The Human Services Department held a public hearing discussing the possibility of New Mexico Medicaid patients paying copays and premiums Oct. 30, according to KOB 4.
Here are six key points:
1. New Mexico currently is $38 million short in covering its Medicaid costs. The federal government gives the state four dollars for every dollar New Mexico puts into Medicaid.
2. Based on the deficit, New Mexico currently may lose $152 million in federal Medicaid match funds.
3. Therefore, the Human Services Department proposed Medicaid patients pay premiums and copays for services they receive. The amount owed would be contingent on income.
4. For outpatient and inpatient surgery, copays could cost $50 per day.
5. New Mexico Medicaid patients may pay between $10 and $50 in monthly premiums.
6. The proposal says those who do not pay premiums for 90 days could lose their coverage.