April 8, 1999

The Honorable Raymond G. Sanchez and

Members of the House of Representatives

Executive-Legislative Building

Santa Fe, New Mexico 87503

Honorable Speaker and Members of the House:

I have this day VETOED and am returning HOUSE BILL 414 enacted by the Forty-Fourth Legislature, First Session, 1999.

This legislation would require Medicaid coverage for chiropractic benefits. Because the Human Services Department would be required by federal law to offer this coverage for services of all participating chiropractic providers, this would represent an additional cost which is not included in that Department’s budget. Health Maintenance Organizations are authorized under current law to offer chiropractic benefits, if those benefits are cost-effective and advantageous, accordingly, this mandate is unnecessary.

Sincerely,

Gary E. Johnson

Governor