46th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2003

RELATING TO MEDICAID; PROVIDING FOR MEDICAID PAYMENT RATES TO CERTAIN ENTITIES TO RISE WITH INFLATION; MAKING AN APPROPRIATION TO INCREASE THE RATES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2004.

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

Section 1. A new section of the Public Assistance Act is enacted to read:

"[NEW MATERIAL] MEDICAID PAYMENT RATES FOR NURSING HOMES AND INTERMEDIATE CARE FACILITIES FOR THE MENTALLY RETARDED--APPROPRIATION.--

A. On July 1, 2004 and on July 1 of each subsequent year, the department shall adjust the medicaid reimbursement rate used to reimburse licensed nursing homes and intermediate care facilities for the mentally retarded. The rate shall equal the rate used in the prior fiscal year adjusted by the percentage increase or decrease in the medical care component of the consumer price index from the next preceding calendar year to the preceding calendar year. If the United States department of labor ceases the publication of the medical care component of the consumer price index, the department, by rule, shall establish an alternative appropriate index.

B. Two million five hundred thousand dollars ($2,500,000) is appropriated from the general fund to the human services department for expenditure in fiscal year 2004 for the purpose of increasing the medicaid reimbursement rate to licensed nursing homes and intermediate care facilities for the mentally retarded. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of fiscal year 2004 shall revert to the general fund."