ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A federal judge has scheduled a hearing to review a report on whether New Mexico is providing timely access to emergency food benefits and health coverage under Medicaid.
Thursday's hearing is part of an ongoing legal battle over the state Human Services Department's progress in meeting court orders related to a backlog of food and medical assistance claims.
The report was prepared in January by a special master who was appointed to monitor and make recommendations to the department. It says the agency lacks sufficient knowledge, skills and abilities to oversee the program and calls for a management shake-up.
Other recommendations included improving worker training.
The New Mexico Center on Law and Poverty contends the department develops a backlog of unprocessed cases monthly, but the agency argues it's doing more than ever before to meet the court orders.