New Mexico Senate Bill SB463

New Mexico 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/15/23

Caption

Emergency Medical Medicaid Reimbursement

Impact

The bill mandates that supplemental reimbursements be calculated based on actual emergency medical services costs, ensuring providers do not receive more than what they have incurred. The Human Services Department will implement this program, pairing state funding with federal financial participation to bolster the economic viability of emergency services across the state. The voluntary nature of participation for providers reflects a degree of flexibility but also raises concerns about participation rates and the associated impacts on service availability in underserved areas.

Summary

Senate Bill 463 establishes a Medicaid cost-based supplemental reimbursement program specifically for eligible public emergency medical services providers in New Mexico. This includes provisions for private emergency medical services through an alternative Medicaid upper payment limit reimbursement program. The intent is to enhance the financial support these services receive, which is crucial given the increasing demand for emergency medical care and associated costs in the state. The bill seeks to ensure these providers are reimbursed adequately for their services to Medicaid beneficiaries, especially in ground emergency medical transportation.

Contention

Despite the potential benefits, there has been some contention regarding the funding appropriations and administrative costs tied to this program. The bill allocates $75,000 from the general fund for its initial implementation, a figure that some stakeholders may argue is insufficient given the extensive needs and high operational costs faced by emergency medical services. Critics worry that the reimbursement model might lead to disparities in funding distribution, particularly between public and private providers, potentially exacerbating existing inequalities in access to emergency medical services.