SB 267

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AN ACT

RELATING TO PUBLIC ASSISTANCE; ALLOWING THE HUMAN SERVICES

DEPARTMENT TO ADMINISTER A PROGRAM OF MEDICAL OR PREMIUM

ASSISTANCE FOR CHILDREN AND PREGNANT WOMEN INELIGIBLE FOR

FEDERALLY FUNDED PUBLIC ASSISTANCE.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO:

Section 1. Section 27-2-12 NMSA 1978 (being Laws 1973,

Chapter 376, Section 16, as amended) is amended to read:

"27-2-12. MEDICAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS.--

A. Consistent with the federal act and subject to

the appropriation and availability of federal and state

funds, the medical assistance division of the department may

by rule provide medical assistance, including the services of

licensed doctors of oriental medicine, licensed chiropractic

physicians and licensed dental hygienists in collaborating

practice, to persons eligible for public assistance programs

under the federal act.

B. Subject to appropriation and availability of

federal, state or other funds received by the state from

public or private grants or donations, the medical assistance

division of the department may by rule provide medical

assistance, including assistance in the payment of premiums

for medical or long-term care insurance, to children up to

the age of twelve if not part of a sibling group; children up

SB 267

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to the age of eighteen if part of a sibling group that

includes a child up to the age of twelve; and pregnant women

who are residents of the state of New Mexico and who are

ineligible for public assistance under the federal act. The

department, in implementing the provisions of this

subsection, shall:

(1) establish rules that encourage pregnant

women to participate in prenatal care; and

(2) not provide a benefit package that

exceeds the benefit package provided to state employees."