SENATE BILL 503

51st legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2013

INTRODUCED BY

Gerald Ortiz y Pino

AN ACT

RELATING TO PUBLIC ASSISTANCE; EXPANDING MEDICAID BENEFITS TO INCLUDE ORIENTAL MEDICINE, CHIROPRACTIC AND NAPRAPATHIC SERVICES.

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]. Medical assistance rules shall provide for the services of licensed doctors of oriental medicine, licensed chiropractic physicians and licensed naprapaths and may include the services of 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 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."

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