I am writing today to announce the closure of the New Mexico Independent. After three and a half years of operation in New Mexico, the board of the American Independent News Network, has decided to shift publication of its news…
While environmental activists played their part yesterday during demonstrations at the capitol building, going so far as to dress up as solar panels and to sing the tune of “You Are My Sunshine,” their counterparts, the anti-cap-and-trade contingency who has…
Roughly one quarter of University of New Mexico students are unimpressed with the state’s flagship public school, according to a survey that questioned college students about their higher education experiences.
The New Mexico Human Services Department announced Thursday morning that Alicia Smith & Associates of Washington, D.C., will be awarded the contract to overhaul Medicaid in the state.
“We look forward to engaging in an important discussion with stakeholders throughout New Mexico about ways to ensure that Medicaid continues to serve the most vulnerable among us for years to come,” HSD Secretary Sidonie Squier said in a statement. “As exhibited by the Governor’s decision to increase Medicaid funding by $10 million in her executive budget, we take seriously the charge of providing basic health care services to those most in need in our State.”
Contract negotiations are ongoing, and the HSD release said the department hopes the deal will be completed by the end of May.
Medicaid provides health care for low income residents and those with disabilities. The program in New Mexico serves more than a quarter of the population, according to HSD.
Veritas New Mexico reported the Squier and Alicia Smith, who founded the company that got the contract, served in Florida’s state government.
Veritas New Mexico also reported:
Smith has also worked with private health corporations to help them improve their “positions” in state Medicaid programs, according to her firm’s website.
The Albuquerque Journal reported last week that key legislators were “left in the dark” about the Medicare overhaul.
“It’s not that we want control, but it should be a partnership, and we’re sorry we’ve not been consulted,” said Sen. Dede Feldman, D-Albuquerque, the vice chairwoman of the interim Health and Human Services Committee.
According to the Associated Press, nearly $4 billion in state money will be spent on Medicaid this year.
