Bill > HB70

This bill establishes a comprehensive framework for supporting individuals with behavioral health disabilities in New Mexico by creating a new Medicaid waiver program. The bill first defines key terms like "behavioral health disability," which includes serious mental illness, serious emotional disturbance, substance use disorder, and brain injury, providing detailed descriptions of each condition and its potential impacts. It requires the New Mexico Health Care Authority to acquire, provide, and coordinate support and services for individuals with these disabilities, including developing individual support plans through interdisciplinary teams and soliciting input from affected individuals, families, providers, and organizations. The bill mandates that the Health Care Authority conduct monthly meetings to develop and submit an application to the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) for a new Medicaid waiver program specifically designed for persons with behavioral health disabilities, with a target submission date of December 31, 2025. To support this effort, the bill appropriates $1.1 million from the general fund to hire a consultant and four full-time employees dedicated to developing the waiver program application. The bill includes an emergency clause, indicating its immediate importance for public health and safety.

Health and Social Services

https://www.nmlegis.gov/Legislation/Legislation?chamber=H&legtype=B&legno=70&year=25