Dear Stakeholders and Community Partners:
Under the visionary leadership of Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, I am proud to announce the upcoming launch of the New Mexico Health Care Authority (HCA), set to begin operations on July 1, 2024.
The establishment of the HCA is a significant moment for the state of New Mexico that demonstrates our commitment to prioritizing the health and wellbeing of every New Mexican. This transition represents a strategic consolidation of efforts to optimize health care purchasing, policy, and regulation under one umbrella.
Effective July 1, 2024, the HCA will operate as a new executive department, integrating resources and mandates from key entities, including the Human Services Department (HSD), the Employee Benefits Bureau from the General Services Department (GSD), the Health Care Affordability Fund team from the Office of Superintendent of Insurance (OSI), and the Division of Health Improvement and Developmental Disabilities Supports Division from the Department of Health (NMHealth).
Please know that our customers will not experience any change in their benefits because of this change. All essential services provided by HSD, including Medicaid, SNAP, TANF, LIHEAP, and child support, will continue without interruption.
The creation of the HCA is not merely a name change, but a demonstration of our commitment to building a healthier New Mexico by ensuring:
• Transparency and clarity in New Mexico’s health system performance
• Oversight and accountability to enhance quality of care and health outcomes
• Cost-effectiveness and proactive management of state health care funds
• Customer service through a no-wrong door approach to health care and safety-net services
• Unified vision and strategy for health care service delivery and coverage Furthermore, the HCA will continue to address many of the underlying issues that influence health outcomes in our state, such as expanding access to care in rural communities, building a robust behavioral health system, and providing income and child support programs that address poverty and food insecurity.
We are also excited to announce the transition from the Centennial Care Managed Care Medicaid program to the Turquoise Care Managed Care Medicaid program, effective July 1, 2024. We encourage you to explore the improvements and additional details of the new Medicaid program on the Turquoise Care website. As we transition to the HCA, your ongoing partnership remains crucial. We are committed to continue building a health care system that genuinely meets the needs of every New Mexican.
For any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us at hcatransition@ hsd.nm.gov. We value your input immensely and look forward to our continued collaboration under the New Mexico Health Care Authority.
Thank you for your continued support and partnership.
Sincerely, Kari Armijo Cabinet Secretary New Mexico Health Care Authority