STATE-ADMINISTERED HEALTH COVERAGE PLAN

HB 186 would create a new "Medicaid Forward Plan" to provide health coverage for New Mexicans under age 65 who earn too much for standard Medicaid (over 133% of the federal poverty level) but still cannot afford private insurance. The plan would use income-based premiums and cost-sharing (with discounts for households below 400% of the poverty level) and require collaboration between the Health Care Authority and the Insurance Office to enroll people through the state health insurance exchange. The bill mandates the state to develop this plan by January 2028, with $2 million allocated for planning staff and consulting in 2026-2027. It specifically requires input from tribal nations and aims to maximize federal funding to keep coverage affordable.