REQUESTING THE HUMAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT TO APPLY FOR A MEDICAID WAIVER TO MAKE PERSONS RELEASED FROM STATE INSTITUTIONS ELIGIBLE FOR THE MEDICAID PROGRAM.

WHEREAS, many of the persons released from state institutions have need for continued health care after their return to the community; and

WHEREAS, New Mexico's medicaid program covers only adults with categorical disabilities and incomes under thirty-seven percent of the 1995 federal poverty level and persons with dependents who are receiving federal supplemental security income; and

WHEREAS, qualification for supplemental security income has become increasingly difficult; and

WHEREAS, any New Mexican receiving medicaid benefits loses eligibility upon entering a state institution, but does not automatically resume enrollment upon release from that institution; and

WHEREAS, a large percentage of New Mexico citizens returning to their communities after institutionalization need medications and continued treatment for various health conditions immediately upon release but have no access to either;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the human services department be requested to apply for a medicaid waiver from the federal health care financing administration to enable New Mexico citizens meeting medicaid eligibility who leave institutions and who were enrolled in medicaid prior to institutionalization to enjoy presumptive eligibility and immediate access to medicaid benefits upon completion of the enrollment process; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the waiver enable other

New Mexico citizens leaving institutions to be eligible for medicaid upon completion of the enrollment process; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the waiver include all options that will maximize the potential medicaid benefits to all New Mexicans; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this memorial be

sent to the secretary of human services and to the governor.