State’s investment ensures continued access to health care and support for families in need 

SANTA FE – This week, the New Mexico Health Care Authority will present its budget priorities before the House Appropriations and Finance Committee and the Senate Finance Committee.  

“Every New Mexican deserves access to quality health care, regardless of where they live or their economic situation,” said Kari Armijo, HCA cabinet secretary. “Our $2.2 billion budget maximizes federal matching funds to strengthen essential health services, support our dedicated workforce, and expand indispensable programs in communities across our state.” 

HCA’s budget within the executive recommendation focuses on three essential priorities to serve nearly 1 million New Mexicans:  

• Expanding access to health care: Expanding behavioral health services statewide, maintaining Medicaid reimbursement rate increases, fully funding Medicaid benefits such as medical respite for people experiencing homelessness, and supporting affordability initiatives to keep coverage accessible. 
• Protecting vulnerable populations: Strengthening developmental disability services and providing reimbursement, enhancing boarding home safety, improving protective and behavioral health services for children in state custody. 
• Investing in public servants: Addressing salary inequities, ensuring proper Medicaid program oversight, and maintaining necessary staffing levels needed for the caseworkers to provide timely benefits to New Mexicans. 

A critical component of the recommendation ensures HCA’s Income Support Division (ISD) has sufficient staff to provide timely services. Without full legislative support, ISD risks significant workforce shortages that could result in delayed services, increased workload for remaining caseworkers, and potential loss of federal funding. 

“We cannot maintain our essential safety-net programs without proper funding and staffing,” Armijo said. “This budget request reflects our commitment to serving New Mexicans efficiently and effectively while maximizing federal resources.” 

HCA’s hearing with the House Appropriations and Finance Committee is Feb. 6, at 1:30 p.m. and the Senate Finance Committee hearing is Feb. 7, at 9 a.m. 

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