Turquoise Health closing

and Thomas Garcia

Staff writers

Turquoise Health and Wellness “cannot stand on its own” when Lifewell ceases operations with them March 31, according to an email sent to CNJ from Matt Kennicott, the director of external affairs for the New Mexico Human Services Department.

Turquoise, a behavioral health agency treating Medicaid patients in Clovis and Tucumcari, has already notifiedthe state and all four managed care organizations contracted by the state that it will terminate its access in New Mexico on that date.

When asked about the implications for patients, Kennicott said the HSD will ensure access to care is protected.

“Our top priority is to ensure continued access to care for New Mexicans who rely on these services,” Kennicott said.

Kennicott said the Managed Care Organizations contracted to run Centennial Care (formerly New Mexico Medicaid) are currently working on transition plans to “help ensure that access to care remains in the communities affected by Turquoise's decision.”

Kennicott said the MCO's are contractually obligated to maintain provider networks for patients in their service area.

Presbyterian Health Plan, one of the four MCO's that contract with providers and medical facilities to provide health care services to members, has already been notified by Turquoise about the decision.

“We expect that this transition will impact approximately 500 of Presbyterian Health Plan's Centennial Care members, 100 of them in the Clovis area and 45 of them in the Tucumcari area,” said Liz Lacouture, the executive director of behavioral health at Presbyterian.

Lacouture said she is confident the transition to alternative providers will be completed by March 31.