SANTA FE–Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham on Wednesday signed HB 112, legislation supported by New Mexico Together for Healthcare, which ensures that every New Mexican can access healthcare regardless of their immigration status.
“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. “Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s signing this affirmative law creates uniformity among the indigent care programs in each county and will ensure all patients can get the care they need when they need it.”
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 can discriminate or deny care to certain immigrants.
Gaby Hernandez, a DACA recipient, organizer with Casa de Salud and advocate for HB 112, said their mother never had access to healthcare coverage and that 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, said that without HB 112 she has seen clients and family members “put in a difficult position” because their immigration status blocks them from getting the care they need.
Many counties, like Doña Ana County, already extend indigent care to all residents without discriminating due to immigration status. However, 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.
“By signing HB 112, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham is affirming New Mexico values,” said Adriann Barboa, policy director for Forward Together Action New Mexico. “In New Mexico, we take care of each other. HB 112 sends a clear message that everyone in our communities is valued and deserving of care.”
