FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 30, 2017
Contact: James Hallinan (505) 660-2216
Balderas’ recovery exceeds the audit amount identified by nearly $4 million
Albuquerque, NM – This afternoon, New Mexico Attorney General Hector Balderas announced he has reached an $18.5 million settlement with Presbyterian Healthcare regarding the failure to pay Medicaid premium taxes by the corporation. The settlement exceeds the amount identified, $14.6 million, in the recently released Examination Resources audit by nearly four million dollars. The $18.5 million dollar recovery only settles the Attorney General’s lawsuit regarding the $14.6 million identified for Medicaid Premium taxes, the remainder of the $29 million identified in the Examination Resources audit is still subject to enforcement. This quick settlement will return critical funds owed to the State of New Mexico and greatly assist the state budget at a crucial time.
“This $18.5 million settlement returns critical funds owed to New Mexico taxpayers at a time of fiscal crisis,” said Attorney General Hector Balderas. “New Mexicans deserve access to the best healthcare available and at affordable prices, they should not continue to face higher insurance premiums while quality care becomes harder to access. Presbyterian, and all healthcare companies operating in New Mexico, should be focusing on removing barriers for New Mexico families and providing the best care possible, putting people above profits.”
Nearly half of New Mexico residents rely on Medicaid for access to healthcare, and all healthcare companies in New Mexico are responsible for paying their fair share of taxes from Medicaid dollars.
Attorney General Balderas continued, “I appreciate Presbyterian’s willingness to do the right thing and pay what they owe through this speedy resolution. Given the corporation’s ambitious future plans, I am optimistic Presbyterian won’t repeat its past missteps. However, I will continue to monitor Presbyterian’s compliance with the findings contained in the Examination Resources audit.”
Please see attached for a copy of today’s settlement.
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