In New Mexico we have fewer uninsured children and families than in many parts of the nation, thanks to several state programs.  Yet we still fall in the bottom quartile when it comes to child health, according to a 2011 analysis by the Commonwealth Fund.

There are several issues that affect our overall health, including access and affordability. While access may be less of a concern in much of the state, affordability is a challenge for many.  In New Mexico the average total health premium for employer-based family coverage is much higher than in most of the country – 22.3% of income as opposed to the national median of 18%.[1]

When it comes to prevention and treatment we also have much room for improvement. For example, only 49% of all children in New Mexico have a “medical home” in contrast with the 61% national average.  It has been shown that families with a medical home tend to have better health overall, as underlying health problems are addressed before they progress to more serious illness. [2]

When it comes to the potential of New Mexicans to lead healthy lives, some indicators again show much room for improvement. Only 53% of all children aged 2-17 who needed mental health treatment or care actually received it in the last year (compared with 77.5% average among the top states), and only 29.6% of children received standard developmental screening during a doctor’s visit. [3]

To learn more about our health system, please read the articles below.