A new analysis of insurance enrollment under the Affordable Care Act shows New Mexico has one of the highest rates of newly-insured people in the country. That’s good news for the residents here who now have access to health care, but the higher number of new patients is posing some challenges to doctors in the state.
New Mexico has seen a drastic reduction in uninsured residents since last year. Data shows the rate of people covered by health insurance has more than doubled in many counties.
Jerry Harrison is director of New Mexico Health Resources. That organization recruits healthcare professionals to work in this state. Harrison says more insured people means more patients for New Mexico doctors.
“They’re being asked to see more patients per day, wait times to get appointments are stretching out somewhat. Organizations are asking us to find more primary care physicians, nurse practitioners and physician assistants than we have in the past.”
According to the New York Times, New Mexico and parts of the Southern and Western US saw the biggest gains in newly insured people. Lower income people, minorities and those living in rural areas have signed up for new policies at the highest rate.
