocking affordable coverage for all New Mexicans. A historic opportunity to continue New Mexico’s leadership in healthcare affordability. Medicaid Forward would allow residents whose incomes are too high to qualify for Medicaid to instead purchase an affordable plan through the program.
Click here to read further or download.
Medicaid Forward policy brief/frequently asked questions.
Click here to read further or download.
2024 Legislation
Stabilize the Healthcare Affordability Fund:
The Healthcare Affordability Fund is a sustainable fund source that is already making affordable healthcare a reality for small businesses and everyday New Mexicans. We are calling our Legislature to stabilize the funding for the Healthcare Affordability Fund to continue providing affordable coverage to our families.
Click here to read further or download.
Support OSI Request for Healthcare Affordability Fund: Every New Mexican deserves access to healthcare, and the Healthcare Affordability Fund is already lowering costs and expanding access to coverage for more New Mexicans. The Legislature must act now to fully fund the programs providing affordable coverage to our families.
Click here to read further or download.
Reports
Healthcare Affordability & Reform: Results from a statewide survey. How New Mexicans Feel about
Affordability and Healthcare Reform.
Healthcare Affordability: New Mexico Residents Struggle to Afford High Healthcare Costs; Worry About Affording Future Care; Support Government Action across Party Lines
Price and Quality Transparency: New Mexico Residents Lack Confidence in Estimating the Cost and Quality of Care; Express Bipartisan Support for Government Action
Rural vs. Non-Rural Affordability: New Mexico Residents Struggle to Afford High Healthcare Costs, Particularly in Rural Areas