New Mexico's Behavioral Health Rankings Worsen Despite Significant Investments

A report presented to state lawmakers this week revealed a concerning trend in New Mexico's behavioral health rankings, highlighting a need for continued investment and reform. Despite recent legislative efforts to improve the state's behavioral health system, including the creation of a trust fund and Medicaid provider rate increases, the state's rank in key outcomes has dropped. The report, presented to the Legislative Finance Committee, noted that New Mexico slipped from 36th to 44th among states when it comes to overall mental illness prevalence, and from 32nd to 49th for adult substance use disorder.

Key Takeaways:

• New Mexico's ranking in key behavioral health outcomes, including overall mental illness prevalence, fell between 2023 and 2024.
• Despite significant investments, there is little evidence that outcomes are improving.
• The state's behavioral health system continues to face significant challenges, with need for services rapidly increasing and "really reaching crisis levels."
• The report highlights the importance of access to providers via Medicaid, with the state's Medicaid program serving 39% of New Mexicans.
• The state has made progress in reducing suicide rates (9%), alcohol-related deaths (17% decline from 2021-23), and high school student experiences of persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness (17% reduction between 2021 and 2023).
• The state's Behavioral Health Executive Committee, tasked with overseeing an overhaul of the system, is "really moving in the right direction," with growth in the provider network and increased access to care.
• An increase in Medicaid reimbursement rates to 150% of the Medicare rate in January is making a difference, according to Cabinet Secretary Kari Armijo.
• The state is launching a new justice-involved pilot program to connect individuals transitioning out of prison and jail to services.

Statistics:

• New Mexico slipped from 36th to 44th among states in overall mental illness prevalence.
• For adult substance use disorder, the state fell from 32nd to 49th.
• For youth with major depressive disorder, the state dropped from 42nd to 46th, and for youth with substance use disorder, 47th to 51st.
• The state has seen a 9% reduction in overall suicide rates.
• There has been a 17% decline in alcohol-related deaths from 2021-23.
• High school student experiences of persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness has seen a 17% reduction between 2021 and 2023.
• The state has seen an 8% decline in overdose deaths since 2021.
• New Mexico is making progress in expanding access to care, with over 4,000 net new providers entering the provider network over the past 11 months.

Sources:

• Report presented to the Legislative Finance Committee (exact wording not provided in the original text)
• Statement from Tim Fowler, spokesperson for the state Health Care Authority
• Testimony from Cabinet Secretary Kari Armijo