John Block, House Representative of New Mexico, has raised concerns about the state's developmental disabilities program, criticizing its underfunding. He also criticized child welfare leadership and defended legislation aimed at addressing Medicaid fraud. Block made these statements on the social media platform X.
"Last day of Legislative Health and Human Services Committee," said Block, New Mexico State Representative for 51st District (R). "Lots of interesting topics, specifically on the state of the developmental disabilities (DD) waiver (not adequately compensating providers), the CYFD secretary being a complete and total fail letting kids die on the state's watch, and performative panic over the Big, Beautiful Bill that will cut fraud in Medicaid."
New Mexico's Developmental Disabilities (DD) waiver program, established in 1984 to provide home and community-based support for individuals with developmental disabilities, is currently under scrutiny. The program has been criticized for underfunded providers and slow progress in reducing waitlists. Additionally, the Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD) faces controversy as its leadership seeks to transfer agency oversight to an external commission. This move has raised concerns from federal court "co-neutrals" who fear it could undermine foster care reforms and jeopardize nearly $100 million in funding.
According to a November 2024 report by the New Mexico Legislative Finance Committee, only 69% of DD waiver Medicaid payments reached direct support professionals (DSPs). These professionals earn wages averaging between $12 and $17 per hour and experience an annual turnover rate of 32%. These figures fall short of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' (CMS) pass-through target of 80%, highlighting ongoing staffing and quality challenges within the state's DD services.
New Mexico's Medicaid Fraud Control Units reported a record high of 1,151 convictions and $1.4 billion in recoveries in fiscal year 2024. According to Epstein Becker Green, recent legislative changes such as the Big Beautiful Bill aim to enhance oversight and address rising fraud rates within state Medicaid programs.
Block is a Republican House Representative from New Mexico’s 51st District, serving since January 2023. He sits on the Consumer & Public Affairs and Government, Elections & Indian Affairs committees. As reported by Ballotpedia, Block is also the founder of the Piñon Post and focuses on fiscal conservatism, energy policy, and government accountability in his legislative work.
