Gov. lobbied to expand Medicaid

Associated Press

Updated: Jul 20, 2012 1:58 PM

SANTA FE (AP) — More than 50 organizations are urging Gov. Susana Martinez to support expanding Medicaid to cover more uninsured New Mexicans.

The groups sent a letter this week to the Republican governor, saying the expansion of Medicaid under a federal health care law is a "win-win for New Mexico." Among those signing the letter are health care groups such as the New Mexico Pediatric Society and religious organizations including the New Mexico Conference of Catholic Bishops.

The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled the federal government can't force states to expand Medicaid eligibility in 2014 by threatening to withhold money for the program.

Expansion supporters say 150,000 low-income New Mexicans will receive health care coverage and the federal government will cover the cost for three years before the state pays a share.

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