Las Cruces, NM – This morning, Attorney General Raúl Torrez announced that the New Mexico Department of Justice (NMDOJ) is launching an investigation into Memorial Medical Center following allegations that the hospital has refused to treat indigent cancer patients, failed to screen patients for financial assistance, and denied medical services to patients in violation of New Mexico law.
Initial reports indicate that the hospital may have denied care or required full, upfront payments from several uninsured or Medicaid-eligible patients. In many instances, patients who were denied care at Memorial Medical were forced to seek treatment in Albuquerque and other cities as their healthcare needs were dire. If proven, these actions may constitute violations of the Unfair Practices Act, the New Mexico Indigent Hospital and County Health Care Act, and the New Mexico Patients’ Debt Collection Protection Act.
“Patients fighting for their lives should never be denied treatment because they lack financial resources or have the wrong insurance carrier,” said Attorney General Raúl Torrez. “We intend to conduct a thorough investigation into how these patients were treated and we’ll be taking a close look at how the acquisition of this hospital by a private equity firm may have resulted in a management system that seems to prioritize profits over patients.”
The NMDOJ is urging any individuals who have experienced similar issues with Memorial Medical Center or other hospital facilities to come forward and share their experiences. The information gathered from the public will be crucial in supporting the ongoing investigation.
For more information or to report a complaint, please call (505) 490-4060.