SANTA FE— House Bill 4, legislation that protects access to affordable health care for tens of thousands of New Mexicans amid unprecedented federal cuts, passed the House today on a bipartisan vote of 48-19.
The legislation, sponsored by Rep. Reena Szczepanski and Rep. Liz Thomson, advances a foundational component of New Mexico’s strategy to safeguard health care coverage statewide.
House Bill 4 increases revenue to the Health Care Affordability Fund (HCAF), ensuring New Mexico can continue to keep coverage affordable for working families and small businesses across the state.
“New Mexico is not going to stand by while Washington decisions threaten health care access for our families,” Governor Lujan Grisham said. “House Bill 4 is about protecting people, preserving coverage and making sure New Mexicans can continue to see a doctor, fill a prescription and get the care they need to stay healthy.”
The FY27 Executive Budget Recommendation includes $366 million for health care affordability programs supported by the fund. These investments would protect health coverage for up to 46,600 New Mexicans and reduce health care costs for up to 122,000 people statewide.
In 2025, federal actions eliminated enhanced premium tax credits and slashed Medicaid. Without state action, tens of thousands of New Mexicans would risk immediately losing coverage.
“House Bill 4 is one of the most critical bills we will hear this session, protecting New Mexicans from skyrocketing health insurance costs and keeping the coverage they need,” said Reena Szczepanski, one of the bill’s sponsor and House majority leader. “This legislation ensures New Mexico families don’t lose health care coverage because of decisions made far outside our state. We have bipartisan support to keep care affordable, stabilize our health system, and put people first with this bill.”
“New Mexico is the only state that stepped up with a comprehensive plan to meet these federal cuts head-on,” the Governor said. “House Bill 4 reflects the New Mexico way: we protect people first, we keep health care affordable, and we refuse to let our families lose coverage because of reckless decisions made thousands of miles away.”
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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.