For Immediate Release
Contact:
Chris Nordstrum
(415) 601-1992
Chris.Nordstrum@nmlegis.gov
Critical Legislation to Address Rural Health Care Needs Passes Senate
SANTA FE – Today, Senate Bill 7 creating the Rural Health Care Delivery Fund, passed the senate with bipartisan support (28-8). Sponsored by Senator Liz Stefanics, Representatives Gail Armstrong and Marian Matthews, and a legislative priority of Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, the new fund is intended to support rural facilities and providers across New Mexico, improving access to health care for thousands of New Mexicans.
The Rural Health Care Delivery Fund, operated by the Human Services Department, will supply grants for rural healthcare facilities and providers across the state, giving them the ability to expand services like behavioral health, prenatal services, dialysis, rehab, and any number of other much-needed care offerings currently out of reach to many New Mexicans. The fund will aim to assist providers and facilities in counties with fewer than 100,000 residents (28 of 33 New Mexico counties) by helping to defray operating losses incurred in providing inpatient, outpatient, primary, specialty or behavioral health services.
“Whether you are living in Cliff or the colonias, Socorro or Santa Rosa, New Mexicans deserve to have equitable access to quality, affordable health care” said bill sponsor Senator Liz Stefanics. “For too long, our rural communities have been forced to piecemeal their care and far too often, it ends tragically for families. This legislation tells the health care providers and facilities who show the determination to expand services to chronically underserved communities that the state of New Mexico has your back.”
“I think this is one of the most important health care bills we can pass this session,” said Senator George Muñoz (D – Gallup), during debate on the senate floor.
New Mexico has an ongoing need for providers throughout the state. The passage of SB7 will not only help address that need by giving rural hospitals the ability to expand their service offerings, it will help local economies by providing new job opportunities within their communities.
Senate Bill 7 now goes to the House of Representatives for consideration.
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