New Mexico Legislature Passes Essential Bills to Strengthen Rural Healthcare and Boost Food Assistance

SANTA FE, N.M. — New Mexico lawmakers took swift action during a special session to boost funding for food assistance and rural health care. This response comes as cuts to Medicaid and nutrition programs from the federal level, under President Donald Trump, begin to impact many residents.

The Democratic-led Legislature passed several bills that allocate over $16 million to support the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). This funding is crucial as the federal government is tightening eligibility rules for noncitizens and altering benefit calculations. “We need to ensure New Mexicans don’t go hungry because of these changes,” said Democratic state Sen. George Muñoz.

In addition, $50 million will help sustain medical services in rural clinics and hospitals that heavily depend on Medicaid funding.

Republican lawmakers opposed these spending measures, arguing that significant Medicaid changes are not immediate. They believe the focus should be on reducing errors in the benefit distribution system.

Democrats and some Republicans also moved to secure subsidies for health insurance on New Mexico’s Affordable Care Act exchange, considering that federal credits might expire soon. This uncertainty was aggravated by the recent federal government shutdown.

Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham expressed her commitment to signing these bills, aiming to protect families from losing insurance and ensure health care access in smaller communities.

Many significant federal health care changes, including the anticipated cuts, will not take effect until 2027 or later. “These cuts could amount to billions in lost Medicaid support for our state,” warned state Rep. Nathan Small.

A major aspect of funding will bolster food assistance for elderly residents through SNAP. Roughly a quarter of New Mexico’s residents rely on this program to combat hunger. The bill also provides an additional $8 million to food banks and allocates $2 million for stocking food pantries in universities and schools.

On the health care front, while Trump’s overarching plan includes $50 billion over five years to support rural clinics, many argue that this may not suffice to cover the looming cuts. About 38% of New Mexicans depend on Medicaid. State officials, regardless of party affiliation, have raised alarms about a rural health care crisis due to difficulties in maintaining medical staff and keeping facilities operational.

State Sen. Pat Woods noted, “We need to figure out a way to keep these clinics open. It’s uncertain what the future holds.”

Additionally, lawmakers approved $17 million to ensure that health insurance subsidies remain intact, which is particularly vital for families earning above 400% of the federal poverty level—around $128,000 annually for a family of four. State Sen. Carrie Hamblen warned that without these subsidies, rising insurance costs could deter people from using the exchange, worsening the situation.

Finally, $6 million was allocated for public broadcasting, with a portion directed at tribal stations significantly affected by federal funding cuts. Legislation also awaits the governor’s signature that would empower the New Mexico Health Department regarding immunization decisions and vaccine purchases.

The situation reflects a growing concern not only in New Mexico but in many states influenced by federal changes. A recent survey by the Kaiser Family Foundation indicated that nearly 40% of Americans are worried about access to health care due to recent federal policies. The urgency for state-level action reinforces the importance of community resources in navigating these challenging times.



Source link

New Mexico, Michelle Lujan Grisham, Donald Trump, Government programs, Health care costs, Health care industry, U.S. Republican Party, Government budgets, General news, NM State Wire, U.S. news, George Muoz, Javier Martnez, Politics, Nathan Small, Pat Woods, Health, New Mexico state government, Carrie Hamblen, Subsidies