Governors moved by proposal for their communities’ healthcare
ISLETA PUEBLO — The All Pueblo Council of Governors passed a resolution on Thursday in support of the state’s efforts to shape a healthcare solution that would open up Medicaid for any New Mexican to buy into — including Native American families and Pueblo Nations who want better healthcare options.
“Healthcare for all New Mexico families is important to me, and although being Native American has some benefits to getting healthcare, it is not always the best care that our families receive. A Medicaid Buy-in would be a huge benefit for my family,” said Kena Chavez Hinojos, a member of the Cochiti and Hopi Tribes and Strong Families New Mexico healthcare advocate. “There are still access problems and gaps in care for my family and community.”
Although the federal government has a responsibility to provide healthcare to Native Americans, the federal government has not fulfilled this obligation. Accessing continuous, quality healthcare for Native American families is complicated and difficult. Native American families often have to navigate between Indian Health Services, Medicaid, and other health programs. While Indian Health Services provides direct medical services to Native Americans, it is not healthcare insurance coverage. Additionally, some medical services are not offered and not everyone is eligible for those that are offered, often leaving Medicaid to fill the gap. Private insurance coverage is also an option for Native American families and businesses, but for some it falls short because of high premiums and deductibles.
Native American families also often face difficulties accessing healthcare because of the ability or inability to secure legal tribal status — or to meet blood quantum guidelines— for their children and grandchildren who are of mixed ancestry.
A well-designed Medicaid Buy-in plan could open up Medicaid for those who don’t currently qualify to buy into, including Native American families with mixed tribal status and individuals who are uninsured or currently on the Exchange. Medicaid is a popular, trusted, low-cost coverage model that has served New Mexico well for over 50 years; and currently covers over 830,000 New Mexicans, including over 127,000 Native American residents.
“Due to the fragmented health system, I have been misdiagnosed or undiagnosed for years, had to retake tests, and even given the wrong medication. I’ve had to move to be eligible for services and travel far to receive many of my health treatments,” said Chavez Hinojos. “Now, I’m having issues because my youngest children don’t meet the blood quantum guidelines and are considered Hispanic. They have care now, but we often have to choose between healthcare for my husband or Pampers or food for my kids. We have to make hard choices.”
Leaders like Chavez Hinojos are apart of the NM Together for Healthcare campaign, a movement of diverse families and organizations from across the state working to build support for a Medicaid Buy-in plan.
The campaign has been successful in inspiring policymakers across the state. The New Mexico House and Senate passed a Medicaid Buy-in memorial to study a buy-in option with bipartisan support during the 2018 legislative session. And resolutions in support of New Mexico’s efforts on a Medicaid Buy-in option have passed with unanimous support in the Cities of Anthony, Sunland Park, and Bernalillo and McKinley Counties.
“I’m excited that the Pueblo Governors want to support this. I’m glad that the Governors are thinking about all our community members, not just those who meet blood quantum requirements. Native Americans should not have to worry about care. We need this affordable healthcare option because what we have now is not enough,” said Chavez Hinojos.
The All Pueblo Council of Governors represents the sovereign Pueblo Nations of New Mexico and Texas and will include this resolution in their legislative requests for the upcoming 2019 New Mexico session and share the resolution with state legislators.
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NM Together for Healthcare is a statewide, multiracial campaign of families and community organizations working together to strengthen healthcare access in New Mexico, supported by Strong Families New Mexico, Partnership for Community Action, New Mexico Center on Law and Poverty and Health Action New Mexico. For information, visit https://nmtogether4health.org/ or email: nmtogether4healthcare@gmail.com.
