The Behavioral Health Medicaid Waiver Act establishes a framework for providing support and services to individuals with behavioral health disabilities in New Mexico. The Act defines key terms such as "behavioral health disability," "serious mental illness," and "substance use disorder," and outlines the responsibilities of the health care authority in acquiring, coordinating, and providing these services. The authority is tasked with developing individual support and service plans through interdisciplinary teams and engaging stakeholders in the rule-making process to ensure comprehensive and culturally sensitive service delivery.

Additionally, the Act mandates the health care authority to conduct monthly meetings with various stakeholders to facilitate the application for a Medicaid waiver program specifically for individuals with behavioral health disabilities. A consulting entity will be retained to assist in this process, with a deadline set for submitting the application by December 31, 2025. The bill appropriates $1.1 million from the general fund for the fiscal years 2026 and 2027 to support the development of the waiver program and the hiring of necessary staff. The Act is declared an emergency measure, taking effect immediately to address urgent public health needs.