On April 07, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham signed an act for Diabetic Foot Ulcer Equipment Coverage, HB25-233, into law, making it the first state in the nation to require the coverage on state-regulated health plans.
HB25-233 will require private state-regulated insurance plans in New Mexico to provide coverage for the treatment of diabetes-related foot ulcers to prevent amputations. Diabetes-related foot ulcers affect approximately 15–25% of all people with diabetes at some point in their lifetime. And unfortunately, 15% of people with a diabetes-related foot ulcer will require an amputation.
However, HB25-233 will help meet the needs of people living with diabetes. Coverage for podiatric appliances and medical equipment for the early treatment of diabetes-related foot ulcers will prevent amputations and save lives. Early treatment can lower the risk of infection, increase healing, and decrease recuperation time.
Every dollar invested in podiatric care saves the health care system $27–51 for those with commercial insurance. This crucial law will not only make New Mexicans with diabetes healthier, but it will enable our state to thrive.
“Unfortunately, every three minutes and 30 seconds in our country, someone undergoes an amputation due to diabetes alone. But early intervention and treatment can curb that. This bill, to provide coverage for the treatment of diabetes-related foot ulcers in New Mexico, will improve and save lives,” said Christine Fallabel, the ADA’s director of state government affairs of the American Diabetes Association®.
We would like to thank Representatives Joshua Hernandez, Elizabeth Thomson, Eleanor Chavez, and Kathleen Cates for their leadership on this important piece of legislation, and we thank Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham for signing this bill into law. Coverage will go into effect January 1, 2026.
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About the American Diabetes Association
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) is the nation’s leading voluntary health organization fighting to end diabetes and helping people thrive. This year, the ADA celebrates 85 years of driving discovery and research to prevent, manage, treat, and ultimately cure —and we’re not stopping. There are 136 million Americans living with diabetes or prediabetes. Through advocacy, program development, and education, we’re fighting for them all. To learn more or to get involved, visit us at diabetes.org or call 1-800-DIABETES (800-342-2383). Join us in the fight on Facebook (American Diabetes Association), Spanish Facebook (Asociación Americana de la Diabetes), LinkedIn (American Diabetes Association), and Instagram (@AmDiabetesAssn). To learn more about how we are advocating for everyone affected by diabetes, visit us on X (@AmDiabetesAssn).
