ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT
We ensure that New Mexicans attain their highest level of health by providing whole-person, cost-effective, accessible, and high-quality health care and safety-net services.
Native American Technical Advisory Committee
The Native American Technical Advisory Committee (NATAC) was formed in September 2012. It was designed to give the Tribes, Pueblos, and Nations an opportunity to meet face-to-face with the Health Care Authority’s Medical Assistance Division Director on a quarterly basis. In 2016, HCA expanded on the success of NATAC to include involvement by the Income Support Division (ISD). The focus of NATAC meetings is to continue discussion on Medicaid and Centennial Care, the 1115 Waiver Renewal, and ISD services such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. At each meeting, committee members identify concerns, make recommendations for program improvement, and discuss the progress of HCA’s efforts.
Native American Technical Advisory Committee Meetings (2026)
- Monday, March 16, 2026, 9 – 11 a.m.
- Monday, June 15, 2026, 9 – 11 a.m.
- Monday, October 19, 2026, 9 – 11 a.m.
- Monday, December 14, 2026, 9 – 11 a.m.
Native American Technical Advisory Committee
2025 NATAC Tribal membership:
- Laguna Pueblo – April Ruben
- Nambe Pueblo – Monica Vigil, Ryan Martinez
- Ohkay Owingeh – Leonard Montoya
- Picuris Pueblo – Racheal Pyne
- San Felipe Pueblo – Valyn Candelaria
- San Ildefonso Pueblo – John Gonzales
- Santa Clara Pueblo – Michelle Tafoya
- Santo Domingo Pueblo – Anthony Yepa, Lena Gachupin
- Navajo Nation – Michele Morris, Sherylene Yazzie
- Ft. Sill Apache Tribe – Emily Haozous
- Jicarilla Apache Nation – Dr. Yolandra Gomez
- Mescalero Apache Tribe – Idella Starr
Please contact Pharon Morgan at pharon.morgan@hca.nm.gov if you would like your community to be on this list.