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F I S C A L I M P A C T R E P O R T



SPONSOR: Marquardt DATE TYPED: 02/04/01 HB 245
SHORT TITLE: Rural Primary Health Care Appropriation SB
ANALYST: Esquibel


APPROPRIATION



Appropriation Contained
Estimated Additional Impact
Recurring

or Non-Rec

Fund

Affected

FY01 FY02 FY01 FY02
$ 5,500.0 Recurring GF



(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)



Duplicates SB176

Relates to HB2, SB98



SOURCES OF INFORMATION



NM Health Policy Commission

Department of Health did not respond



SUMMARY



Synopsis of Bill



House Bill 245 appropriates $5,500.0 from the general fund to provide services under the Rural Primary Health Care Act for the following: 1) $1,500.0 for dental services; 2) $3,000.0 for medical services; and 3) $1,000.0 for prescription drugs.



Significant Issues



There is the potential this appropriation could leverage approximately $15 million in federal matching funds through the Medicaid program.



FISCAL IMPLICATIONS



The appropriation of $5,500.0 contained in this bill is a recurring expense to the general fund. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of FY02 shall revert to the general fund.





CONFLICT/DUPLICATION/COMPANIONSHIP/RELATIONSHIP



HB245 duplicates SB176, Rural Primary Health Care Act.



HB2 and SB98, General Appropriation Acts of 2001, contain approximately $10 million for services under the Rural Primary Health Care Act.



OTHER SUBSTANTIVE ISSUES



In 1999, a task force of dental professionals coordinated by the Health Policy Commission concluded more dental services are needed at rural primary care clinics.



RAE/ar/njw