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12/4/2020

Nuevo México provee $5 millones en fondos de ayuda financiera | Hasta $750 para hogares que no recibieron un pago por impacto económico

SANTA FE – El Departamento de Servicios Humanos de Nuevo México recibió $ 5 millones del Proyecto de Ley 1 de la Cámara de Representantes (HB1) durante la segunda sesión especial de la Legislatura de Nuevo México a fines del mes pasado para brindar asistencia financiera de emergencia a los residentes estatales de bajos ingresos que no recibieron un pago de estímulo federal por el coronavirus. El Departamento de Servicios Humanos está trabajando con el Departamento de Recaudación de Rentas de Nuevo México (Tax & Rev Dept.) para desembolsar los fondos a las familias de Nuevo México. Este será un pago único de hasta $750 para las familias que califiquen, según la cantidad de solicitantes.

12/4/2020

Human Services requests $1.130 billion for fiscal year 2022 | Matched with federal dollars will help lift the lives of nearly half of New Mexicans

SANTA FE – New Mexico Human Services Secretary Dr. David R. Scrase said Friday his department is seeking $1.130 billion to leverage an additional $6.737 billion in federal dollars to help nearly half of the state’s residents through the unprecedented COVID-19 public health crisis. Dr. Scrase made the request in his testimony before the Legislative Finance Committee while presenting his department’s fiscal year 2022 budget request.

12/4/2020

New Mexico provides $5 million in financial relief funds | Up to $750 for households that did not receive an economic impact payment

SANTA FE – The New Mexico Human Services Department was appropriated $5 million from House Bill 1, during the second special session of the New Mexico Legislature last month to provide emergency financial assistance to low income state residents who did not receive a federal coronavirus tax relief economic impact payment. The Human Services Department has partnered with the Taxation and Revenue Department to disburse the funds to New Mexican families. This will be a one-time payment of up to $750 for eligible New Mexico households, depending on the number of eligible applicants.

12/2/2020

Extension of emergency SNAP benefits for December 2020

SANTA FE – New Mexico households receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) food benefits will receive the maximum amount for their household size for the month of December as the state continues its response to the COVID-19 pandemic, announced the New Mexico Human Services Department.

11/25/2020

New Mexico offers free digital resource to address addiction | The 5-Actions Program™ is a free, online digital health resource for residents struggling with substance use or behavioral addictions

SANTA FE – A new digital resource, 5-Actions Program™(NM5actions.com) is designed to help adults (18 years of age and older) address challenges associated with alcohol, other drugs, and behavioral addictions (e.g., gambling, sex, technology, food) is free for residents of New Mexico, announced the New Mexico Crisis and Access Line (NMcrisisline.com) in partnership with ProtoCall Services, Inc., and with Digital Therapeutics Group LLC. The funding for the program is provided by the New Mexico Human Services Department, Behavioral Health Services Division.

11/20/2020

New Mexico launches Pandemic-EBT online self-service portal

SANTA FE – New Mexican families can now access a self-service portal to check their children’s eligibility for Pandemic-EBT benefits and update addresses, the state Human Services Department announced today.

11/10/2020

Las Cruces Child Support Enforcement Division drop box vandalized

SANTA FE – The drop box at the Child Support Enforcement Division office located at 653 Utah Avenue, in Las Cruces, N.M. was vandalized on November 4, 2020, announced the New Mexico Human Services Department.

11/9/2020

New Mexico provides new online child support payment options | Non-custodial parents can pay online by credit, debit or electronic check

SANTA FE – New Mexico parents can now make child support payments online with a credit or debit card, or using an electronic check from their bank account, the Human Services Department announced today. The online payment option is a convenient contactless option for non-custodial parents with active cases through the New Mexico Child Support Enforcement Division as we seek more ways to transact business without leaving home.

11/5/2020

New supplemental SNAP increases being issued in November

SANTA FE – The New Mexico Human Services Department announced that New Mexico households receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will once again receive the maximum amount for their household size for the month of November.

10/29/2020

PRESENTATION: COVID-19 Day-233 modeling webinar update

Attached is the presentation for the webinar.

10/22/2020

PRESENTATION: COVID-19 Day-226 modeling and reopening gating criteria webinar update

Attached is the presentation for the webinar.

10/21/2020

New Mexico awarded $9.6 million in behavioral health grants | $6 million for substance abuse and | $3.6 million for homeless/justice involved impacted by COVID-19

SANTA FE – New Mexico has been awarded two federal grants: $6 million from the Department of Justice to support those impacted by illicit opioids, stimulants and other drugs of abuse and, $3.6 million from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to address the growing behavioral health needs of the homeless and justice-involved population impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, the New Mexico Human Services Department announced today.

10/19/2020

New Pandemic-EBT (P-EBT) hotline for parents | Additional P-EBT cards were issued this week

SANTA FE – A new P-EBT hotline has been established for parents who have questions about eligibility or would like additional information about P-EBT benefits, the New Mexico Human Services Department announced Thursday. The new 1-833-415-0569 P-EBT hotline will be manned from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday to assist families who have flooded current phone lines with questions about P-EBT.

10/6/2020

New supplemental SNAP increases being issued in October

SANTA FE – The New Mexico Human Services Department announced that New Mexico households receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will again receive the maximum amount for their household size for the month of October.

10/5/2020

New Mexico Human Services Department publishes departmental Performance Scorecard | Using data to drive decision making

SANTA FE – The New Mexico Human Services Department (HSD) announced Monday the online publication of its Department Performance Scorecard – designed to demonstrate transparency and show the public its priorities and performance as it strives to achieve its mission.

9/29/2020

PRESENTATION: COVID-19 modeling and reopening gating criteria webinar update

Attached is the presentation for the webinar.

9/28/2020

243,000 NM children to get extended P-EBT benefits | State to issue $45.25 million for benefits through Sept. 30

SANTA FE – New Mexico families will receive more than $45 million in additional food benefits – enough to feed almost 244,000 vulnerable children – following federal approval of the state’s amended Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer Program for August and September.

9/28/2020

New Mexico Human Services Department Sec. David R. Scrase M.D. and Behavioral Health Services Division Director Dr. Neal Bowen to give a COVID-19 modeling and reopening gating criteria webinar update

SANTA FE – New Mexico Human Services Department Cabinet Secretary David R. Scrase, M.D. and Behavioral Health Services Division Director Dr. Neal Bowen will provide a COVID-19 modeling and reopening webinar update and take questions from the media, Tuesday, September 29, 2020.

9/22/2020

PRESENTATION: COVID-19 modeling and reopening gating criteria webinar update

Attached is the presentation for the webinar.

9/21/2020

New Mexico Human Services Department Sec. David R. Scrase M.D. and Department of Health acting State Epidemiologist Dr. Chad Smelser to give a COVID-19 modeling and reopening gating criteria webinar update

SANTA FE – New Mexico Human Services Department Cabinet Secretary David R. Scrase, M.D. and Department of Health acting State Epidemiologist Dr. Chad Smelser will provide a COVID-19 modeling and reopening webinar update and take questions from the media, Tuesday, September 22, 2020.

9/3/2020

New Mexico Human Services Department Sec. David R. Scrase M.D. and Children, Youth and Families Department Sec. Brian Blalock gave a COVID-19 day 176 webinar update

Attached please find a copy of the presentation.

9/3/2020

New supplemental SNAP increases also being issued in September

SANTA FE – The New Mexico Human Services Department is pleased to announce that New Mexico households receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will again receive the maximum amount for their household size for the month of September.

9/3/2020

New Mexico Human Services Department Sec. David R. Scrase M.D. and Children, Youth and Families Department Sec. Brian Blalock gave a COVID-19 day 176 webinar

SANTA FE – New Mexico Human Services Department Sec. David R. Scrase M.D. and Children, Youth and Families Department Sec. Brian Blalock gave a COVID-19 modeling and reopening gating criteria webinar update and took questions from the media yesterday, Wednesday, September 2.

8/31/2020

Public Notice: New Mexico Graduate Medical Education Expansion Review Board and Advisory Group Regular Meeting

Notice is hereby given that the New Mexico Graduate Medical Education Expansion Review Board and Advisory Group will convene a regular meeting on Friday, September 4, 2020. The meeting will begin at 10:00am and will be held virtually via GoToMeeting. The public is welcome, and information about how to join the meeting is below. Copies of the agenda will be posted and available on the Human Services Department’s website at: https://www.hca.nm.gov/gme-expansion.aspx. Copies may also be obtained by contacting Alex Castillo Smith, HSD Strategic Planning & Special Projects Manager at (505) 629-8652. An individual with a disability who needs a reader, amplifier, qualified signed language interpreter, or other form of auxiliary aid or service to attend or participate in the meeting should contact: Alex Castillo Smith, HSD Strategic Planning & Special Projects Manager at (505) 629-8652.

8/24/2020

State officials announce Bryce Pittenger as CEO of the New Mexico Behavioral Health Collaborative

SANTA FE – New Mexico state officials today announced the appointment of Bryce Pittenger as the new Chief Executive Officer of the Behavioral Health Collaborative, beginning in October.

8/20/2020

Sec. David R. Scrase M.D. and Department of Health acting State Epidemiologist Dr. Chad Smelser gave a COVID-19 modeling and reopening gating criteria webinar update

Attached please find the presentation for the webinar.

8/20/2020

New Mexico Human Services Department Sec. David R. Scrase M.D. and Department of Health acting State Epidemiologist Dr. Chad Smelser gave a COVID-19 modeling and reopening gating criteria webinar update

SANTA FE – New Mexico Human Services Department Sec. David R. Scrase M.D. and Department of Health acting State Epidemiology Dr. Chad Smelser gave a COVID-19 modeling and reopening gating criteria webinar update and took questions from the media today, Thursday, August 20.

8/7/2020

New supplemental SNAP increases also being issued in August

SANTA FE – New Mexico households receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will again receive the maximum amount for their household size for the month of July, the New Mexico Human Services Department announced today.

8/4/2020

Governor Lujan Grisham celebrates August as Child Support Awareness Month | State enhances its focus on modernized initiatives to help New Mexico families with their child support obligations

SANTA FE – Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and the New Mexico Human Services Department are celebrating August as Child Support Awareness Month, recognizing and saluting all New Mexico parents who support their children and encouraging those who have difficulty meeting or are failing to meet their child support obligations to reach out for assistance.

8/3/2020

New Mexico Human Services Department announces temporary closure of Northeast Bernalillo County Income Support Division office after significant vandalism

SANTA FE – The New Mexico Human Services Department announced today the immediate temporary closure of the Northeast Bernalillo County Income Support Division office located at: 4330 Cutler Ave NE, Albuquerque, N.M. as a result of extreme vandalism to the building including windows shattered by rocks and bullets. Northeast Bernalillo County customers who do not have a cell phone or internet access may visit any of the other three Bernalillo County offices, during the limited lobby hours, from 10 a.m. to noon daily, or anytime between 8 a.m.-5p.m. Monday through Friday for drop-off or curbside service:

8/3/2020

New Mexico develops COVID-19 emotional support talk helpline campaign

SANTA FE – The New Mexico Human Services Department, Behavioral Health Services Division and the New Mexico Crisis and Access Line are announcing a campaign to raise awareness about the availability of a 24/7 statewide emotional support helpline to assist New Mexicans who are experiencing anxiety, stress or emotional challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

7/23/2020

New Mexico Human Services Department announces temporary closure of Roosevelt County Income Support Division office after employee tests positive for COVID-19

SANTA FE – The New Mexico Human Services Department announced today the immediate temporary closure of the Roosevelt County Income Support Division office located at: 1028 Community Way in Portales, N.M. after an employee tested positive for COVID-19. Roosevelt County customers who do not have a cell phone or internet access may visit the Curry County Income Support office located at 3316 North Main Street, Suite A in Clovis, N.M. during the limited lobby hours from 10 a.m. to noon daily.

7/20/2020

COVID-19 DAY 129 MEDIA UPDATE JULY 17, 2020

7/20/2020

New Mexico Human Services Department Sec. David R. Scrase M.D. gave a COVID-19 modeling and reopening gating criteria webinar update

SANTA FE – New Mexico Human Services Department Cabinet Secretary David R. Scrase, M.D. provided a COVID-19 modeling and reopening webinar update and took questions from the media today, Friday, July 17.

7/7/2020

$67 million in Pandemic EBT Cards to be issued this week | Supplements for school-age children receiving free or reduced-price lunches

SANTA FE – About 168,000 New Mexico families whose children receive free or reduced-price lunch at school will receive $67 million in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, or food stamps, this week, the Human Services Department announced today.

7/1/2020

San Juan County Income Support Division drop box vandalized

SANTA FE – The drop box at the San Juan County Income Support Division office in Farmington, N.M. was vandalized by a fire that was intentionally set, announced the New Mexico Human Services Department. Employees discovered the vandalism this morning and the documents in the drop box at the time of the incident were destroyed. A police report has been filed and the department is working to get the box repaired.

6/30/2020

New supplemental SNAP increases also being issued in July

SANTA FE – New Mexico households receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will again receive the maximum amount for their household size for the month of July, the New Mexico Human Services Department announced today.

6/30/2020

Listening Sessions Presentation (English)

6/30/2020

Listening Sessions Presentation (Espanol)

6/24/2020

realizará sesiones

El Departamento de Servicios Humanos (HSD) realizará sesiones de escucha pública para recibir comentarios sobre los procesos comerciales de HSD y la satisfacción del cliente. El departamento está buscando comentarios de clientes, proveedores, empleados, organizaciones de defensa y miembros del público sobre cómo podemos mejorar nuestros servicios para los nuevos mexicanos.

6/24/2020

Listening sessions

The Human Services Department (HSD) will be holding public listening sessions to receive feedback regarding HSD’s business processes and customer satisfaction. The department is seeking input from customers, providers, employees, advocacy organizations, and members of the public about how we can improve our services to New Mexicans.

6/22/2020

New Mexico Human Services Department Sec. David R. Scrase M.D. gave a COVID-19 modeling and reopening gating criteria webinar update

SANTA FE – New Mexico Human Services Department Cabinet Secretary David R. Scrase, M.D. provided a COVID-19 modeling and reopening webinar update and took questions from the media today, Friday, June 19.

6/22/2020

Iowa Vs Illinois COVID cases

Comparison of Estimated Rates of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Border Counties in Iowa Without a Stay-at-Home Order and Border Counties in Illinois With a Stay-at-Home Order.

6/22/2020

COVID-19 DAY 101 UPDATE

PowerPoint Presentation

6/22/2020

New Mexico partners with OpenBeds to launch the New Mexico Behavioral Health Referral Network

SANTA FE – The New Mexico Department of Human Services’ Behavioral Health Services Division, today announced that it has partnered with OpenBeds, a provider of a technology platform that identifies, unifies, and tracks behavioral health and social services resources to facilitate rapid digital referrals, to launch the New Mexico Behavioral Health Referral Network. The New Mexico Behavioral Health Referral Network allows New Mexico’s treatment community to rapidly and effectively assess the needs of their patients, locate an appropriate facility, and digitally refer them to care.

6/19/2020

New Mexico Human Services Department announces changes to its curbside and limited lobby hours for the Income Support and Child Support offices beginning June 22, 2020

SANTA FE – The Income Support Division and Child Support Enforcement Division field offices will be changing their curbside and limited lobby hours effective June 22, 2020, to allow staff to safely continue serving customers during the warmer summer days ahead, the New Mexico Human Services Department announced today.

6/15/2020

NM outreach campaign to address COVID-19 in tribal communities | Renowned cartoonist creates culturally appropriate messages

SANTA FE – To raise awareness about the current public health crisis in tribal communities, New Mexico today launched a COVID-19 outreach campaign featuring the work of renowned Native American cartoonist Ricardo Caté, who uses humor to discuss serious topics affecting Native American communities.

6/5/2020

Press Update COVID-19 DAY 87

6/5/2020

New supplemental SNAP increases also being issued in June

SANTA FE – New Mexico households receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will again receive the maximum amount for their household size for the month of June, the New Mexico Human Services Department announced today.

6/5/2020

New Mexico Human Services Department Sec. David R. Scrase M.D. gave a COVID-19 modeling and reopening gating criteria webinar update

SANTA FE – New Mexico Human Services Department Cabinet Secretary David R. Scrase, M.D. provided a COVID-19 modeling and reopening webinar update and took questions from the media today, Friday, June 5.

6/4/2020

State announces online health insurance screening tool

SANTA FE – Every New Mexican should have health care during the COVID-19 emergency – to help expedite that process there is a new online screening tool to help New Mexicans determine what health insurance coverage they may qualify for by answering a few simple questions, the state announced Thursday. It is available at: New Mexico Health Coverage Connector.

6/1/2020

Public Notice: New Mexico Graduate Medical Education Expansion Review Board and Advisory Group | Special Meeting

Notice is hereby given that the New Mexico Graduate Medical Education Expansion Review Board and Advisory Group will convene a special meeting on Friday, June 5, 2020. The meeting will begin at 10:30 a.m. and will be held virtually via GoToMeeting. The public is welcome, and information about how to join the meeting is below. Copies of the agenda will be posted and available on the Human Services Department’s website at: https://www.hca.nm.gov/gme-expansion.aspx. Copies may also be obtained by contacting Alex Castillo Smith, HSD Strategic Planning & Special Projects Manager at (505) 629-8652. An individual with a disability who needs a reader, amplifier, qualified signed language interpreter, or other form of auxiliary aid or service to attend or participate in the meeting should contact: Alex Castillo Smith, HSD Strategic Planning & Special Projects Manager at (505) 629-8652.

5/20/2020

Online purchasing now available for New Mexico SNAP households

SANTA FE – The Human Services Department is pleased to announce that New Mexico families who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits are now able to use an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card to purchase eligible foods online starting today.

5/15/2020

New Mexico Primary Care Graduate Medical Education programs receive $1 million for primary care

SANTA FE – Three graduate medical education programs will receive a total of $1 million for program development and expansion, adding 36 primary care physicians to the state’s workforce, the New Mexico Human Services Department announced Friday.

5/14/2020

New supplemental SNAP increases also being issued in May

SANTA FE – New Mexico households receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will again receive the maximum amount for their household size for the month of May, the New Mexico Human Services Department announced on Thursday.

5/11/2020

New Mexico hospitals to receive $66 million to combat COVID-19 | 12.4 to 50 percent Medicaid rate increase

SANTA FE – New Mexico hospitals will receive a Medicaid rate increase of up to 50percent, an estimated $66 million in additional payments to help assist them for losses they are experiencing during the public health emergency caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the New Mexico Human Services Department announced Monday. This increase will continue for the duration of the national emergency.

5/7/2020

New Mexico receives approval for online SNAP purchases from USDA

SANTA FE –New Mexico families receiving food assistance through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will soon be able to use benefits to buy food online.

5/5/2020

New Mexico to feed 245,000 vulnerable children affected by COVID-19 school closures | $97.8 million in additional food benefits

SANTA FE – New Mexico families will receive more than $97 million in additional food benefits – enough to feed about 245,000 vulnerable children — following federal approval of a Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer Program.

5/1/2020

HSD announces $46.2 million in new Medicaid payments to nursing facilities

SANTA FE – Nursing facilities across New Mexico will share $46.2 million in new Medicaid payments to help them mitigate and control the spread of COVID-19 among employees and highly vulnerable residents, the Human Services Department (HSD) announced today. This funding provides immediate financial help to nursing facilities across the state that are on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic, fighting a surge of positive tests and deaths among both workers and patients — who are especially at risk of complications, hospitalization and death from the virus.

4/30/2020

State consistently achieves 96 percent application processing rate for 12-months for Medicaid and SNAP benefits | Federal court dismisses significant portion of 30-year old litigation for theDebra Hatten-Gonzales, et al., consent decree

SANTA FE – The New Mexico Human Services Department (HSD) achieved a 96 percent monthly processing standard for Medicaid and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) applications for more than 12 consecutive months, with not a single office falling below 94 percent for two consecutive months. Thus, the Honorable Kenneth Gonzales in his opinion and order dated April 24, 2020, ruled that HSD had fully complied with the timely eligibility processing requirement and that “good cause” existed to eliminate that requirement from the consent decree.

4/10/2020

New Mexico Human Services Department provides supplemental SNAP payment to households for March and April

SANTA FE – New Mexico Human Services Department (HSD) on Friday announced it is distributing an enhanced payment of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to households that did not receive the maximum SNAP benefits during the months of March and April.

4/10/2020

New Mexico Human Services Department provides $35 million for state hospitals for COVID-19

SANTA FE – New Mexico Human Services Department (HSD) on Friday announced that it is providing $35 million in immediate financial help to New Mexico hospitals for the COVID-19 pandemic. Hospitals across the country are bracing for a surge in patient demand by reconfiguring clinical spaces, purchasing additional medical supplies, and redistributing their health care workforce. At the same time, hospitals are facing sharply declining revenue due to lower patient utilization because of social distancing requirements and the cancellation of elective surgeries to conserve equipment and supplies. The combination of increasing costs and declining revenue is putting an urgent strain on New Mexico hospitals.

4/2/2020

El Departamento de Servicios Humanos de Nuevo México ampliará el acceso en línea para los servicios y anunciará un horario limitado de sus sucursales para las oficinas de la División de Asistencia Económica y el Cumplimiento del Sostenimiento de Niños a partir del 1ro de abril de 2020

SANTA FE: el Departamento de Servicios Humanos de Nuevo México (New Mexico Human Services Department, HSD) anuncia que las oficinas de campo de la División de Asistencia Económica (Income Support Division, ISD) y de Sostenimiento de Niños (Child Support Enforcement Division, CSED) comenzarán con un horario limitado de sus sucursales a partir del 1ro de abril de 2020 para los clientes que no tienen un teléfono celular o acceso a Internet. La ISD y la CSED han implementado servicios en la acera para la seguridad de nuestros empleados y nuestros clientes. Si visita la oficina durante estos horarios, quédese en su automóvil y lo atenderemos. Si no tiene automóvil, se limitará a cinco el número de personas permitidas en los vestíbulos.

3/31/2020

New Mexico Human Services Department expands online access for services and announces limited lobby hours for Income Support and Child Support offices to begin April 1, 2020

SANTA FE – New Mexico Human Services Department (HSD) announces the Income Support Division (ISD) and Child Support (CSED) field offices will begin limited lobby hours effective April 1, 2020 for customers who do not have a cell phone or internet access. ISD and CSED have implemented curbside services for the safety of our employees and our customers, if you visit the office during these times, please stay in your car and we will serve you.

3/12/2020

Supports Waiver application public hearing via conference call only

On March 11, 2020, Governor Michell Lujan Grisham declared in Executive Order 2020-04 that a Public Health Emergency exists due to the presence of COVID-19 in the State of New Mexico. To ensure the health, safety, and wellbeing of New Mexico residents, the Supports Waiver Application Public Hearing scheduled for Friday, March 13, 2020 in Santa Fe, New Mexico will be held via conference call only.

3/2/2020

Public Notice|New Mexico Graduate Medical Education Expansion Review Board and Advisory Group Meeting

Interested Parties: Notice is hereby given that the New Mexico Graduate Medical Education Expansion Review Board and Advisory Group will convene a regular meeting on Friday, March 6, 2019. The meeting will begin at 10 a.m. and will be held at the New Mexico Human Services Department’s Field Office at 1711 Randolph Road SE, Albuquerque, NM.

2/17/2020

New Mexico Human Services Department announces new Income Support Division presence in Union County

SANTA FE – The New Mexico Human Services Department announces the presence of a new Income Support Division (ISD) mobile location in Clayton, N.M. serving residents in Union County. This new mobile office strengthens ISD’s presence in the rural area, offering services closer to home so that potential customers don’t have to drive hundreds of miles to apply for assistance.

2/4/2020

Human Services Department announces $1.535 million for primary care Graduate Medical Education (GME) programs in New Mexico and currently seeking applicants

SANTA FE – The New Mexico Human Services Department (HSD) today announced the availability of $1.535 million for primary care GME programs in New Mexico. The funding addresses the urgent need of increased healthcare access and primary care physician workforce expansion. The department is currently soliciting applicants for first-year residency positions in New Mexico. Applications will be accepted until April 30, 2020

1/30/2020

Native American cartoonist featured in anti-opioid addiction campaign | Ricardo Caté of Santo Domingo Pueblo commissioned to help state behavioral health officials reach Native Americans in new and unique ways

SANTA FE – State health officials are leveraging a prominent Native American cartoonist as part of a unique effort to reach Native Americans for New Mexico’s anti-opioid addiction campaign, “A Dose of Reality.”

1/28/2020

New Mexico offers a comprehensive tobacco cessation program for Medicaid recipients who want to quit smoking

SANTA FE – New Mexico Human Services Department (NMHSD) would like to remind our Medicaid recipients of the comprehensive tobacco cessation program that provides those willing an opportunity to quit smoking, vaping or other tobacco use.

1/22/2020

Human Services Department publishes the first of its kind Data Book 2020 | Provides national data that compares New Mexico to other states

SANTA FE – New Mexico Human Services Department (HSD) Cabinet Secretary David R. Scrase, M.D. announces the publication of the department’s first HSD Data Book. It is a summary of social, economic, and health statistics of our state. The Data Book presents, in one reference document, a diversity of information and is designed to facilitate comparisons of national, state, and county-level data.

1/21/2020

Public Hearing scheduled on HSR Vol. 42 No. 25 postponed January 24, 2020 from 2 – 3 p.m.

Due to inclement weather closures in the Santa Fe area, the Public Hearing scheduled on HSR Vol. 42 No. 25 will be postponed until next Friday, January 24, 2020 from 2- 3 p.m.

1/15/2020

New Mexico Human Services Department announces the promotion of Kari Armijo as a new Deputy Cabinet Secretary

SANTA FE – New Mexico Human Services Department (HSD) Cabinet Secretary David R. Scrase, M.D. announces the promotion of Kari Armijo as a new Deputy Cabinet Secretary for the department. Armijo replaces Russell Toal who left the department to become the New Mexico Superintendent of Insurance.

12/18/2019

Urban Institute releases report on The Uninsured in New Mexico

SANTA FE – New Mexico Human Services Department (NMHSD) funded a report, The Uninsured in New Mexico released today by the Urban Institute that finds 187,000 New Mexicans (10.5 percent) under age 65 are uninsured.

12/4/2019

New Mexico Human Services Department reaches settlement agreement with five behavioral health providers:Santa Maria El Mirador (formerly Easter Seals El Mirador), Border Area Mental Health Services, Southwest Counseling Center, Inc., Southern New Mexico Human Development, Inc., and Families and Youth, Inc.

SANTA FE – The New Mexico Human Services Department (HSD) has reached a settlement agreement/addendum with the remaining five behavioral health organizations who filed lawsuits against HSD claiming that they had been damaged when the Martinez administration froze Medicaid payments in 2013.

12/2/2019

Public Notice | New Mexico Graduate Medical Education Expansion Review Board and Advisory Group Meeting

Notice is hereby given that the New Mexico Graduate Medical Education Expansion Review Board and Advisory Group will convene a regular meeting on Friday, December 6, 2019. The meeting will begin at 10 a.m. and will be held at the New Mexico Human Services Department’s Field Office at 1711 Randolph Road SE, Albuquerque, NM. The public is welcome.

10/22/2019

New Mexico Human Services Department announces Tribal Consultation session on the development of a new Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services Supports Waiver

Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, the Human Services Department and the Department of Health are excited to announce the development of a new Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) “Supports” Waiver to aid individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are waiting for Developmental Disabilities Waiver services. The Supports Waiver will be the State’s fourth Medicaid 1915 (c) HCBS waiver program serving individuals with special needs. Tribal leaders have been invited to a tribal consultation to be held on October 28, 2019.

10/18/2019

Behavioral Health Services Division partners with DEA 360 and the Mark Wahlberg Youth Foundation to host Statewide Youth Summit

Santa Fe, N.M. – The New Mexico Human Services Department (HSD) Behavioral Health Services Division (BHSD) in collaboration with DEA 360 and The Mark Wahlberg Youth Foundation are partnering to host a statewide Youth Summit from Oct. 21-25, 2019, to promote community health and safety and educate attendees on the growing opioid epidemic. The summit will cover seven events in five cities over five days.

10/11/2019

New Mexico Human Services Department announces Neal A. Bowen, Ph.D. as director for the Behavioral Health Services Division

Santa Fe, N.M. – Human Services Department Cabinet Secretary David R. Scrase, M.D. announces the appointment of Neal A. Bowen, Ph.D. as the new director for the Behavioral Health Services Division (BHSD) beginning November 15, 2019.

10/1/2019

New map shows Naloxone availability at New Mexico Pharmacies | Statewide map will be the most extensive, up-to-date resource for the life-saving medication and is the latest effort in the fight against opioid abuse

Santa Fe, N.M. – New Mexico Human Services Department (HSD) announced a new map that is being made available to the public showing which pharmacies across New Mexico carry naloxone – the medication used to reverse the effects of opioid-related overdoses. The map is currently available through New Mexico’s anti-opioid addiction website, “A Dose of Reality,” at https://doseofreality.com/naloxone/.

9/23/2019

The New Mexico Naat’aanii IMCE Program Improving Access & Outcomes for the State’s American Indians / Alaska Natives

Project Background For more than a decade, the Navajo Nation has passionately pursued the implementation of a Navajo Nation administered Medicaid program for its people. A series of state and federal policies over the years have provided prime foundation for this opportunity, particularly in New Mexico. In 2009, Congress passed the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA) that amended Medicaid laws to allow for Indian Managed Care Entities (IMCEs) that are controlled by tribes and tribal entities. ARRA also offered American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) enrollees and providers greater protections in Medicaid and CHIP.

9/23/2019

HSD submits public comments opposing USDA’s proposed rule to eliminate Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility (BBCE) from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

Dear Secretary Perdue: This letter will serve as the New Mexico Human Services Department’s (NMHSD) formal comments in opposition to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) proposal to essentially eliminate Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility (BBCE) from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

9/23/2019

Gov. Lujan Grisham submits public comment opposing USDA’s proposed rule to eliminate Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility (BBCE) from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

Dear Secretary Perdue: I write to fervently voice my opposition to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) proposal to essentially eliminate Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility (BBCE) from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

9/6/2019

GME Expansion Review Board and Advisory Group announce Mission Statement and Goals

Santa Fe, NM – The Graduate Medical Education (GME) Expansion Review Board and Advisory Group held their first two-day kickoff meeting this week in Albuquerque. The GME Board and Advisory Group will oversee the GME Expansion Grant Program that will establish grants to fund new GME programs and expand existing programs to increase the health care work force in New Mexico, particularly in the fields of primary care and psychiatry. At the meeting, the board and advisory group established their mission, vision, and three key goals.

9/3/2019

Gov. Lujan Grisham’s plan for improving New Mexico’s healthcare delivery network focuses on Medicaid rate increases | $78.5 million for targeted provider rate increases

Santa Fe, N.M. – The Human Services Department (HSD) announced Friday the next step in Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s multi-phase strategy to improve New Mexico’s health care delivery network. A $78.5 million Medicaid provider rate increase, effective Oct. 1, will bolster those providers who deliver care and services to the most vulnerable New Mexicans and help rebuild and protect New Mexico’s health care delivery network, particularly in rural areas for providers of behavioral health, primary care, dental services, and teleconsultation services to Medicaid clients.

8/30/2019

HSD announces the establishment of a grant program and governing body to increase the health care workforce in New Mexico | Graduate Medical Education Expansion Review Board holds first meetings Sept. 5-6

Santa Fe, NM – The New Mexico Human Services Department (HSD) announces the establishment of the Graduate Medical Education (GME) Expansion Grant Program and the GME Expansion Review Board and Advisory Group to oversee the program. The purpose is to establish grants to fund new GME programs and expand existing programs to increase the health care work force in New Mexico, particularly in the fields of primary care and psychiatry.

8/30/2019

AGENDA | Graduate Medical Education Expansion Inaugural Meeting

Meeting: Graduate Medical Education Expansion Inaugural Meeting Date: Thursday September 5 (9:00-5:00) & Friday, September 6 (9:00-12:00) Location: HSD Field Office: 1711 Randolph Rd., SE Albuquerque

8/30/2019

Public Notice | Graduate Medical Education Expansion Review Board and Advisory Group

Notice is hereby given that the New Mexico Graduate Medical Education Expansion Review Board and Advisory Group will convene a regular meeting on Thursday, September 5, 2019 and Friday, September 6, 2019. The meeting will begin at 9 a.m. and will be held at the New Mexico Human Services Department’s Field Office at 1711 Randolph Road SE, Albuquerque, NM. The public is welcome.

8/28/2019

Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham joins 16 governors who jointly signed a letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue opposing proposed changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program

Dear Secretary Perdue: We, the undersigned 17 governors — a coalition representing more than 149 million Americans — write to voice our opposition to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) proposal to essentially eliminate Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility (BBCE) from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Should this proposed rule take effect as written, hundreds of thousands of beneficiaries in our states would lose access to basic food assistance. As the Department’s own analysis reflects, many of those impacted would be among the most vulnerable in our states, including individuals with disabilities and the elderly.1 USDA’s proposal also jeopardizes access to free and reduced price meals at school for an estimated 500,000 low-income children.2 We shouldn’t be making it harder for struggling Americans to make ends meet and put food on the table — which is what this proposed regulation would do. As governors, we strongly urge you to rescind this proposed rule.

8/28/2019

Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham opposes Trump Administration’s proposed changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program

Santa Fe, N.M. – Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and the New Mexico Human Services Department (HSD) strongly oppose the federal government’s proposed rule changes eliminating Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility (BBCE) from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). She joins 16 other governors who jointly signed a letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue.

8/22/2019

HSD and CYFD announce intentions to separate the roles of CEO for the Behavioral Health Collaborative and the director for the Behavioral Health Services Division

Santa Fe, N.M. – Human Services Department (HSD) Cabinet Secretary David R. Scrase, M.D. and Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD) Cabinet Secretary Brian Blalock announced plans to separate the roles of CEO for the New Mexico Behavioral Health Collaborative and the director for the New Mexico Behavioral Health Services Division, which were previously filled by a single individual. Bryce Pittenger is named as the interim CEO for the Behavioral Health Collaborative (20 percent of her time) and Mika Tari as the acting director for the Behavioral Health Services Division (100 percent of her time). HSD is actively recruiting to fill both positions with full time permanent individuals.

8/22/2019

Child Support Enforcement Division extends offices hours for a second day in August for Child Support Awareness Month | Eight CSED offices will be open until 7 p.m. Aug. 28.

Santa Fe, N.M. – The New Mexico Human Service Department announced it will extend office hours for eight Child Support Enforcement Division (CSED) offices across the state until 7 p.m. Aug. 28, in honor of Child Support Awareness Month. The hours were also extended earlier this month at the locations mentioned below until 7 p.m. on Aug. 7.

8/21/2019

New Mexico Human Services Department reaches settlement with two more behavioral health providers: TeamBuilders Counseling Services, Inc. and Counseling Associates, Inc.

Santa Fe, N.M. – The New Mexico Human Services Department has reached settlement agreements with two more behavioral health organizations to whom Medicaid payments were frozen in 2013 by the Martinez administration. Settlement agreements were reached with: TeamBuilders Counseling Services, Inc. and Counseling Associates, Inc.

8/16/2019

New Mexico natives Karmela Martinez and Jeremy Toulouse promoted to Lead the HSD Income Support and Child Support Divisions

Santa Fe, N.M. – Human Services Department (HSD) Cabinet Secretary David R. Scrase, M.D. announces the advancements of two leaders promoting from within the department: Karmela D. Martinez as director of the Income Support Division (ISD) and Jeremy A. Toulouse as director for the Child Support Enforcement Division (CSED).

8/13/2019

Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham Issues Statement on Trump Administration’s Public Charge Rule

SANTA FE – Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham this week sharply criticized the Trump administration’s adoption of a “public charge” rule that targets vulnerable immigrant families who use public benefits, potentially disqualifying them from obtaining or renewing a green card or visa.

8/7/2019

HSD participating in Governor’s Cabinet in Your Community | HSD Representatives will be available to assist with constituent services Saturday Aug. 10, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Santa Fe, N.M. – The New Mexico Human Service Department (HSD) will participate in Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham’s first Governor’s Cabinet in Your Community event Saturday, Aug. 10, in Albuquerque.

8/5/2019

Child Support Enforcement Division extends offices hours two days in August for Child Support Awareness Month Eight CSED offices will be open until 7 p.m. Aug. 7, and Aug. 28.

Santa Fe, N.M. – The New Mexico Human Service Department announced it will extend office hours for eight Child Support Enforcement Division (CSED) offices across the state until 7 p.m. for two days: Aug. 7, and Aug. 28, in honor of Child Support Awareness Month.

8/2/2019

HSD encourages Medicaid Presbyterian Health Plan members to review their statements and contact their health plan or provider immediately if there is any suspicious activity

Santa Fe, N.M. – The Human Services Department (HSD) was notified today by Presbyterian that on June 6, 2019, Presbyterian discovered anonymous, unauthorized access gained through a deceptive email to some of Presbyterian’s workforce members around May 9, 2019. HSD takes the privacy and security of client information seriously. As a steward of our Medicaid members’ information, we are working with leadership at Presbyterian Health Plan to protect any information that may have been compromised. We encourage Medicaid members who have received health care services through a Presbyterian provider and/or have been a Presbyterian Health Plan member to review their statements carefully and contact Presbyterian Health Plan if they have any questions or concerns Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Mountain Time at: (833) 297-6405.

7/31/2019

Governor Lujan Grisham proclaims August Child Support Awareness Month | New Mexico kicks off initiatives to promote more parent participation

Santa Fe, N.M. – The New Mexico Human Services Department announced on Wednesday that Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has proclaimed August of 2019 Child Support Awareness Month, saluting all New Mexico parents who support their children and encouraging those who have difficulty meeting or are failing to meet their child support obligations to reach out for assistance.

7/31/2019

August Child Support Awareness Month Proclamation

WHEREAS, the New Mexico Child Support Enforcement Program puts children first by encouraging both parents to assume responsibility for improving the economic and social well-being, health, and stability of their children through Paternity Establishment, Support Establishment and Support Enforcement;

7/30/2019

Portales Income Support Division Office temporarily closed due to neighboring building fire

Portales, N.M. – The New Mexico Human Service Department announced that the Income Support Division office located at: 1028 Community Way in Portales, N.M. closed early Tuesday, July 30, 2019, due to a neighboring building fire.

7/23/2019

Secretary David R. Scrase, M.D. announces appointments to Leadership at HSD

Santa Fe, N.M. – Human Services Department Cabinet Secretary David R. Scrase, M.D. announces the appointment of key leadership positions at the department.

7/9/2019

New Mexico Human Services Department reaches settlement with three behavioral health providers

Santa Fe, N.M. – The New Mexico Human Services Department has reached settlement agreements with three behavioral health organizations to whom Medicaid payments were frozen in 2013 by the Martinez administration.

7/9/2019

DOH and HSD propose a three-tiered plan for people with disabilities currently waiting for assistance on the Developmental Disabilities Waiver

SANTA FE – New Mexico Department of Health (DOH) and the Human Services Department (HSD) propose implementing a three phased approach to provide temporary assistance to those on the Developmental Disabilities (DD) Waitlist first and to ultimately overhaul the DD Waiver program over a 6-year period in hopes of implementing a more sustainable program that better provides the services needed and eliminates the waitlist.

6/19/2019

HSD encourages New Mexicans to watch film, ‘The Shake-Up’

Santa Fe, N.M. – The New Mexico Human Services Department encourages the public to watch the nonprofit documentary film The Shake-Up by filmmaker Ben Altenberg, made in partnership with the New Mexico Community Foundation. The film is about the 2013 New Mexico Medicaid payment freeze to behavioral health providers that was conducted by the previous administration. The Shake-Up is scheduled to air on New Mexico PBS | KNME-HD, Friday, June 21, 2019, at 9 p.m.

5/28/2019

Public Notice – Medicaid Hospital Payment Rates

The New Mexico Human Services Department (HSD) is announcing its intention to raise Medicaid hospital payment rates effective July 1, 2019, as part of Governor Lujan Grisham’s focus on health care and as a critical step in fulfilling her promise to increase Medicaid reimbursement rates for providers at the center of New Mexico’s health care safety net.

5/28/2019

Gov. Lujan Grisham announces increasing Medicaid hospital reimbursement rates | $168.7 million targeted for inpatient and outpatient hospital services

reimbursement rates for inpatient and outpatient services by $168.7 million effective July 1. The hospital reimbursement increases are part of a multi-phase strategy to address the low Medicaid reimbursement rates for those who deliver care and services to the most vulnerable New Mexicans and help rebuild and protect New Mexico’s health care delivery network.

5/17/2019

Notice of Name Change – Qualis Health is changing name to Comagine Health

5/15/2019

Notice of Proposed Increases to Medicaid Provider Payment Rates

HSD announces intention to raise certain Medicaid provider payment rates effective July 1, 2019, as part of Governor Lujan Grisham’s focus on health care and as a critical first step in fulfilling her promise to increase Medicaid reimbursement rates for providers at the center of New Mexico’s health care safety net.

5/15/2019

Gov. Lujan Grisham delivers on increasing Medicaid reimbursement rates – $60 million for targeted provider rate increases

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham on Wednesday announced her plan to raise certain Medicaid provider rates by $60 million effective July 1.

5/10/2019

HSD exceeds the federal timeliness standard for processing New Mexicans’ SNAP applications

The New Mexico Human Service Department (HSD) announces that it has improved the efficiency of processing new, renewal and emergency Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) applications to above the federal timeliness standard of 95 percent for all its 34 locations since Oct. 1, 2018.

4/5/2019

Graduate Medical Education Expansion Bill Gets the Green Light in New Mexico

Santa Fe, N.M. – New Mexico Governor Michelle Grisham signed House Bill 480, Tuesday, April 2, which was passed unanimously by both the House and Senate. This legislation expands physician residency slots in the state. The bill was strongly supported by leadership at the Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine (BCOM), New Mexico’s newest medical school, and other health care collaborators.

3/29/2019

Hundreds of HSD employees help improve the ASPEN system

Santa Fe, N.M. – The Human Services Department is pleased to publicly acknowledge and thank hundreds of employees who have contributed to improving the ASPEN system. ASPEN is the acronym for the Automated System Program and Eligibility Network that was rolled out in January of 2014. The system tracks customer’s eligibility and benefits for services like Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF), and also handles MCO enrollment for the Medicaid Centennial Care 2.0 program.

3/22/2019

Gov. Lujan Grisham instructs DOH and HSD to develop a Medicaid home and community supports waiver

SANTA FE – Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham instructed the New Mexico Department of Health (DOH) and the Human Services Department (HSD) to develop a Medicaid supports waiver program to aid people with developmental disabilities in our state who are currently waiting for services.

2/18/2019

All SNAP food assistance benefits for March will be issued Feb. 28, 2019

Santa Fe, N.M. – New Mexico Human Services Department (NMHSD) announces it will issue all March food assistance benefits February 28, 2019, with an availability date of March 1, 2019. During the 35-day partial federal government shutdown, NMHSD issued the USDA’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) February assistance early on January 20, 2019.

2/14/2019

New England Journal of Medicine Publishes New Mexico Case Study on Medicaid Treatment Coverage Improvements for Chronic Hepatitis C Virus

Landmark New Mexico Study was a Collaborative Effort Between the Human Services Department, the University of New Mexico, and Medicaid Managed Care Organizations. The New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM Catalyst) has published a case study, “A Collaborative Model to Expand Medicaid Treatment Coverage for Chronic Hepatitis C Virus,” that resulted in expanded treatment for New Mexico’s most vulnerable patients.

2/13/2019

Gov. Lujan Grisham’s Administration Plans to Reverse Medicaid Policies that Create Barriers to Accessing Coverage

Santa Fe, N.M. – Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham on Wednesday directed the Human Services Department to seek federal approval to reverse several policy decisions previously made on the Medicaid program that would have impacted nearly 700,000 New Mexicans.

2/11/2019

New Mexico State Senate Unanimously Confirms Human Services Department Secretary David R. Scrase, M.D.

Santa Fe, N.M. – Today the New Mexico State Senate unanimously confirmed David R. Scrase, M.D. as Secretary of the Human Services Department.

2/6/2019

New Mexico “Stars” to be recognized during 13th Annual Behavioral Health Day at the Legislature

Santa Fe – The 13th Annual Behavioral Health Day at the Legislature is being held today, Wednesday, February 6, 2019 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the Capitol Rotunda.

1/14/2019

February 6th to be Behavioral Health Day at the Roundhouse

Behavioral Health Day 2019 will be on February 6th at the State Legislature. Other activities will be held on February 5th and 7th to bring attention to this important issue in the ways of advocacy and training.

1/12/2019

IMPORTANT BENEFIT INFORMATION – FEDERAL GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN

Due to the Federal Government shutdown, if you are eligible for February SNAP, HSD will issue your February SNAP benefits in January. They will be available on your EBT card on January 20, 2019. This is not a mistake or a bonus. The benefits you will receive on January 20, 2019 are your February SNAP benefits. The department encourages you to budget your SNAP benefits so that they last you through February.

1/11/2019

Human Services Department Working Overtime to Ensure all Eligible SNAP Families Receive February Benefits

The state Human Services Department is urging all SNAP recipients who are due for renewal of benefits in January to submit their renewal form no later than Jan. 15 in order to receive their February benefit. There are more than 25,000 SNAP households that are due for renewal, of which 14,500 are still outstanding.

1/11/2019

Secretary Designate Names Deputy Secretaries

Today N.M. Human Services Department (HSD) Secretary-Designate David R. Scrase, M.D. announced the appointment of his two Deputy Secretaries who will join his team to serve the hundreds of thousands of people who rely on the services provided by HSD. “Angela Medrano and Russell Toal will join me in my effort to serve the people of New Mexico with energy, intelligence, imagination and love,” said Secretary-Designate Scrase. “Their knowledge and experience with HSD will help jump start our work to focus on measuring current performance and strategically focus on improvements into the future.”

1/9/2019

HSD to Release February SNAP Benefits Early

The N.M. Human Services Department announced its decision to participate in a waiver option from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) that will provide an early issuance of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for February.

1/4/2019

Governor Announces Director of Medical Assistance Division

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham announced her top choice to run the division in the Human Services Department that serves more than 800,000 New Mexicans. Nicole Comeaux is the new director of the Medical Assistance Division in the Human Services Department.

11/1/2018

Open Enrollment Begins TODAY!

Today is the first day of open enrollment through Be Well New Mexico. Visit the Be Well NM website at by clicking the title of this article, or call 1-833-ToBeWell (862-3935) for more information.

10/2/2018

Centennial Care Public Forum

The state invites you to participate in a public forum and provide meaningful comments about Medicaid’s Centennial Care program. The State looks forward to receiving the public’s feedback about its managed care program annually. Per its agreement with the federal government, the State may hold the public forum as part of its Medicaid Advisory Committee (MAC) meeting. The forum will take place during the next MAC meeting on Monday, November 5th , from 1-4pm at the Garrey Carruthers State Library in Santa Fe. Providers, members, advocacy groups and other parties interested in discussing the Centennial Care program are welcome to attend. We look forward to your participation. For more information, please contact 505 827-3102.

9/21/2018

Public Informational Events Set For Centennial Care

A series of Centennial Care public events will be held in month of September. These events are an opportunity to learn about updates to the Medicaid program and get information on the Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) that will be providing Centennial Care services starting January 1, 2019.

9/1/2018

New Mexico Human Services Department Announces Recovery Month 2018

Today, the New Mexico Human Services Department (HSD) announced September as Recovery Month, 2018. Recovery Month is dedicated to promoting prevention, treatment and recovery for New Mexicans suffering from mental and substance use disorders.

5/31/2018

President Begaye Advocates Navajo Healthcare System

President Russell Begaye last week asked for federal support of a multi-pronged Navajo healthcare system that would serve the unique needs of the Navajo people.

5/16/2018

State Medicaid Programs Are Seeing the Value of Telehealth at Home

The Center for Connected Health Policy’s sixth annual Medicaid report finds that more state provgrams are reimbursing for telehealth services originating from the patient’s home.

5/3/2018

Many Children Have Parents Who Work Non-Standard Schedules

The image of evenings and weekends as shared family time may not be realistic for many parents and their children. • Forty-three percent of children in the United States live with a parent who works outside the typical Monday through Friday, daytime hours. • Half of all children who live with two parents have a parent who works a nonstandard schedule. Among children who live with two working parents, 18 percent have a mom who works a nonstandard schedule and a dad who works standard hours. Almost 1 in 4 have a father who works a nonstandard schedule (while their mother works a standard schedule). Another 18 percent live with two parents who both work nonstandard schedules. • Single parents also work untraditional hours. Thirty percent of children living with only their mother and 37 percent of children living with only their father have a parent working a nonstandard schedule. This data comes from the 2014 Survey of Income and Program Participation, which collects detailed information about U.S. families’ economic well-being. For more information about families with a parent working nonstandard hours, see this Census Bureau working paper on the same topic.

4/25/2018

Drug Take Back Day Provides Safe Way to Dispose of Prescriptions

Expired and unused prescription drugs can be dropped off for disposal on April 28th as part of the United States Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA), Drug Take Back Day.

4/25/2018

State Awarded Grant Money to Improve High School Outcomes

New Mexico’s high school students will have an opportunity to explore future career options in mental health and substance abuse,

2/15/2018

ELECTRONIC FUND TRANSFERS REACH RECORD HIGH

We are in the electronic age, and the number of customers receiving child support payments electronically is finally catching up with the era in New Mexico. Click the title above for more information.

2/13/2018

NM Opioid Hub – A BHSD Funded Program

Have you learned about the development of the NM Opioid Hub Program, part of the BHSD State Targeted Response to the opioid crisis? The purpose of the NM Opioid STR Initiative is to address the tremendous opioid crisis by expanding access to treatment, reducing unmet treatment meds, and reducing opioid overdose-related deaths through the provision of preventions, treatment and recovery services for Opioid Use Disorders (OUDs) in New Mexico.

1/26/2018

New Mexico State Income Rises on Energy Rebound

The Democrat-led Legislature and GOP Gov. Susana Martinez both have placed a high priority on increasing funding for the coming year to education, Medicaid, courts, law enforcement and economic development subsidies.

1/19/2018

New Mexico HSD Announces Managed Care Organizations for Centennial Care 2.0

New Mexico HSD Announces Managed Care Organizations for Centennial Care 2.0. Please click above to read the press release. The Centennial Care 2.0 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) can be found by clicking on the Centennial Care 2.0 link on the HSD homepage.

1/16/2018

Parental Responsibility Act – 2017 Annual Report

One of the strongest enforcement tools the Child Support Enforcement Division (CSED) relies on is what most people refer to as the License Suspension Program. The program is formally called the Parental Responsibility Act (PRA), which is in State Statutes (NMSA 1978 §40-5A), and has been in effect since July 1, 1995. Click the title above for more information, and click the link within the article to view the official report.

1/5/2018

CDC Releases New Data Brief regarding Drug Overdoses in the US

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) has released a new data brief: Drug Overdose Deaths in the United States, 1999-2016. 22 states, including NM plus the District of Columbia, had drug overdose death rates that were higher than the national rate (19.8 per 100,000); 5 states had rates that were comparable to the national rate; and 23 states had lower rates. Click above for more information.

12/27/2017

Mental Health Parity Report for Medicaid Managed Care in NM

The New Mexico Human Services Department (HSD) has concluded its year-long analysis of parity in its Medicaid managed care programs per the requirements of the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA). The final report of this analysis is posted here for public access. The report reflects the work by HSD and its Managed Care Organizations to review the NM Medicaid/CHIP delivery system to become compliant with the final parity rule.

12/15/2017

Child Support named one of the most cost-effective government programs

Did you know that the Child Support Program is one of the most cost-effective government programs in the Nation? And New Mexico’s Child Support Program is no exception. At the end of Federal Fiscal Year 2016 (FFY2016) the New Mexico Child Support Program collected $133 million, of which 95% went to families, while 5% was reimbursed for public assistance funding. Those collections amounted to a $3.26 cost-effective ratio for New Mexico, meaning for every $1.00 spent, $3.26 was collected by the child support program. Child Support accounts for about half the average income of low-income parents who receive it, lifting over 1 million people out of poverty in 2015. Employers play a big role in child support collections. In New Mexico 68% of child support is collected by income withholding from an employee’s paycheck. Click the title above for a summary sheet of the 2016 NMCSED Infographics.

12/8/2017

NAADAC Announces New Mexico as a 2018 SAMHSA-NAADAC Workforce Forum Awardee

For the third consecutive year, NAADAC and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) are joining forces with four Single State Authority offices and their local colleges around the country to host a series of Workforce Forums. The Workforce Forums will reach out to build awareness and educate high school and college/university students about the benefits and opportunities in the substance use and mental health disorder professions in the hope of increasing the number of college/university students choosing to enter the behavioral health field and specializing in these disciplines.

12/6/2017

New Mexico Rises in Mental Health Rankings

NMHSD Cabinet Secretary Brent Earnest announces that New Mexico has once again improved in Mental Health America’s “The State of Mental Health in America 2018” report. Since 2015, New Mexico has improved from 46th to 21st in the overall category.

11/16/2017

Water Well Trust Received USDA Grant for New Mexico Water Well Projects

Applicants must have a family income of $52,300 or less, apply to the program and hire a contractor. An approved application will result in a 10, 15 or 20 year loan to the family, to be paid back to the Trust at 1% interest. Click the title above to see the full press release.

11/6/2017

Child Support Bench Warrant Amnesty & Round-Up

The results are in for the 2017 Annual Child Support Bench Warrant Amnesty and Round-Up! The NM Child Support Enforcement Division (CSED) notified more than 600 non-custodial parents (NCPs) with an active bench warrant due to unpaid child support, to inform them that during the month of August they could come into their local child support office to pay the bond and get the bench warrant quashed/cancelled and avoid getting arrested. A total of 27 NCPs took the advice and came in, paid their bond, and avoided being arrested. The money collected through the Amnesty portion of the month totaled $ 52,474.50. Those who failed to take advantage of the Amnesty offer faced the possibility of arrest when CSED handed over more than 450 bench warrant packets to the New Mexico State Police for the Round-Up that took place in several New Mexico cities/towns. During the early morning hours of Monday, August 28, 45 NCPs were in the statewide Round Up, plus an additional 23 had been arrested prior to or after the Round Up for a total of 68 arrests. As of September 21, 2017 a total of $45,198.90 had been paid in bonds. The total of the August Amnesty and Round Up comes to 95 arrests and quashed/cancelled warrants and $97,673.40 in collections for New Mexico’s families.

11/1/2017

New Mexico Health Care Workforce Committee Releases its 2017 Annual Report

The New Mexico Health Care Workforce Committee conducts an annual study of the supply and distribution of the state’s health care providers in order to provide its report to the Legislature by October 1. New Mexico is a national leader in its ability to identify and offer in-depth analysis of provider shortages. This year’s report for the first time includes data from certified nurse midwives, licensed midwives and emergency medical technicians. It also provides an updated analysis of the registered nurse workforce, the first since the 2013 report. The Committee offers recommendations for building the provider workforce. While it might not be possible to act on all recommendations, given the state’s funding limitations, the committee’s recommendations may be considered a roadmap for future initiatives.

10/25/2017

Telephone Identity Theft Scams

There have been reports about what appears to be an identity theft scam by callers claiming to be representatives of the “Health and Human Services Department.” These solicitors are calling individuals several times a day and asking for their name, providers and other health related information. These callers are not affiliated with the New Mexico Human Services Department, its Medicaid program, the Centennial Care managed care organizations, or the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. If you have received an unsolicited call from someone claiming to be a representative of the Human Services Department or the New Mexico Medicaid program, you may file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission at https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov. If you have already fallen victim to this or a similar scam, please visit http://www.identitytheft.gov.

10/19/2017

Centennial Care 2.0 Update

The Human Services Department has held a series of Public Hearings, and the Medical Assistance Division is accepting comments from the public about Centennial Care 2.0 until 8:00 pm MST on Monday, November 6. The final hearing will be held in Albuquerque on October 30, 2017. This meeting will have a phone line available for any member of the public to join the public hearing or provide comments by phone. Click on the title (Centennial Care 2.0 Update) above for more information about Centennial Care 2.0 and the Public Hearings.

9/28/2017

Mental Health Parity Update

The Human Services Department has received an extension from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) until January 1, 2018 for compliance with the Mental Health Parity and Addition Equity Act. Click the title above to see the CMS extension letter.

9/28/2017

Centennial Care 2.0 Update

The Human Services Department, Medical Assistance Division (MAD), is accepting comments from the public about the Medicaid health care program known as Centennial Care and changes to the program being considered as part of the renewal of the Centennial Care federal waiver that will be effective on January 1, 2019. Comments will be accepted until 8:00 pm MST on Monday, October 30, 2017. Visit the Human Services Department website (hsd.state.nm.us) to learn more about the Centennial Care waiver renewal. The Department will hold four public hearings in different regions of the state to receive comments about the draft waiver.

5/31/2017

Medicaid Telephone Identity Theft Scam

There have been reports of what appears to be an identity theft scam by callers claiming to be representatives of the New Mexico Medicaid program. These solicitors are calling individuals several times a day and asking for their name, Social Security Number, and Medicaid number. Medicaid recipients should never provide personal information such as Social Security Number or Medicaid identification numbers over the phone to unsolicited callers. These callers are not affiliated with the New Mexico Human Services Department, its Medicaid program, the Centennial Care managed care organizations, or the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. If you have received an unsolicited call from someone claiming to be a representative of the Human Services Department or the New Mexico Medicaid program, you may file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission at https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov. If you have already fallen victim to this or a similar scam, please visit http://www.identitytheft.gov.

5/31/2017

Estafa de Robo de Identidad de Medicaid por Teléfono

Ha habido informes de lo que parece ser una estafa de robo de identidad por personas que reclaman ser representantes del programa de Medicaid de Nuevo México. Estos individuos llaman a las personas varias veces al día y le piden su nombre, número de Seguro Social y número de Medicaid. Los destinatarios de Medicaid nunca deben proporcionar información personal como su número de Seguro Social o números de identificación de Medicaid por teléfono a personas no solicitadas. Estas personas que llaman no están afiliadas con el Departamento de Servicios Humanos de Nuevo México, su programa de Medicaid, las organizaciones de cuidado administrado de Centennial Care o los Centros de Servicios de Medicare y Medicaid. Si usted ha recibido una llamada no solicitada de alguien que afirma ser un representante del Departamento de Servicios Humanos o del programa de Medicaid de Nuevo México, usted puede presentar una queja ante la Comisión Federal de Comercio en https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov. Si usted ya ha sido víctima de esta o una estafa similar, por favor visite www.identitytheft.gov.

5/31/2017

Centennial Care 2.0

The New Mexico Human Services Department (HSD) is looking at improvements to the Centennial Care (New Mexico Medicaid managed care) program that can be implemented in the “second generation” of that program, which we call “Centennial Care 2.0”. A pre-application Concept Paper has been developed and will be used as a basis for seeking additional input through public comments through this website and a series of public and tribal meetings held throughout the state in June and September 2017. Additionally, the public is welcome to submit comments to HSD through the online form, by email to HSD-PublicComment@state.nm.us or by mail. The deadline for submitting comments at this stage of the waiver renewal process (pre-application concept paper and application development) is July 15, 2017.

11/30/2016

Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment (SAPT) Block Grant Federal Fiscal Year 2016 Synar Component Report

The New Mexico Human Services Department (HSD), Behavioral Health Services Division (BHSD), Office of Substance Abuse Prevention (OSAP) is posting this notice to allow for public comment on the Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment (SAPT) Block Grant Federal Fiscal Year 2016 Synar Component Final Report. The report is substantially complete, but the public should be aware that the report is currently in draft form. A final State version will not be available until the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has approved the final draft. Written comments must be sent to the attention of Brian Chavez, Synar Program Coordinator, by fax (505) 476-9277 or email: BrianL.Chavez@state.nm.us by close of business on December 14, 2016.

10/25/2016

New Report Shows New Mexico Continues to Strengthen Mental Health Care System

New Mexico Human Services Department Cabinet Secretary Brent Earnest announced today that New Mexico improved fourteen spots, from 36 to 22, in Mental Health America’s annual rankings, “The State of Mental Health in America 2017.” The state’s vastly improved overall rank shows a lower prevalence of mental illness and higher rates of access to mental health care in New Mexico.

10/4/2016

Centennial Care Public Forum

The Human Services Department invites you to participate in a public forum and provide meaningful comments about Medicaid’s Centennial Care program. The Department looks forward to receiving the public’s feedback about Centennial Care, nearing the end of its third year. Per its agreement with the federal government, the State may hold the public forum as part of its Medicaid Advisory Committee (MAC) meeting. The forum will take place at the next MAC meeting on Monday, November 14th, from 1-4 p.m. at the Garrey Carruthers State Library in Santa Fe (1209 Camino Carlos Rey, Santa Fe, NM 87505). Providers, members, advocacy groups and other parties interested in discussing the Centennial Care program are welcome to attend. We look forward to your participation. For more information, call 505-827-3101.

9/13/2016

New Mexico Human Services Department Announces Nearly 25 Percent Decrease in Uninsured Rate

The New Mexico Human Services Department announced today that the number of New Mexicans without health insurance coverage dropped by nearly 25 percent last year. Since Governor Susana Martinez took office in 2011, New Mexico’s uninsured rate has plummeted by nearly half.

8/10/2016

Governor Susana Martinez Announces Crackdown on Parents Failing to Pay Child Support

Today, for the fifth straight year, Governor Susana Martinez announced a crackdown on parents failing to pay child support. The child support bench warrant operation begins this week and continues through the end of the month.

7/25/2016

New Mexico Crisis and Access Line Helping More New Mexicans Connect with Needed Services and Support

Today, New Mexico Human Services Department (HSD) Secretary Brent Earnest announced that the New Mexico Crisis and Access Line (NMCAL) is helping more New Mexicans find the help, services, and support they need for mental health crises such as anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and others. NMACL fielded 2,952 calls last month alone, 16,000 in the first six months of this year, and more than 21,000 calls in 2015.

5/10/2016

HSD Wins National Award for Partnership with Adelante Development Center for Providing Employment for People with Disabilities

New Mexico Human Services Department/Income Support Division recently received the 2015 SourceAmerica® National Achievement Customer Award (Non Federal) in recognition of the department’s support of employment for people with disabilities. HSD/ISD works with local nonprofit agency, Adelante Development Center, to help provide employment opportunities to 111 people with disabilities.

4/26/2016

New Mexico Human Services Department Proposed Reductions to Medicaid Provider Payments

The New Mexico Human Services Department (the Department) must comply with the State Legislature’s mandate in 2016 House Bill 2, which states that “the department shall reduce reimbursement rates paid to Medicaid providers…” As such, there will be reductions to many Medicaid provider payment rates beginning on July 1, 2016. The Legislature approved an increase of $21 million in general fund matching revenue for the Medicaid program; however, program costs and enrollment are outpacing available resources, ultimately leaving a gap of about $400 million between projected expenditures and available revenue. These reductions will result in targeted savings, while still ensuring that Medicaid provider reimbursement is reasonable.

4/25/2016

New Mexico Behavioral Health Services Continue Increase in 2015

After another increase in 2015, more New Mexicans than ever before are getting the mental health and/or substance abuse services they need. In fiscal year 2013, 87,373 New Mexicans received behavioral health services. In 2015, that number increased to 153,031. This represents a 75 percent increase from 2013, which means more New Mexicans are receiving behavioral health services than ever before.

3/4/2016

Request for Public Comments and Suggestions on Medicaid in New Mexico

To accommodate enrollment growth and continue improving the Medicaid program while meeting the budget requirements set by the Legislature, the Human Services Department is seeking input from New Mexicans on how best to address the budgetary shortfall. Click here to find out how to submit your comments about Medicaid cost containment initiatives.

1/28/2016

New Mexico “stars” to be recognized during 10th Annual Behavioral Health Day at the Legislature

The 10th Annual Behavioral Health Day at the Legislature will be held on Saturday, January 30, 2016 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the Capitol Rotunda. Twenty-six individuals and ten programs from throughout New Mexico will be honored as behavioral health service champions in their respective communities.

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