Jennings: Medicaid Overhaul Ocurring Behind Closed Doors

Criticism of Gov. Susana Martinez’s administration over its approach to overhauling the state’s Medicaid program is intensifying.

Senate President Pro Tem Tim Jennings, D-Roswell, circulated a letter this afternoon that expounds upon criticisms levied earlier this week by Jennings and other top-ranking Senate Demorcats.

In the letter, Jennings blasts Martinez’s administration for a lack of transparency in moving forward with its plan to hire an outside consultant to craft a Medicaid redesign proposal.

“While I recognize that there will always be disagreements between the Legislature and the governor, and that the governor is the ultimate decision maker, it is not acceptable for the governor to disengage and exlude all other policymakers, dismiss our opinions and then proceed to secretly and unilaterally determine our future,” Jennings wrote.

Martinez’s office has defended the contract process, claiming all procurement rules have been followed.

The state’s Human Services Department has narrowed the list of outside consultants down to two finalists. A decision on which one is awarded the contract is expected to be made by May 12.

For today’s Journal story on the squabbling over Medicaid, click here.