Marcus P. Lujan, Field Director for Think New Mexico, said that Senate Bill 88's new Medicaid permanent fund will assist in preventing doctors from refusing Medicaid patients by enhancing reimbursements. This statement was made on the New Mexico Sun's "Suncast" podcast on YouTube.
"We got one bill through... which established a permanent fund for Medicaid reimbursements for doctors," said P. Lujan. "doctors are covering these costs out of pocket, which is making them turn away a lot of Medicaid patients. helping get such an impactful bill through was really exciting and humbling."
New Mexico’s Senate Bill 88 establishes a permanent Medicaid Trust Fund aimed at stabilizing funding and improving provider payments over time. According to Think New Mexico, the fund will accumulate recurring revenue until it reaches $2 billion, creating a predictable stream to help increase reimbursement rates paid to clinicians who treat Medicaid patients. This initiative addresses access barriers when practices limit Medicaid panels due to low rates.
Senate Bill 88 (Chapter 113, signed April 8, 2025) creates two state treasury funds: a non-reverting Medicaid Trust Fund and a State-Supported Medicaid Fund. According to the enrolled text, beginning in fiscal year 2030, the Trust Fund will distribute 5% of its three-year average year-end balance annually to the State-Supported Medicaid Fund. This provides a dedicated revenue stream to support Medicaid financing and enhance provider payments.
Medicaid plays a significant role in New Mexico; USAFacts reports that on average in 2024, approximately 888,500 residents—about 41.8% of the state's population—were enrolled. With around two in five New Mexicans relying on Medicaid, reimbursement policy greatly affects access. Stronger and more reliable payments can facilitate clinics' acceptance or expansion of Medicaid panels, thereby reducing appointment delays and patient turn-aways.
Think New Mexico identifies Lujan as its Field Director. Born and raised in Santa Fe and an alumnus of St. Michael’s, he graduated with honors from New Mexico State University with a B.A. in Government. As part of a small bipartisan-minded policy team, Lujan organizes grassroots outreach and legislative advocacy. This context highlights his role in advancing SB 88 during his first session and his focus on practical improvements to health access.
