SENATE BILL 480

47th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2006

INTRODUCED BY

Timothy Z. Jennings

AN ACT

RELATING TO PUBLIC ASSISTANCE; PROVIDING FOR MEDICAID REIMBURSEMENT AT THE MEDICARE PART B RATE.

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, of not less than the rate for medicare part B services, for the reimbursement of physicians, dentists, optometrists, podiatrists and psychologists for services rendered to medicaid fee-for-service or managed care 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, 2007 and on July 1 of each subsequent year, the human services department shall increase the reimbursement rate established pursuant to Subsection A of this section. In determining the annual percentage increase, the department shall take into consideration factors that affect the cost of providing services, including increases in medical liability premiums and office overhead.  

          C. All reimbursements for fee-for-service and managed care services shall include the gross receipts taxes paid." 

     Section 2. EFFECTIVE DATE.--The effective date of the provisions of this act is July 1, 2006.

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