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Public commenters tell council uninsured and undocumented cancer patients face barriers to care at Memorial Medical Center
Summary
Speakers urged city leaders to press Memorial Medical Center and its oncology clinic to provide charity‑care screening and appointments for uninsured and undocumented cancer patients, citing a recent case referred May 5, 2026.
At the May 18 City Council meeting, public commenters described instances in which uninsured and undocumented patients were reportedly unable to secure oncology appointments at Memorial Medical Center in Las Cruces.
Yoli Diaz said she had circulated an email documenting alleged barriers and described a recent case in which a patient referred to Memorial Medical Oncology could not obtain an appointment because of uninsured status and was not screened for financial assistance. Diaz referenced ongoing investigations by the New Mexico Department of Justice and local litigation involving Memorial Medical Center and called on the hospital to provide transparent charity‑care screening and ensure protection for vulnerable cancer patients.
Leticia Magallanes likewise told the council the patient was diagnosed May 5 and said hospital systems should ensure undocumented residents have access to financial assistance or navigation services when referred for cancer treatment. Commenters asked elected leaders and health partners to intervene and ensure timely access to life‑saving care.
City leaders acknowledged the concerns but the public comment segment produced no immediate, agency‑level remedy; councilors thanked speakers and said they would continue conversation with county and hospital partners.
