SB 140 sets minimum Medicaid reimbursement rates for personal care services in New Mexico: $23.50 per hour for consumer-delegated services (where the agency manages care) and $19.78 per hour for consumer-directed services (where recipients control care). It requires providers receiving Medicaid funds to spend at least 70% of that reimbursement on direct care worker costs, including wages, benefits, training, and supervision. The bill also appropriates $51.4 million from the general fund for fiscal year 2027 to implement these changes. This directly affects personal care service agencies contracted with Medicaid to provide in-home care for individuals needing assistance with daily living activities.
HB 90 creates a $1,000 annual income tax credit for licensed health care professionals in New Mexico who provide unpaid clinical training (preceptorships) to graduate students seeking eligible health care degrees. It directly affects licensed doctors, nurses, dentists, pharmacists, and other health professionals who mentor students at New Mexico colleges or universities. To qualify, preceptors must complete at least 120 hours of training under an accredited institution, with the credit requiring institution certification and applying only to the year of service. Unused portions of the credit can be carried forward to future tax years. The credit applies to taxable years beginning January 1, 2026, and targets health care education support rather than broader policy changes.
SB 20 would change how health insurers and pharmacy benefits managers handle prior authorization for prescription drugs in New Mexico. It prohibits requiring prior authorization for medications treating serious mental illnesses (such as schizophrenia, depression, or bipolar disorder), ensuring patients can access these drugs without delays. For drugs managing chronic conditions (like diabetes or high blood pressure), the bill limits prior authorization reviews to once every three years instead of more frequent checks. The law also requires the state insurance office to standardize the process, create a uniform form for requests, and monitor compliance to prevent unnecessary delays in care.
HB 224 expands New Mexico's tax deduction for unreimbursed medical expenses to apply to all taxpayers, regardless of income level - replacing previous income-based limits. It establishes tiered deduction rates (10%, 15%, or 25% of eligible medical costs) based on filing status and adjusted gross income, with lower-income taxpayers receiving higher percentages. Eligible expenses include doctor visits, prescriptions, medical insurance premiums, and other health care costs as defined in the bill. The law takes effect for tax years beginning January 1, 2026.
SB 94 requires individuals convicted of specific domestic violence offenses - including assault, battery, and related crimes under New Mexico law - to complete a domestic violence offender treatment program approved by the Children, Youth and Families Department. The bill applies directly to people sentenced for offenses listed in Sections 30-3-12 through 30-3-16 of the state code, such as assault against a household member or aggravated battery. Key provisions mandate treatment participation upon conviction and specify that violating probation terms (e.g., failing treatment) allows courts to impose the full original sentence without counting time served on probation. The bill aims to address domestic violence through structured intervention while tightening consequences for probation violations.
SB 173 expands the types of medical malpractice insurance health care providers in New Mexico can use to meet qualification requirements under the Medical Malpractice Act. It directly affects hospitals, outpatient facilities, and independent providers by removing the current limitation that restricted them to only claims-made or occurrence-based policies. The key provision amends Section 41-5-5 to allow providers to qualify using "any form of malpractice insurance" instead of the previous two options. This change simplifies insurance choices for providers without altering coverage amounts or financial responsibility rules. The bill does not change existing requirements for minimum coverage ($250,000 per claim for most providers) or surcharges.
SB 21 requires New Mexico Medicare supplement insurers to offer annual open enrollment periods for seniors. It directly affects residents aged 65+ with Medicare supplement policies (Medigap) in New Mexico. The bill mandates that each eligible policyholder receives a 60-day enrollment window starting the first day of their birthday month, during which they can switch to policies of equal or lesser value without health-based denial, discrimination, or preexisting condition exclusions. Insurers must also notify policyholders 30-60 days before the window opens about their rights and policy changes.
HB 12 establishes New Mexico's participation in the Physical Therapy Licensure Compact, allowing physical therapists licensed in one participating state to practice in New Mexico without obtaining a separate license. The bill requires states to share disciplinary information, conduct federal background checks, and recognize licenses across member states, with practice always governed by the state where the patient is located. It directly affects physical therapists seeking to work across state lines, military spouses relocating with service members, and state licensing boards managing cross-jurisdictional practice. Key provisions include mutual license recognition, standardized criminal background checks, and mechanisms for states to share investigative data to protect public safety.
HB 15, the Medical Injury Collaborative Resolution Act, creates a formal process for patients and healthcare providers to discuss adverse health care outcomes (like injuries or deaths resulting from care) through "adverse outcome conferences." It directly affects patients who experience medical harm and healthcare providers involved in those incidents. Key provisions require written notice about patient rights (including medical records access and legal counsel), mandate that statements made during conferences cannot establish fault or limit legal claims, and require providers to keep settlement offers open for 15 days. The bill does not change lawsuit timelines or legal liability but aims to facilitate open communication and potential settlements outside of court. The bill is currently pending in the New Mexico legislature after passing committee reviews.
SB 14 creates a Health Professions Advisory Committee to select recipients for loan repayment awards under New Mexico’s existing health professional loan program. The committee, composed of state health and education officials, evaluates applicants who must be licensed health professionals currently practicing in New Mexico or agree to relocate and begin practice in the state. Award recipients must work in designated underserved areas, with the Higher Education Department determining award amounts and disbursing funds. The bill amends prior laws to formalize this committee structure and streamline the selection process for loan repayment.
