Legislation to Open Medicaid Access Clears House Health & Human Services Committee with Strong Support
SANTA FE, NM – Today, the House Health & Human Services Committee advanced House Bill 186 (HB 186), a transformative step toward expanding Medicaid access and lowering healthcare costs for thousands of New Mexicans. Sponsored by Rep. Reena Szczepanski, the bill passed with a vote of 6-4 and now moves forward to House Appropriations & Finance Committee.
HB 186 builds on the successful Medicaid Forward model, aiming to remove income caps for Medicaid eligibility and implement a sliding-scale payment system that ensures no New Mexican pays more than 5% of their income on healthcare. The bill is a critical response to the state's growing need for accessible, affordable healthcare, particularly for those who earn just above the Medicaid eligibility limit yet still struggle to afford private insurance.
"Healthcare is a right, not a privilege," said Rep. Reena Szczepanski. "HB 186 is about creating stability and ensuring that hardworking New Mexicans—including small business owners, service workers, and families—can afford the care they need without sacrificing their financial well-being."
With 42% of New Mexicans currently enrolled in Medicaid, the program is already a trusted and widely used healthcare option. HB 186 seeks to expand coverage to more residents, leveraging existing federal funding to offset costs while strengthening New Mexico's healthcare system and economy.
Widespread Support for HB 186 from Healthcare Providers, Advocates, and Community Members
The committee hearing featured compelling testimony from healthcare professionals, policy experts, and community leaders, all emphasizing the urgent need for HB 186:
Arika Sanchez, Healthcare Director, New Mexico Center on Law & Poverty
"Every New Mexican deserves healthcare that fits within their family's budget—but right now, our system is broken. Too many families are forced to choose between medicine and food, while providers are stretched thin by uncompensated care. House Bill 186 sets New Mexico on a path toward real solutions. Medicaid Forward is a bold, common-sense approach that will lower costs, expand coverage, and ensure our healthcare system works for everyone. With guaranteed federal funding and overwhelming public support, we have the opportunity to make affordable healthcare a reality for all New Mexicans."
Dr. Rick Madden, Family Physician (38 years experience)
"We must plan for the future of healthcare in New Mexico. Medicaid Forward will not only improve access but also ensure sustainable payment rates for healthcare providers, which is crucial for keeping services available in our communities."
Lan Sena, Policy Director, Center for Civic Policy
"I have battled cancer for 15 years while being underinsured—even with employer-provided insurance. Before my bone marrow transplant, I was told my hospital was out of network, leaving me with impossible choices. No one should face this uncertainty. HB 186 ensures a stable healthcare system that won't abandon patients just because they make slightly too much to qualify for Medicaid."
Gabrielle Uballez, Executive Director, New Mexico Voices for Children
"Healthcare costs are burdening too many New Mexicans who don't qualify for Medicaid. Expanding access will help children and families get the care they need without the fear of losing coverage when they take a new job or get a small raise. We must eliminate the 'medic[aid] cliff' and make healthcare truly affordable."
Yzabella Villanaranjo, Legislative Fellow, Equality New Mexico
"At 17, I was kicked out of my parents' house and had to navigate healthcare on my own. Even with a full-time retail job, I barely earned above the Medicaid income limit and couldn't afford insurance. HB 186 will ensure young people like me don't have to choose between rent and healthcare."
Kat Sanchez, Community Leader, Doña Ana County
"People in Doña Ana County are afraid to accept promotions because they would lose Medicaid coverage. No one should have to choose between advancing their career and keeping healthcare for their family."
Andres Esquivel, Campaigns Manager, New Mexico Dream Team
"This bill is a lifeline for immigrant families. My mother, recently diagnosed with arthritis, struggles to afford the care she needs. HB 186 will provide much-needed access to necessary medical procedures for thousands of New Mexicans like her."
Beverly Neal-Clinton, Veterans & Military Family Caucus
"Veterans and their families often face financial barriers to healthcare. HB 186 expands Medicaid access up to 400% of the federal poverty level, easing the burden for those who have served our country and ensuring they receive the care they deserve."
Lorenzo Villescas, Community Leader, Sunland Park, NM
"I live near the Texas-Mexico border, where access to healthcare is incredibly limited. This bill is essential for thousands of New Mexicans who, like me, have had to choose between basic necessities and medical care."
Dr. Anjali Taneja, Executive Director, Casa de Salud
"This is a bold solution that benefits small businesses, the economy, and healthcare providers. Many of my patients, including those in recovery from opioid use disorder, lose their Medicaid coverage due to employment changes, which can interrupt or stop their progress in recovery. Clinicians are leaving the state because they can't practice effectively under these constraints. HB 186 is a necessary step forward."
Rachel Biggs, Albuquerque Healthcare for the Homeless
"Lack of affordable healthcare is one of the leading causes of homelessness. HB 186 will help prevent more New Mexicans from losing their homes due to medical debt and provide long-term savings for our state by reducing emergency care costs."
Next Steps: Ensuring Medicaid Forward Becomes a Reality
HB 186 now moves to the next stage of the legislative process, where advocates will continue urging lawmakers to prioritize healthcare affordability and accessibility for all New Mexicans. The bill's projected $45.8 million net savings annually—from federal matching funds, lower emergency care costs, and reduced public employee healthcare spending—further strengthens its case as a financially responsible and morally imperative solution.
"New Mexicans should not be forced to choose between healthcare and financial stability," said Rep. Szczepanski. "We are committed to pushing HB 186 forward to create a stronger, healthier future for our state."
For more information, visit New Mexico Together for Healthcare or contact Paloma Mexika at
