New Mexico Medicaid has awarded a contract to Guidehouse to assist in preparing the state’s application for the federal Rural Health Transformation Program grant. The selection of Guidehouse followed a competitive Request for Proposal process and incorporated input from stakeholders through a previous Request for Information.
An online public meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, October 22, from 10 to 11 a.m. via Zoom, where New Mexico Medicaid and Guidehouse will seek further feedback to help shape the state’s transformation plan. Registration details are available at https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/q7q0VM6dTNiK9GEBHZ3bog#/registration.
The contract aims to help the New Mexico Health Care Authority (HCA) develop a proposal that addresses workforce recruitment and retention in rural areas, strengthens financial sustainability of rural hospitals and clinics, and identifies new approaches in care delivery. According to the announcement, "The contract with Guidehouse will support HCA in developing a comprehensive, competitive proposal that meets the required components of addressing workforce recruitment and retention in rural areas, bolstering financial sustainability of rural hospitals and clinics, and identifying innovations in care delivery."
The Rural Health Transformation Program offers five-year grants to states to improve sustainability, access, quality, and equity in rural health care. If successful in securing funding, New Mexico plans to use it to expand services in rural areas, stabilize critical access facilities, enhance efforts related to workforce development, and implement care models that integrate technology with community-based strategies.
Award decisions from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services are expected by December 31, 2025.
The New Mexico Health Care Authority administers several programs including Medicaid, SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), LIHEAP (Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program), cash assistance, child support services, behavioral health care statewide, as well as managing benefits for state employees and overseeing health facility licensing.
