Commission approves resolution in support of Medicaid buy-in option

Nov. 15--LAS CRUCES -- The Doña Ana County Board of County Commissioners on Tuesday approved a resolution in support of New Mexico developing a Medicaid buy-in option for people who don't meet the program's income requirements.

A Medicaid buy-in option would give people a cheaper alternative for purchasing health insurance than buying it from private insurers or through the Affordable Care Act providers.

"It's hard to be poor in American," said District 1 Commissioner Billy Garrett, who supported the resolution. "It's very hard to be poor in New Mexico. The idea that you're sick and can't get care, it's just not right. This is one of those areas where Doña Ana County should lead."

An estimated 25,000 Doña Ana County residents do not have health insurance, according to the county. Statewide, 180,000 people lack health insurance.

Medicaid is a federal program, administered by states, that provides health coverage to low-income adults, children, pregnant women, the elderly, and people with disabilities. It is funded jointly by the states the federal government.

Currently, adults in New Mexico must have incomes less than 133 percent of the federal poverty level, $1,346 per month for a single person household, to qualify for Medicaid.

The Legislature passed two memorials in this year's session calling for a cost analysis of a Medicaid buy-in program. Tuesday's action puts the county on record as supporting that plan.

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