Funds generated from the tax help cover UNM Hospital’s maintenance and operating costs. Hospital CEO Steve McKernan said the hospital usually garners voter support.
Opponents of the tax, including State Rep. Bill Rehm (R-Albuquerque), argue the hospital is no longer in need of the funding in light of increased Medicaid reimbursements. UNM Hospital saw uncompensated care cost decrease from $84.5 million to $73.4 million between fiscal years 2015 and 2016, according to the report.
Mr. McKernan said Medicaid reimbursements do not cover all services UNM Hospital provides to low-income communities and those with high-deductible premium plans.
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