SANTA FE — The New Mexico Health Care Authority (HCA) has awarded a contract to Guidehouse, a global professional services firm, to submit New Mexico’s Rural Health Transformation Plan grant application to the federal Rural Health Transformation Program.  

This procurement follows a competitive Request for Proposal process and builds on stakeholder feedback gathered through a Request for Information.  

New Mexico Medicaid and Guidehouse will hold an online public meeting, Wed., Oct. 22, 10-11 a.m. on Zoom to solicit additional feedback to inform New Mexico’s transformation plan.  

Please register in advance at: 

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/q7q0VM6dTNiK9GEBHZ3bog#/registration

 (Meeting ID and passcode will be provided upon registration.) 

The contract with Guidehouse will support HCA in developing a comprehensive, competitive proposal that meets the required components of addressing workforce recruitment and retention in rural areas, bolstering financial sustainability of rural hospitals and clinics, and identifying innovations in care delivery. 

The federal Rural Health Transformation Program will award five-year funding grants to states to strengthen rural health care sustainability, access, quality, and equity.  

If awarded, New Mexico intends to use the funds to expand rural health services, stabilize critical access facilities, enhance workforce efforts, and deploy care models that better integrate technology and community-based strategies.  

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services plans to announce award decisions by Dec. 31, 2025. 

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About the New Mexico Health Care Authority
The New Mexico Health Care Authority connects New Mexicans to the care and support they need to live healthy, full lives. The agency administers Medicaid, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), cash assistance, child support services, and behavioral health care across the state. HCA also oversees the State Health Benefits program for state employees and manages the Health Care Affordability Fund to help make coverage more affordable for working families. The agency licenses health care facilities, investigates complaints, and ensures providers deliver safe, high-quality care. In addition, HCA supports individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through a variety of home and community-based programs that protect health, safety, and human rights.