Senators Express Medicaid Revamping Concerns

Tim Jennings

KRWG - NEW MEXICO (krwg) - New Mexico Senate leaders expressed concern following the recent revelation that the Human Service Department (HSD) issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) to "substantially change" the structure of New Mexico's Medicaid program without reaching out to the public or legislature before its issuance. "I am troubled that the Martinez administration intends to change the structure of Medicaid which is about a $4 billion program in New Mexico without advance notice to the public or the legislature," said Senate Pro Tem Timothy Z. Jennings (D-Chaves, Eddy, Lincoln & Otero-32). "Many states face the same dilemma as New Mexico: how do we meet the demand for services when revenues for funding have decreased?

Dede Feldman

But other states have had extensive public debate over the issue. The manner in which this RFP has been carried out does not lend itself to full disclosure or transparency and erodes public trust in government," he Services Committee, Sen. Dede Feldman (D-Bernalillo-13), is also disturbed about the lack of communication and opportunity for collaboration between the administration and the legislature. "I am not opposed to Medicaid reform. In 2002, when our state was having financial difficulties, a process was established by the executive and legislative branches that allowed the public to take an active role in the development of reform. Read full story here: News New Mexico

Senators Express Medicaid Revamping Concerns