SENATE BILL 112

46th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2004

INTRODUCED BY

Timothy Z. Jennings

AN ACT

RELATING TO PUBLIC ASSISTANCE; PROVIDING FOR A RATE OF INCREASE IN CERTAIN MEDICAID REIMBURSEMENT PAYMENTS.

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

     Section 1. Section 27-2-12.3 NMSA 1978 (being Laws 1987, Chapter 269, Section 1, as amended) is amended to read:

     "27-2-12.3. MEDICAID REIMBURSEMENT--EQUAL PAY FOR EQUAL PHYSICIANS', DENTISTS', OPTOMETRISTS', PODIATRISTS' AND PSYCHOLOGISTS' SERVICES.--

          A. The human services department shall establish a rate for the reimbursement of physicians, dentists, optometrists, podiatrists and psychologists for services rendered to medicaid patients that provides equal reimbursement for the same or similar services rendered without respect to the date on which such physician, dentist, optometrist, podiatrist or psychologist entered into practice in New Mexico, the date on which the physician, dentist, optometrist, podiatrist or psychologist entered into an agreement or contract to provide such services or the location in which such services are to be provided in the state; provided, however, that the requirements of this section shall not apply when the human services department contracts with entities pursuant to Section 27-2-12.6 NMSA 1978 to negotiate a rate for the reimbursement for services rendered to medicaid patients in the medicaid managed care system.

          B. On July 1, 2004 and on July 1 of each subsequent year, the human services department shall increase the reimbursement rates established pursuant to Subsection A of this section. The annual percentage increase shall not be less than the percentage increase provided by the department in the previous fiscal year for managed care organizations in the medicaid managed care system."

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