Gov. Lujan Grisham intends to sign bill designed to protect health coverage for New Mexicans
SANTA FE— The New Mexico Senate passed a bill to protect affordable health care coverage for tens of thousands of residents facing the loss of federal support, sending the measure to Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, who intends to sign it.
House Bill 4 increases revenue to the state’s Health Care Affordability Fund, the primary tool New Mexico uses to keep premiums manageable for working families and small businesses. The bill comes as expiring federal tax credits and Medicaid cuts threaten to price tens of thousands of New Mexicans out of coverage.
The legislation passed the Senate today on a bipartisan 24-12 vote. It was sponsored by House Majority Leader Reena Szczepanski, along with Representatives Elizabeth Thomson, Joseph Hernandez and Anita Gonzales as well as Sen. Roberto “Bobby” J. Gonzales.
“The federal government may be cutting back, but New Mexico is not,” 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.”
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.
“New Mexico has been innovative and determined when it comes to keeping health care affordable for our people. It’s why our ACA coverage continues to grow and why premiums didn’t skyrocket here when the federal government pulled back their support,” said House Majority Leader Reena Szczepanski. “I don’t want to back down now. That’s why passing HB4 is critical. The Health Care Affordability Fund is the tool through which we can keep serving families and help keep them insured.”
The FY27 Executive Budget Recommendation includes funding 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.
“Affordable health care is critical for the well-being of families in my district and all across New Mexico,” said Senator Roberto “Bobby” J. Gonzales, a co-sponsor of the bill. “House Bill 4 puts us in a strong position to continue the state’s coverage affordability programs into the future.”
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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.