Holy Cross Hospital could be forced to reduce services or even close its doors in 2027 as looming federal Medicaid and Medicare cuts threaten the only hospital in Taos County.

CEO James Kiser announced the risk July 10 in a social media post, saying the cuts could devastate access to care for the roughly 50,000 residents of Taos, Colfax and Mora counties. Holy Cross is the region’s only provider of emergency and surgical services.

About half of the hospital’s patients are on Medicare and another quarter rely on Medicaid, Kiser said. “We want you to know our team is preparing for the upcoming changes and we remain steadfast on growing and improving care for our region,” Kiser said. “This is your hospital and despite these headwinds, we are optimistic for the future.

To support patients, the hospital has established a Benefit Navigation Team to help residents understand and adapt to coverage changes free of charge.

Hospital leaders and advocate groups are also backing a proposed property tax levy, known as the “one mill,” which would generate between $1.5 million and $2 million annually for operations. If approved by voters, the tax would add $1 for every $1,000 of assessed property value.

Residents and patients with questions about their benefits can contact the Benefit Navigation Team at (575) 751-8939.
To read directly from Holy Cross Hospital on this Mill Levy, see pages 2 and 4.