ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — A new national report finds New Mexico ranks among the states with the highest rates of residents without health insurance.
According to an analysis by NiceRx, about 10.1% of New Mexico residents are uninsured, placing the state among the top 10 nationwide for coverage gaps.
That rate is significantly higher than the national average of 7.6%, indicating a larger share of people in New Mexico lack access to health coverage.
The report identifies Texas as the state with the highest uninsured rate in the country, at 16.7%, or more than one in six residents.
Researchers say several factors contribute to coverage gaps, including affordability challenges and limited access to employer-sponsored insurance, which can make it harder for residents to obtain or maintain coverage.
The study also notes that rising healthcare costs nationwide are adding to the strain, with insurance premiums increasing by more than a third over the past decade.
Experts say higher uninsured rates can affect access to care, as people without coverage may delay treatment or face higher out-of-pocket expenses when seeking medical services.
The findings highlight ongoing challenges in balancing cost and access to healthcare as policymakers and providers continue to look for ways to close coverage gaps.
https://www.nicerx.com/blog/health-insurance-coverage-by-state/
