A 10-year-old boy from Roswell, NM, showed signs of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. The condition, if left untreated, could cause lifelong disability. His doctor acted quickly and referred him to a pediatric rheumatologist.

But there was just one problem: New Mexico had no available appointments. Not in Roswell. Not in Albuquerque. Not anywhere.

For weeks, his family waited and searched. Finally, they found help—in Phoenix, Arizona.

They drove 900 miles roundtrip to get their child the care he needed.

This is not exceptional. This is happening all over the state.

We have Patients in Peril.

Over decades, decisions by lawmakers have made it increasingly difficult for independent and community-based providers to survive. Three policy failures are at the root of this crisis:

• An unpredictable and litigious malpractice system that makes it too risky for independent providers to stay in business.

• Chronically low Medicaid and Medicare reimbursement rates that make it nearly impossible for small practices and community hospitals to cash flow.

• New Mexico’s Gross Receipts Tax on healthcare—a hidden cost that affects providers and hospitals, placing further strain on care access.

Children should not be forced to leave their home state for health care. But due to New Mexico’s specialist shortage and physician exodus, families are being pushed out.

We’ve lost 248 doctors since 2019—every year, a net loss. If we do not reverse this trend, more families will be forced to flee for care.

Our children deserve better.

Champion the highest standards in healthcare quality, access, and outcomes. Because no child should have to leave their state, their school, or their support system just to get medical care.

Your health deserves better than broken policy.

Families shouldn’t have to leave New Mexico to find care for their children.

Join the movement to fix what’s failing. Stay connected with us to learn more from Patient First New Mexico.