If enacted, HB357 would significantly impact the financial management of the Mi Via Waiver Program. By separating the gross receipts taxes out of the budget allotments, participants should have enhanced access to the full scope of services they require without the financial constraints of taxes affecting their available funds. This may lead to better healthcare outcomes for participants, as they would not be limited by the additional financial burden of these taxes in their budgets.
Summary
House Bill 357 aims to amend the existing regulations surrounding the Mi Via Waiver Program in New Mexico. Specifically, the bill prohibits the inclusion of healthcare provider gross receipts taxes in the budget calculations for participants in this program. The intent is to ensure that these taxes are not deducted from the individual budget allotments that participants receive for services, supports, and goods, thereby allowing individuals to receive the full benefit of their allocated budgets without deductions for these additional tax expenses.
Contention
As with many pieces of legislation, there may be points of contention surrounding HB357. Supporters of the bill, including possibly healthcare advocates, may argue that this is a necessary step to improve the services available to those in the Mi Via Waiver Program. However, detractors may raise concerns about the implications of such a change on overall state revenue or the sustainability of funding for the waiver program if taxes are treated outside of standard budget calculations.
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Additionally, the bill emphasizes the need for the health care authority to establish clear rules governing the separation of these gross receipts taxes from individual budgetary allotments, reflecting a structured approach to improving program administration. This could set a precedent for how similar issues are handled in other public assistance programs within the state.