HOUSE BILL 451

56th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2023

INTRODUCED BY

Gail Armstrong

 

 

 

 

 

AN ACT

RELATING TO HEALTH; AMENDING THE PUBLIC ASSISTANCE ACT TO ENSURE THAT REIMBURSEMENT RATES FOR COMMUNITY-BASED PHARMACY PROVIDERS COVER THE COST OF INGREDIENTS AND PROFESSIONAL DISPENSING FEES FOR COVERED OUTPATIENT DRUGS IN ALL MEDICAID PROGRAMS.

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO:

     SECTION 1. Section 27-2-12 NMSA 1978 (being Laws 1973, Chapter 376, Section 16, as amended) is amended to read:

     "27-2-12. MEDICAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS.--

          A. Consistent with the federal act and subject to the appropriation and availability of federal and state funds, the medical assistance division of the department may by rule provide medical assistance, including the services of licensed doctors of oriental medicine, licensed chiropractic physicians, licensed dental therapists and licensed dental hygienists in collaborating practice, to persons eligible for public assistance programs under the federal act.

          B. Consistent with the federal act and subject to the appropriation and availability of federal and state funds, the department shall take such action as may be required to ensure that community-based pharmacy providers are fully reimbursed for the ingredient cost and professional dispensing fee for covered outpatient drugs in all medicaid programs. The department shall identify and update, at least annually, a list of community-based pharmacy providers.

          [B.] C. Subject to appropriation and availability of federal, state or other funds received by the state from public or private grants or donations, the medical assistance division of the department may by rule provide medical assistance, including assistance in the payment of premiums for medical or long-term care insurance, to children up to the age of twelve if not part of a sibling group; children up to the age of eighteen if part of a sibling group that includes a child up to the age of twelve; and pregnant women who are residents of the state of New Mexico and who are ineligible for public assistance under the federal act. The department, in implementing the provisions of this subsection, shall:

                (1) establish rules that encourage pregnant women to participate in prenatal care; and

                (2) not provide a benefit package that exceeds the benefit package provided to state employees."

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