State news:
TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCES — Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed legislation Friday that builds on the administration’s commitment to making health care more affordable and accessible for all New Mexicans.
“Providing quality health care to New Mexico’s population requires a customized approach that takes into account rural communities, New Mexicans receiving Medicaid benefits, and the state’s tens of thousands of public servants.” We need it,” Gov. Lujan Grisham said. “These are bills that will positively impact a wide range of New Mexicans.”
The Governor signed these important health care bills during a ceremony at Sierra Vista Hospital in Truth or Consequence.
“The signing of this bill will help meet the needs of our residents and the thousands of New Mexicans who frequent Elephant Butte State Park and Lake each year,” said Frank Cochran, CEO of Sierra Vista Hospital. “It will bring immediate support to our community.” “Additionally, the funds allocated through this legislation will stabilize our current operations and allow us to expand our much-needed behavioral health capabilities, surgical services, and establish additional services.”
House Bill 7, the Health Affordability Fund, reduces insurance costs for small businesses, employees, and low- to moderate-income individuals through beWellnm, the state’s health insurance exchange program. Since its creation in 2021, the Health Affordability Fund program has saved New Mexico residents approximately $45 million in health insurance premiums and provided relief to more than 6,000 small businesses and their 41,000 employees. Masu. The bill maintains the 55% premium surtax allocation to the Fund, ensuring continued future support for the program. The bill is sponsored by Representative Leena Szczepanski, Representative Meredith Dixon, and Senator Shea Correa Hemphill.
“Since its creation in 2021, the Health Affordability Fund has made our state healthier by helping tens of thousands of New Mexicans obtain affordable health insurance.” said House Majority Whip Leena Szczepanski, the lead sponsor. “House Bill 7 will continue to lower the uninsured rate in New Mexico by ensuring workers continue to have the coverage they need, small businesses can provide their employees with the benefits they deserve. By preserving the Health Affordability Fund so we can do more, we will lower costs for everyone.”
In Senate Bill 14, health officials finalized the creation of a single, unified department responsible for health care purchasing, oversight, and policy. The Department of Health Services will increase coordination of health insurance purchases for the state’s 180,000 public employees, with a focus on improving plan design and affordability. The bill is sponsored by Sens. Elizabeth Stefanix, Mimi Stewart, Michael Padilla, and Peter Wirth.
“All New Mexicans have a right to health care. Building on last year’s efforts to establish a health care agency, this measure will help streamline coordination between the Department of Health and the health care department in sharing data, and ultimately It will improve access and affordability of health care across the state,” said Sen. Elizabeth Stefanix.
Senate Bill 17, the Health Care Delivery and Access Act, supports access to health care in rural New Mexico by establishing a Medicaid designated payment program. By leveraging hospital ratings, the program will generate $1.3 billion in federal funding for hospitals across the state. This landmark legislation supports long-term financial stability and access to hospitals across the state, ensuring continuity of health care services in rural New Mexico, where local hospitals often exceed revenue. To do. The bill is sponsored by Sens. Elizabeth Stefanix, Michael Padilla, and Martin Hickey, and Reps. Doreen Gallegos and Jason Harper.
“Nearly one-third of New Mexico’s rural hospitals are at risk of closing due to financial difficulties,” said Senator Stefanix. “This new opportunity, recognized by federal regulations, to increase Medicaid payments to hospitals will give New Mexico much-needed resources to provide better care in New Mexico. This is a game-changer. I want to thank Governor Lujan Grisham for her commitment to improving health care across the state, especially for her continued support of rural communities.”
Senate Bill 161, Acute Care Facility Grants, creates a temporary financial assistance grant program for local independent hospitals until long-term support through SB 17 is enacted in early 2025. Recognizing the pressing challenges facing these hospitals, this program aims to prevent closure. and further reductions in services. The bill is sponsored by Sen. George Munoz and Sen. Pat Woods.
“Local and regional hospitals are the heart of our communities, and many of them are in difficult situations. Passing this bill and providing this funding is critical to their operations and will help them. will help alleviate some of the very real financial pressures they face, allowing them to remain open and prioritize the health and well-being of local residents,” said Sen. George Muñoz. the lawmaker said. . “Thank you Governor Lujan Grisham for signing this bill and looking out for rural hospitals.”
The governor also signed the following health care bills on Friday:
- House Bill 33, the Prescription Drug Price Transparency Act, sponsored by Pamelya Herndon, Christina Parajohn, Sen. Elizabeth Stefanix, and Rep. Bill Tolman.
- House Bill 165, Reimbursement for Pharmacy Providers, sponsored by Rep. Gail Armstrong, Rep. Tara Jaramillo, Sen. Crystal R. Diamond, and Rep. Pete Campos.
- Senate Bill No. 135, Step Therapy Guidelines, sponsored by Sen. Elizabeth Stefanix, Sen. Craig W. Blunt, Sen. Shea Correa Hemphill, Sen. Antonio Maestas, and Sen. Daniel A. Ivey Soto .
