The agency managing New Mexico's largest health care program is asking for less — not more — state money to operate in the upcoming budget year.
It's the first time in more than a decade the Human Services Department isn't seeking an increase in state aid for Medicaid, which provides health care for a fourth of New Mexico's population.
Agency officials say a reduction is possible in part because of low price inflation and more available federal money.
The department has requested about $1 billion in state money for Medicaid in the fiscal year starting next July. That's nearly $19 million or 1.8 percent less than this year.
Medicaid will cost about $4 billion this year including federal money accounting for the largest share of program financing.
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