NM LEGISLATORS LOOKING AT BUY-IN OPTION FOR MEDICAID

NEW MEXICO (AP) – New Mexico legislators are looking at opening the Medicaid program to paying customers, in an effort to expand affordable health care options; the AP is reporting. The bill, if passed, would create a buy-in option for New Mexico residents who don’t qualify for subsidized health care. The proposal would work similar into current health care, and would allow state residents to pay a month premium to the state in return for medical insurance under the state’s Medicaid program. The program would be off limits to those who already receive Medicare or Medicaid, or who are receiving subsidized health care through the Marketplace. The concept was backed by Gov. Lujan Grisham during her campaign last year.