Finance

New Mexico legislators say improving health care access will take time and sustained policy action as lawmakers weigh proposals on Medicaid support, insurance affordability and provider shortages. The comments reflect ongoing efforts in Santa Fe to address cost, coverage and availability gaps that affect medical access across the state.

Cuts to federal food assistance are intensifying food insecurity for refugee families in New Mexico, where many residents rely on SNAP benefits to afford groceries. With federal eligibility narrowing and local food banks preparing for higher demand, the loss of aid is reshaping household budgets and community support structures.

New Mexico is stepping in to protect residents from steep health insurance premium increases in 2026 after enhanced Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits expired at the end of 2025. State lawmakers and Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham approved funding from the Health Care Affordability Fund to continue subsidies through mid-year and potentially beyond, ensuring continued affordable coverage for thousands of BeWell marketplace enrollees.

Retired educators participating in the New Mexico Educational Retirement Board (ERB) pension system began receiving their 2025 tax documents on January 27, 2026, marking an early start to the state’s tax filing season. The board’s latest newsletter also highlights ERB’s financial position, new facilities, enhanced security measures, and educational webinars — information retirees and active members will find useful as they plan their finances for the year.

A proposed New Mexico tax bill that would exempt affordable housing developments from gross receipts taxes could unlock millions in savings for builders and expand the supply of lower-cost rentals in high-cost markets such as Santa Fe. The measure, introduced ahead of the 2026 legislative session, highlights how state tax policy can influence construction costs, housing supply, and monthly rent burdens for low- and moderate-income households.