SANTA FE — New Mexicans will again be able to report suspected abuse, neglect or exploitation of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities directly to intake specialists starting July 1 by calling a restored toll-free hotline: 800-445-6242.
The hotline connects callers straight to intake specialists in the New Mexico Health Care Authority’s Division of Health Improvement Incident Management Bureau, eliminating extra steps so reports reach the intake team more quickly. Beginning July 1, online reports submitted through HCA’s reporting webpage will also route directly to the same team.
“When someone is trying to report abuse, neglect or exploitation, every minute and every handoff matters. Restoring this direct line means families, caregivers and providers can reach the incident management team faster and more reliably,” said Kari Armijo, secretary for the New Mexico Health Care Authority. “This change strengthens safety protection for some of the most vulnerable New Mexicans.”
The hotline is available to report concerns involving people enrolled in New Mexico’s Home and Community Based Services Medicaid waiver or state-funded programs, including:
- Developmental Disabilities (DD) Waiver
- Mi Via Waiver
- Medically Fragile Waiver
- State General Fund developmental disability programs
The restored hotline is part of a broader agency effort to simplify reporting, speed up response times and improve follow up on critical incidents involving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Incident Management Bureau investigates reports of abuse, neglect and exploitation involving individuals receiving these services and works with partner agencies and providers to ensure immediate safety measures, corrective action and referrals to law enforcement when appropriate.
The Health Care Authority is asking providers, advocacy organizations and partner agencies to update internal reporting policies and staff guidance to reflect the restored hotline; replace any old hotline numbers with 800-445-6242; and share the updated contact information with staff, individuals receiving services, and their families or guardians. More information about how to report abuse, neglect or exploitation is available at: https://www.hca.nm.gov/report-abuse-neglect-exploitation/
###
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.