Against the backdrop of rising costs for health coverage, uncertainty regarding stability of the individual market and the state’s persistently high uninsurance rate of more than 9%, New Mexico is considering a Medicaid buy-in strategy. Medicaid is New Mexico’s largest payer, covering more than 40% of the state population, and can serve as a key lever to help the state increase coverage affordability and improve access to care. Specifically, the state is exploring a state-sponsored coverage option that leverages the Medicaid program —via its “purchasing power” as the state’s largest payer and its well-established Medicaid managed care plans, Medicaid provider network, and provider reimbursement rates—to offer a more accessible and affordable statewide coverage option.
Together with Health Action New Mexico, New Mexico Center on Law and Poverty, Partnership for Community Action, and Strong Families New Mexico, Manatt Health produced a report to inform state decision makers with regard to pursuing a Medicaid buy-in. The report was commissioned by the New Mexico state legislature and provides a qualitative assessment of several Medicaid buy-in options for New Mexico, incorporating feedback from a diverse group of New Mexico stakeholders.
Please see full publication below for more information.