Bill > HB55

This bill requires the New Mexico Health Care Authority to establish a minimum Medicaid fee schedule for personal care services, setting a reimbursement rate of at least $23.50 per hour. The bill defines key terms such as "direct care workers" (non-administrative employees providing personal care services) and "personal care services" (assistance with daily living activities). It mandates that at least 70% of Medicaid reimbursements must be used to compensate direct care workers, with allowable deductions for training, travel, and personal protective equipment costs. The bill broadly defines compensation to include wages, benefits, insurance, paid leave, retirement benefits, and payroll taxes. To support this initiative, the bill appropriates $20.8 million from the general fund in fiscal year 2026 to update the fee schedule and increase Medicaid reimbursements for personal care services. This legislation aims to ensure better compensation and support for direct care workers providing essential services to Medicaid recipients.

Health and Social Services

https://www.nmlegis.gov/Legislation/Legislation?chamber=H&legtype=B&legno=55&year=25