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New Mexico Aging and Long-Term Services Department Requests $1M to Revive Key Division

The New Mexico Aging and Long-Term Services Department is seeking $1 million in the 2025 state budget to reinstate its Long-Term Care Division. The funding would help revitalize services that provide critical support for those who don’t qualify for Medicaid.

Aiming to Fill Gaps in Long-Term Care

In a bid to strengthen care services for residents who don’t qualify for Medicaid, the Aging and Long-Term Services Department of New Mexico has proposed a budget allocation of $1 million. The goal is to staff the Long-Term Care Division, which has been inactive for some time. This division was originally responsible for managing various community-based and caregiver programs but has been dormant following shifts in state government responsibilities.

According to Joey Long, the department’s public information officer, specific dates for the division’s inactivity weren’t provided, but the restructuring saw Medicaid waiver programs moved from the Long-Term Care Division to the state’s Department of Health, and later to the Health Care Authority. Despite this, the need for these services remains as strong as ever.

New Mexico, which has consistently ranked among states with lower average hours of nursing care per resident, is working to address the disparities by restoring key services. Only four other states—Texas, Oklahoma, Indiana, and Missouri—have fewer hours of nursing care on average than New Mexico.

mexico aging and long term care

Proposed Expansion and Integration of Services

The proposed $1 million will go beyond just reactivating the division. The plan includes integrating additional services under the Long-Term Care Division, such as Adult Protective Services, Veterans Service Program, and New MexiCare. The department also plans to house the Alzheimer’s and Dementia program in the division, further expanding its scope of care.

Emily Kaltenbach, Secretary-designee of the department, emphasized the need for these efforts during a Legislative Finance Committee meeting. She pointed out that the move would ensure a comprehensive continuum of care for New Mexicans, from preventive measures to long-term care options. The expanded Long-Term Care Division will play a crucial role in keeping seniors and individuals with disabilities in their homes rather than forcing them into institutional settings.

New MexiCare, a key part of this proposal, aims to support caregivers who help older residents age in place, assisting them with training, resources, and financial aid. This program has been operational in most counties except for Bernalillo and Doña Ana but will be expanded statewide by July 2025. Kaltenbach described this as a crucial step toward offering “a continuum of care” that ensures aging residents receive the support they need at every stage of care.

Additional Key Budget Allocations:

  • Five full-time ombudsman positions
  • Funding for Aging and Disability Resource Center staff
  • Contractual services for the department’s call center
  • Support for the volunteer program

The Broader Impact: A Statewide Initiative

New Mexico’s aging population has grown steadily over the years, placing increasing pressure on the state’s healthcare system. The reactivation of the Long-Term Care Division is viewed as an important part of the state’s response to these demographic shifts. Kaltenbach expressed hope that by reassembling the Long-Term Care Division, the department could better manage and support both current and future needs within the community.

While the Long-Term Care Division has been dormant for a period, Kaltenbach is confident that restoring its operations would have a profound effect on the state’s ability to address gaps in services for elderly and disabled residents. This new proposal could dramatically improve access to vital services and make a difference for families who need assistance caring for loved ones at home.

As the state looks ahead to 2025, the proposed funding will be crucial in shaping New Mexico’s long-term care landscape. With a focus on caregiver support and community-based services, the move is designed to provide residents with the ability to live independently and with dignity, avoiding the institutionalization that has been a hallmark of past care practices.

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