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NM Medicaid Expansion Draws 13K Applications

State officials say 13,000 New Mexicans have applied for health care services through Medicaid since enrollment opened earlier this month for an expanded program that will cover more low-income adults.

Gov. Susana Martinez's administration and a health care advocate consider it a good start for a state with among the highest uninsured rates in the country.

Benefits won't start until January for New Mexicans who qualify for the Medicaid expansion allowed under terms of a federal health care law. The federal government initially will pick up the cost of those who enroll.

Health Action New Mexico executive director Barbara Webber says her organization is working with other groups to make uninsured residents aware of the Medicaid expansion.

About a fourth of the state's population receives health care through Medicaid.

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