OPINION: Bold action and reform needed to thwart exodus of NM health care providers

New Mexico is facing a crisis that threatens the health and well-being of all of us. Access to medical care is dwindling, exacerbated by a combination of factors that have left many communities without adequate health care services.

Needless to say, this situation demands our urgent attention.

One of the most pressing issues we face is the mass exodus of our health care providers. Over the past two years, New Mexico has lost approximately 700 doctors — a staggering statistic that underscores the urgency of this crisis.

Many physicians are leaving for states with more favorable working conditions, driven away by New Mexico's high malpractice insurance costs, inadequate reimbursement rates, and increasing administrative burdens. This loss not only reduces the availability of primary care, but also strains our emergency services, particularly in rural areas where access to care is already limited.

The main reason that doctors are leaving is the outrageous cost of malpractice insurance in New Mexico, which is the highest in the nation by far. For physicians, this represents an overwhelming financial burden, particularly for those in high-risk specialties. For many doctors, the calculus simply doesn't add up. The financial risks outweigh the rewards, prompting them to seek greener pastures elsewhere or simply retire.

Compounding the problem is New Mexico's Medicaid reimbursement rate — the lowest in the region. Low reimbursement rates force providers to choose between financial viability and their commitment to serving low-income patients. As a result, many are opting out of Medicaid altogether, further limiting access to care for some of our state's most vulnerable citizens.

The consequences of these systemic failures are dire. Lack of access to timely medical care can lead to worsening health outcomes, increased emergency room visits, and a greater burden on the already overtaxed health care systems. Chronic conditions go unmanaged and preventable diseases continue to spread. The repercussions ripple through families and communities, creating a cycle of health disparities that is often difficult to break.

Addressing these issues requires bold action and a commitment to reform. First and foremost, we must provide some relief to our health care providers by tackling the high cost of malpractice insurance. Simultaneously, we must advocate for increased Medicaid reimbursement rates to ensure that providers are fairly compensated for the care they deliver.

New Mexico stands at a crossroads. We can either allow this crisis to deepen, or we can choose to invest in the health of our communities by addressing the systemic issues driving providers away. It's time for the Democrat legislators to join with me and other Republican legislators in this effort. The health of our residents depends on it.

Craig Brandt, of Rio Rancho, is the Republican candidate for District 40 in the New Mexico Senate. He currently represents the Rio Rancho-based district. Brandt faces Democrat Amina Everett in the Nov. 5 election.