NM SM2

Requests the Health Care Authority to submit a state plan amendment to federal CMS creating a pediatric palliative care benefit under Medicaid for children with serious, complex, or life-limiting illnesses

Allows concurrent curative and palliative treatments without requiring families to elect hospice care, which currently requires a terminal prognosis of six months or less

Required services would include pain and symptom management, psychosocial and emotional support, care coordination, and 24-hour nurse consultation

Health Care Authority must consult with the New Mexico Association for Home and Hospice Care, pediatric providers, hospice agencies, and family advocates in preparing the amendment

Progress update on the state plan amendment submission due to the legislative health and human services committee and legislative finance committee by October 1, 2026