N.M. Delegation Announces State’s Selection for National Medicaid Demonstration Program

New Mexico will receive new resources to expand access to mental health and substance use services as one of 10 states selected for program 

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and U.S. Representatives Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.), Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.), and Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.) are welcoming the U.S. Department Health and Human Services’ (HHS) selection of New Mexico into the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) Medicaid Demonstration Program. The program provides states with funding to expand access to mental health care and substance use services. The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act gave HHS the authority to add New Mexico, one of the first 10 states, into the CCBHC Medicaid Demonstration Program.

“The mental health and substance use crisis in New Mexico demands action now,” said Heinrich. “As one of the lead negotiators of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, I am so proud to have secured New Mexico’s entry into this program. This will give more New Mexicans access to the mental health care and substance use treatment they need to live healthy and happy lives in their communities.”

“Mental health challenges and substance use disorder impact far too many New Mexicans and Americans across the country. We must continue to find ways to get people the treatment they require to recover and live full, happy lives,” said Luján. “That’s why I helped pass the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act that created the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics. I’m proud to welcome this critical investment from the Biden administration to help expand access to mental health and substance use treatment, ensuring New Mexicans have better access to life-saving care and resources.”

“To live a healthy life, we must take care of the mind, body, and soul. I voted for the Safer Communities Act, which funds this program coming to New Mexico, to bring much needed mental health and rehabilitation resources to rural states like New Mexico,” said Leger Fernández. “The Biden Administration continues to show its commitment to the wellbeing of communities at home and across the country. Everyone deserves access to quality affordable healthcare, regardless of their zip code.”

“Everyone who needs mental health services should have easy access to these life-saving resources,” said Stansbury. “Rural communities in New Mexico, like those in my district, must not be forgotten, and the Biden Administration is ensuring people living outside of our city centers receive the services they need. Wide-reaching programs are critical for helping those experiencing homelessness and substance abuse in our state.”

“Mental health services should be available to everyone, that’s why I’m proud to have requested funding for Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics during the Appropriations process. And now, I’m excited to announce that their Medicaid Demonstration Program is expanding to New Mexico,” said Vasquez. “Our rural communities are severely impacted by the mental health crisis and are the most in need of this support. This program will provide critical, timely services to ensure that all New Mexicans have access to quality care and will help bring us one step closer to ending homelessness and substance abuse epidemics in our state.”