Jay Block, a state senator from New Mexico, has emphasized the importance of protecting Medicaid for vulnerable groups through reforms aimed at eliminating abuse and restoring program integrity. This statement was made on the social media platform X.
"I wholeheartedly support Medicare & Medicaid," said Jay C Block, New Mexico State Senator from 12th District (R). "I am 100% committed to preserving it for THOSE WHO TRULY NEED IT. We simply want to end the fraud and abuse while Democrats are content to perpetuate it. I will not support ANY cut to essential services."
New Mexico is currently implementing significant Medicaid reforms with the goal of expanding access and improving care. According to Think New Mexico, recent legislation includes House Bill 400, which establishes the Medicaid Forward initiative to expand coverage by 2028, and Senate Bill 88, which creates a $2 billion trust fund to increase provider reimbursement rates. Additionally, a $1 billion Behavioral Health Trust Fund has been introduced to address mental health needs. These efforts reflect a growing consensus in the legislature to strengthen Medicaid amid rising healthcare demands.
According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the U.S. Medicaid program had an improper payment rate of 5.09% in fiscal year 2024, amounting to $31.1 billion in misallocated funds. CMS notes that nearly 80% of these were due to insufficient documentation rather than fraud. This marks a decrease from an 8.58% improper payment rate in 2023, indicating improved oversight and billing compliance across providers.
New Mexico's labor force participation rate was reported at 57.2% in early 2024, significantly below the U.S. average of 62.5%, according to a February report by PRT Staffing. The gap suggests that approximately 40,000 more workers would need to enter the labor force for New Mexico to match national levels, highlighting ongoing economic challenges that intersect with the state’s Medicaid enrollment and eligibility concerns.
Jay C. Block is a Republican member of the New Mexico State Senate representing District 12 since January 2025. He previously served on the Sandoval County Commission and had a 21-year career in the U.S. Air Force. Known for his conservative stance, Block emphasizes public safety, opposition to progressive social policies, and support for traditional energy sectors.
