45th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2002

REQUESTING THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND THE HUMAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT OBTAIN THE MOST FAVORABLE FEDERAL MATCHING FUNDS FOR HEALTH CARE PROGRAMS WHERE APPROPRIATE.

WHEREAS, the state of New Mexico receives a fairly generous level of matching funds support from the federal government through Title 19 or Title 21 of the Social Security Act and other health care programs; and

WHEREAS, a number of state programs are funded entirely by the state yet could be leveraged for additional money through federal matching funds; and

WHEREAS, the center for medicare and medicaid services of the federal department of health and human services recently increased the federal matching fund rates for New Mexico and other states; and

WHEREAS, the state is currently experiencing an economic downturn and state revenue projections are estimated to be limited this year and in subsequent years; and

WHEREAS, additional money in the form of federal matching funds provides a needed boost to the health care industry and the state economy; and

WHEREAS, a number of New Mexicans are dependent on combined federal-state health care programs for needed diagnosis and treatment;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the department of health and the human services department be requested to obtain the most favorable federal matching funds appropriate for those programs while ensuring that matching fund criteria do not adversely affect the vulnerable populations of the state; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the department of health and the human services department report their combined findings and recommendations to the legislative health subcommittee or an appropriate interim committee by October 1, 2002; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this memorial be transmitted to the department of health and to the human services department.