If there’s a shortcut to spiraling New Mexico’s rural areas into a depression, some politicians seem intent on taking it.
You may have heard about that “big budget bill” passed by House Republicans which adds $3.8T to the federal deficit and impacts hardworking families in multiple ways.
New Mexico has been doing a great job of increasing opportunity and access for low income families through programs like Medicaid and SNAP benefits (formerly called “food stamps”).
The bill – which is expected to be taken up by the US Senate next week – would gut both programs and send New Mexico backward.
Families that live in and contribute to rural communities are slated to take the brunt of those drastic cuts, according to a review of data provided by The NM Healthcare Authority, KFF, and New Mexico Voices for Children.
Driving away medical providers and closing hospitals
Healthcare coverage – including access to providers – is a key tool for New Mexicans to build a good life and contribute to their communities.
For families in rural parts of the state, massive cuts to Medicaid would be especially devastating due to a continued shortage of medical providers.
37% of New Mexico’s Medicaid enrollees live in a rural area, based on analysis by KFF, which studies healthcare policy across the US.
At least 8 rural hospitals who serve them are at risk of closure within one to three years if Medicaid reimbursements are cut, according to the NM Healthcare Authority.
Take action today: Call your local legislators and ask them to tell NM’s US Senators Ben Ray Luján and Martin Heinrich to protect Medicaid.
The cuts would also have a cascading effect on local economies as New Mexicans are forced to drive even farther to deliver a baby, treat an emergency, see a doctor, or visit a grandparent in a care facility.
Medicaid currently provides healthcare coverage in New Mexico to 350,453 kids, 70,790 older adults, and 11,346 disabled individuals, according to state data.
The Top 15: Medicaid as a percentage of county population
Sierra County 73%
Torrance County 71%
Luna County 63%
Curry County 53%
McKinley County 57%
Guadalupe County 51%
Quay County 48%
San Miguel County 47%
Socorro County 47%
Doña Ana County 47%
Cibola County 47%
Rio Arriba County 47%
Chaves County 45%
San Juan County 45%
Colfax County 43%
Source: New Mexico Health Care Authority 2022 Data Book – County Fact Sheets
Increasing hunger and harming local stores/markets
SNAP food assistance benefits are another important tool that boosts the independence and overall health of families across New Mexico.
It’s hard to overstate the economic impact of cutting $260B in SNAP funding. Each dollar of SNAP benefits spent equates to $1.79 in economic activity. Many smaller shops and stores, especially in rural communities across New Mexico, rely heavily on SNAP being spent in their stores.
Cutting SNAP would also weaken innovative programs like the Double Up Food Bucks initiative, which makes it easy for participants to buy fresh fruits and veggies grown here in New Mexico, while also reinforcing local farmers and ranchers.
There are currently 451,200 New Mexicans who use SNAP to purchase groceries, fresh food, and local produce.
Take action today: Call your county commissioner and ask them how they are planning to address potential cuts to SNAP food assistance programs.
Top 10 counties, by percentage of households receiving SNAP food assistance:
San Miguel 30%
McKinley 29%
Mora 28%
Cibola 27%,
De Baca 23%
Roosevelt 23%
Doña Ana 23%
Luna 23%
Colfax 22%
Chaves 22%
Source: Early Childhood County Fact Sheets – New Mexico Voices for Children