Rep. Vasquez, a Democrat, urges state Health Care Authority to bring down SNAP error rate

Rep. Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.) urged New Mexico’s Health Care Authority to reduce its Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program error rate, warning the state could face federal penalties of at least $149 million. In a letter sent Friday to Health Care Authority Secretary Kari Armijo and Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, Vasquez cited budget provisions signed by President Donald Trump that impose consequences for states with high rates of over- or underpayments. Vasquez said he disagrees with parts of the Republican spending bill, including claims of drastic cuts to programs such as Medicaid and SNAP, but stressed the need for compliance to avoid misusing taxpayer funds. USDA data showed New Mexico’s error rate was 16.8% in the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, far above the national average of about 10.6%, and third-highest nationwide behind Alaska (23.2%) and D.C. (18.7%). States with errors above 13.3% get more time but must cut below 6% to avoid penalties. A Legislative Finance Committee evaluation suggested potential penalties up to $173 million if reductions don’t occur over two years, while Armijo outlined steps including targeted office reviews, improved data sharing, and broader use of artificial intelligence.