ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – A re-branding and reorganization of New Mexico’s public assistance programs is officially launching on July 1, 2024. The services will now be under the recently created New Mexico Healthcare Authority (HCA).
“The launch of the HCA is our promise to creating a healthier New Mexico,” Kari Armijo, cabinet secretary for the New Mexico Health Care Authority, said in a press release. “By integrating health care and safety-net services, we aim to make it easier for New Mexicans to access the services they need when and where they need them.”
Many of the services under the new department are those previously administered by the New Mexico Human Services Department. But the new Heath Care Authority also incorporates some services previously administered by the Department of Health.
The reorganization and creation of a new department was originally aimed at boosting insurance and social service coverage for New Mexicans. The legislature finalized the idea in early 2024, and the governor signed it into law in March, but the creation of the new department began earlier.
In addition to streamlining services, the new department is also aimed at increasing accountability, and it could potentially address problems like the discovery of multiple abuse cases within the state’s assistance system for developmentally disabled New Mexicans. The administration of various aspects of that program has been handled by both the state’s Department of Health and the state’s Human Services Department.
“While the HCA launches on July 1, building an integrated system that meets the diverse needs of New Mexicans takes time — we strive for quality, accountability and transparency as the transformative changes we aspire to achieve take place,” Armijo said.
During the transition and official launch, existing services, like Medicaid and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) services, will not be interrupted, the department says. More information on the Health Care Authority can be found at this link.
