Morgan Lee – Associated Press
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico will see a rapid exodus of up to 100,000 people from subsidized Medicaid health care next year as the federal government phases out eligibility for special pandemic-era spending and programs I am ready for it. told lawmakers on Wednesday.
State health and human services officials say the federal government will likely declare an end to the COVID-19 public health emergency in January, but it’s not certain. This would cut Medicaid enrollment and leave a $167 million annual gap in state General Fund finances.
The legislative committee on Wednesday met to weigh the results. The Biden administration plans to notify each state 60 days in advance of his move.
At that point, Health and Human Services Secretary David Scrace said between 85,000 and 100,000 residents would likely lose their Medicaid eligibility as their incomes increase as they return to the workforce. He also said a reduction in supplemental aid for food could push people back into the workforce and away from Medicaid.
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“We knew this was going to happen one day, but now it’s becoming part of our budget,” says Scrase.
State insurance regulator plans to waive initial monthly fees to help residents transition to insurance policies on state health insurance exchanges, according to a policy briefing from the Legislature’s Office of Accountability and Budget I am preparing.
The state has a new tax stream dedicated to providing health replacement insurance for low- and middle-income earners, in addition to small business employees.
This comes from a new 2.75% tax on health insurance premiums (advance payments made on behalf of an individual or family to keep the insurance active).
With the federal government temporarily increasing reimbursement for health care providers and extending patient eligibility, New Mexico residents are seeking Medicaid for those in need and at risk during the COVID-19 pandemic. Flocked to insurance.
New Mexico officials say the state has the highest enrollment rate in the nation for Medicaid and its accompanying children’s health insurance program, with about 970,000 of its 2.1 million residents enrolled by June 2022. I’m here.
New Mexico is one of the states in the nation that has made it easier for new mothers to stay on Medicaid in the postnatal years when depression and other health problems can occur.
To avoid intermittent enrollment expirations that could interfere with regular checkups and immunizations, Scrase said the state hopes to soon offer continued Medicaid enrollment for eligible children. said there is. He said New Mexico will be his second state to adopt the practice.
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