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HSD To Hold Info Sessions On Medicaid Changes

Jonathan Lindberg, U.S. Coast Guard

New Mexico officials are hitting the road to talk about changes to Medicaid that will take effect in January. Starting this week, the New Mexico Human Services Department is holding a series of public eventsacross the state to educate residents about upcoming changes to Centennial Care, the state's Medicaid program.

For one, the state plans to phase out a measure that allows doctors to get reimbursed for taking care of uninsured patients, as long as they enroll in Medicaid within 90 days.

The state also plans to add co-pays for some prescription drugs and emergency room visits, and to start charging premiums for some families with income above the federal poverty level.  

People can apply for Medicaid year-round, but the open enrollment period, in October and November, is when members can switch health insurance providers. This is especially important this year, because Molina and United Healthcare won’t be options anymore. Members can choose between Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Presbyterian, and Western Sky Community Care.

NMHSD's schedule for Centennial Care 2.0 public meetings in September 2018.
NMHSD's schedule for Centennial Care 2.0 public meetings in September 2018.

As of September 6, 2018, the Human Services Department is taking public comment on proposed amendments to the Centennial Care policy manual.

Click here to see HSD's presentation on the upcoming Medicaid changes. 

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Support for KUNM’s Public Health New Mexico project comes from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, the McCune Charitable Foundation, the Con Alma Health Foundation, and from KUNM listeners like you.

Copyright 2018 KUNM

Hannah Colton is a journalist and radio producer based in Albuquerque. Before joining KUNM's Public Health New Mexico team, she juggled microphones around the state as a freelance reporter and host for KSFR in Santa Fe, National Native News, and KUNM, among others. A devoted podcast listener and curious human, Hannah started her public radio career in Bristol Bay, Alaska, where she enjoyed covering remote rural communities and the world's largest wild salmon fishery.