COUNTY HOSPITAL CARE, SERVICES & PAYMENT

SB 392 requires New Mexico county hospitals or contracted hospitals to provide standard care for life-threatening conditions (like cancer) and offer affordable payment plans when they are the only local provider and patients meet specific criteria: lacking employer/private insurance, not qualifying for Medicare/Medicaid, being uninsured, ineligible for county indigent programs, or not qualifying for the state medical insurance pool. Hospitals must continue care and payment plans until the patient obtains qualifying coverage. Payments are calculated using the higher of Medicaid or Medicare fee schedules, with monthly payments capped at 5% of the patient's household adjusted gross income. The law takes effect July 1, 2025.