SANTA FE, N.M. (KRQE) – Community health workers can now get reimbursed for providing services to Medicaid members in New Mexico. The expanded reimbursements were announced Thursday, June 6.
“Integrating community health workers and community health representatives within Medicaid is yet another step toward addressing health disparities and delivering higher quality medical care for New Mexicans in their communities.” Alanna Dancis, chief medical officer for the New Mexico Medicaid Program, said in a press release. “Community health workers and community health representatives bring a trusted presence and deep community connections that will enhance our efforts to ensure equitable and accessible health care for all.”
The workers, also known as “tribal health representatives” and “promotoras” are trained health workers that ensure rural communities have care options. They help connect New Mexicans to state and federal health services.
With the updated reimbursements, New Mexico becomes the first state to eliminate the need for a physician’s order for every visit by a community health worker, the state’s Human Services Department says. That could unlock better healthcare for New Mexicans.
