New Mexico Medicaid ensures continuous health coverage for children from birth to age 6

New Mexico Medicaid has received federal approval to extend continuous health insurance coverage to children from birth to age 6, benefiting 92, 842 children. Starting Jan. 1, 2024, this expansion eliminates the need for annual Medicaid renewals for this age group, ensuring uninterrupted access to essential health care services, according to a news release. Additionally, the Medicaid Home Visiting Program will be expanded to more providers, offering important early support to new families during pregnancy and post-birth. "With Medicaid covering 75 percent of all births in New Mexico, this achievement is a monumental milestone, offering significant support to 92, 842 children in the state," said Kari Armijo, Cabinet secretary for the New Mexico Human Services Department. "This change eases the administrative burden on families by eliminating the need for annual Medicaid renewals for children from birth to age 6 - we are ensuring uninterrupted access to essential health care services for our youngest New Mexicans." Expansion of Medicaid Home Visiting Program will allow additional home visiting providers to enroll in the Medicaid program, expanding options for new families to gain important support during pregnancy and after birth, the release stated. These services include prenatal and postpartum care, infant care, health and nutrition guidance, and child development support. "This expansion is a significant step to fostering family wellness and child development from the comfort of the home," said Lorelei Kellogg, acting New Mexico Medicaid director.

"The inclusion of more home visiting providers in the Medicaid program broadens the support network for new families, offering crucial assistance during pregnancy and postbirth." These approvals are part of a larger initiative to bolster maternal and child health in New Mexico. Federal approvals that start in January 2024 also include enhancements to existing programs such as: · Community Benefit, allowing in-home services for Medicaid customers. · Expanded services through the Linkages program, supporting individuals with sub- stance misuse disorders. · Authority for legally responsible individuals, such as parents, to be paid caretakers for children receiving certain Medicaid services. The department anticipates further approvals in 2024 for initiatives targeting health-related social needs, such as Medicaid coverage for incarcerated individuals during the pre-release period, housing initiatives with respite programs for unhoused individuals, and food as medicine programs for nutritional support to specific Medicaid populations, the release stated. "We are strongly committed to our mission to advance access to high-quality health care for all New Mexicans," concludes Armijo. "These expansions are just the beginning of more inclusive and comprehensive health care solutions for our state." Currently, 896, 528 New Mexicans are enrolled in the state's Medicaid program, the release stated.