The New Mexico Centennial Care Program represents a significant advancement in the state’s approach to healthcare for its residents. Launched on January 1, 2014, this program was designed to replace the state’s outdated Medicaid system and implement a more effective and sustainable model for delivering essential healthcare services. As New Mexico continues to refine its healthcare strategy, Centennial Care stands out as a forward-thinking initiative aimed at improving health outcomes while managing costs effectively.
The core vision of the New Mexico Centennial Care program is to create a healthcare service delivery system that ensures individuals receive the appropriate level of care, at the right time, and in the most suitable setting. This approach is not about cutting services; instead, it’s about strategically investing in preventative measures and efficient care models to achieve better health for New Mexicans. The program emphasizes several key strategies to achieve this vision:
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Empowering Informed Healthcare Consumers: Centennial Care aims to educate recipients to become more knowledgeable and proactive participants in their own healthcare decisions. By increasing health literacy, the program seeks to enable individuals to make informed choices and effectively manage their health.
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Promoting Integrated Care Models: A central tenet of Centennial Care is the integration of various healthcare services. This means fostering collaboration between different healthcare providers to ensure a seamless and coordinated approach to patient care, addressing the multifaceted health needs of individuals.
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Strategic Case Management for High-Risk Individuals: Recognizing that some individuals require more intensive support, Centennial Care prioritizes robust case management for members identified as high-risk. This proactive approach ensures that those with complex needs receive the personalized attention and resources necessary to improve their health and well-being.
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Encouraging Member Engagement in Wellness: Centennial Care actively encourages individuals to take ownership of their health and participate in wellness initiatives. By promoting preventative care and healthy lifestyle choices, the program aims to foster a culture of wellness and reduce the long-term need for costly interventions.
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Value-Based Provider Reimbursement: Moving away from traditional fee-for-service models, Centennial Care is committed to paying healthcare providers based on the quality of patient outcomes rather than the volume of services provided. This shift incentivizes providers to focus on delivering effective, high-value care that leads to tangible improvements in patient health.
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Investing in Foundational Healthcare Infrastructure: New Mexico understands that building a strong foundation is crucial for long-term success. Centennial Care includes strategic investments in “seeding” medical and health homes, which serve as patient-centered hubs for coordinated care. Furthermore, the program prioritizes enhancing health literacy across the population, recognizing it as a key determinant of health outcomes. These up-front investments are expected to yield significant returns in the form of a healthier population and a more sustainable healthcare system.
Why Centennial Care is Beneficial for New Mexico
The New Mexico Centennial Care program offers a multitude of advantages for the state and its residents, positioning New Mexico as a leader in innovative Medicaid reform. Here are some key benefits:
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Modernization Without Service Reduction: Centennial Care successfully modernizes the Medicaid program without resorting to cuts in eligibility or essential services. Crucially, it also aims to support healthcare providers, recognizing their vital role in the system. This balanced approach ensures that vulnerable populations continue to receive the care they need while fostering a sustainable healthcare ecosystem.
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System-Wide Incentive Alignment: One of the program’s most significant achievements is aligning incentives across the entire healthcare system. Centennial Care creates a framework where the state, managed care organizations (plans), healthcare providers, and recipients are all working towards the shared objective of improved health outcomes at a reduced cost. This collaborative approach fosters efficiency and accountability throughout the system.
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National Leadership in Medicaid Innovation: With the implementation of Centennial Care, New Mexico has positioned itself among the leading states in the nation in terms of Medicaid program design and implementation. The program’s comprehensive and forward-thinking approach serves as a model for other states seeking to modernize their healthcare systems.
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Integration of State-of-the-Art Healthcare Techniques: Centennial Care incorporates cutting-edge healthcare techniques within a unified and comprehensive system of care. This commitment to innovation ensures that New Mexicans benefit from the latest advancements in healthcare delivery and management.
For any inquiries or further information regarding the Centennial Care program, please refer to the contact details provided below:
Centennial Care Comments
HSD Medical Assistance Division
PO Box 2348
Santa Fe, NM 87504
Medicaid Call Center: 1-888-997-2583
General Questions: Call Medicaid Call Center
