Board of County Commissioners Work Session - October 6, 2026

Doña Ana County Board of County Commissioners work session, October 6, 2026: Health and Human Services staff reviewed revisions to the Healthcare Assistance Program (HCAP) standard operating procedures and proposed amendments to the governing resolution. The SOPs were developed with assistance from consultant Gallagher; staff also noted an existing contract with Gallagher for employee-benefits and insurance support, but no contract value, award, or new procurement was discussed. The board discussed eligibility language, a rolling 12-month enrollment period, claims processing, and clearer public-facing materials. Staff recommended beginning with monthly premium assistance and deferring copays, coinsurance, and other out-of-pocket assistance until the county can address administration, privacy, and budget concerns, including potential increased enrollment following Medicaid changes. Staff will prepare a redlined resolution for possible consideration on October 13. No vote on these amendments was reported; staff recommended retaining the existing 36.1% Medicaid rate for out-of-state hospital claims.

The meeting also included a presentation of a proposed legal-department SOP for litigation authorization, emergency legal action, and conflict counsel, developed in response to a special audit finding. The board discussed bringing it back for possible approval and whether the county should establish a broader policy clarifying which SOPs require board approval. No vote or new contract award was reported in the transcript.