Insurance Access: U.S. individual-market enrollment fell 18% in a year, with more than 4.6 million people losing coverage. New Mexico was the only state to avoid a decline in earlier marketplace figures; state officials are also holding information sessions on federal Medicaid changes. Medicare: Three providers are pulling private Medicare Advantage plans from New Mexico, leaving thousands of seniors facing fewer choices as open enrollment begins. Overdose Response: Bernalillo County declared a fentanyl emergency as New Mexico overdose deaths rose from 775 in 2024 to 967 in 2025. The county reports about six opioid-related deaths a week. Screening: The state health department is offering free breast cancer screening and follow-up tests to eligible low-income, uninsured women. Long-Term Care: A bankruptcy plan for nursing home operator Genesis means New Mexico patients and families with claims may recover only about 26% of what they’re owed; the company runs 21 facilities in the state. Measles: U.S. cases topped 4,400 by Oct. 15, and New Mexico is among states working with the CDC on outbreak response.
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Cancer Screening: New Mexico is offering free breast cancer screenings and follow-up tests to low-income, uninsured women statewide; the program has served more than 167,300 women since 1991. Medicare Coverage: Tens of thousands of New Mexicans face losing Medicare Advantage plans as Presbyterian exits the market and Blue Cross Blue Shield and Christus drop most plans. A state assistance program can help people compare options. Public Health: Health officials warn West Nile remains a risk in southern New Mexico, with 17 cases and two deaths reported this year. Fentanyl Crisis: Bernalillo County commissioners have declared a state of emergency as overdose deaths rise. Medicaid Changes: The state is hosting information sessions on upcoming federal Medicaid changes. Care for Seniors: A federal judge approved the liquidation of nursing home operator Genesis HealthCare; residents and families with claims may recover only about 26% of what they are owed.
Medicaid Changes: New Mexico’s Health Care Authority is holding free online sessions on federal changes set for 2027, including work requirements for many adults, more frequent renewals and limits on retroactive coverage. Medicare Access: Three insurers are dropping most or all Medicare Advantage plans in New Mexico, leaving tens of thousands of older adults to choose new coverage or return to basic Medicare as open enrollment begins. Overdose Response: Bernalillo County declared a fentanyl emergency amid rising overdose deaths, opening access to more funding and support for treatment and recovery services. Research and Prevention: A UNM study found signs of increased cellular recycling after endurance exercise among people who were not regularly active; the findings may help explain exercise’s health benefits. Free breast cancer screenings are also available to uninsured New Mexico women. Animal Health: Two more New World screwworm cases, in a horse and a calf, were confirmed in Grant County; officials are expanding surveillance and requiring animal inspections in affected zones.
Animal Health: New Mexico confirmed two more New World screwworm cases—a horse and a calf in Grant County. Officials expanded inspection zones and surveillance; animals in affected areas must be checked and treated before moving. Medicare Access: Presbyterian, Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Mexico and Christus are dropping most Medicare Advantage plans, putting tens of thousands of residents’ coverage at risk as open enrollment begins. Overdose Response: Bernalillo County declared a fentanyl emergency as overdose deaths rise, opening access to more funding and powers to expand outreach, treatment and medication-assisted care at the county jail. Jail Healthcare: County officials recommended a model in which Bernalillo County oversees MDC care and hires a lead provider plus specialized contractors; the transition could cost about $36 million, with a final vote set for Oct. 27. Medicaid Changes: The state is holding a virtual information session today, Oct. 16, on federal changes taking effect in 2027, including work requirements and more frequent eligibility reviews; another session is scheduled for Dec. 8. Cancer Screening: Free mammograms and follow-up tests are available to eligible uninsured, low-income New Mexico women through the state’s screening program.
Fentanyl Response: Bernalillo County commissioners unanimously declared a state of emergency Wednesday to unlock funding for recovery services, enforcement and an overdose-risk dashboard as deaths rise. Fall Allergies: New Mexico health officials say heavy September rains extended pollen growth. Keep windows closed and wash pollen off after being outdoors; fever is more typical of a cold than allergies. Health Care Access: New Mexico’s gubernatorial candidates offered different approaches to shortages: Deb Haaland favors a public option, while Greg Hull has proposed private investment. UNM Hospital also named a new CEO. Community Support: A mural honoring Grace Gallegos, who died after opioid addiction, will be unveiled Oct. 24 at the West Las Vegas campus, where a resource center bearing her name is receiving support. Climate and Health: Three proposed data centers near the New Mexico–Texas border could add substantial emissions and undermine regional climate goals.
Fentanyl Response: Bernalillo County commissioners are considering an emergency declaration as overdose deaths rise. The measure could unlock funding for detox, street medicine, treatment and harm reduction, alongside anti-trafficking efforts. UNM Hospital: Dr. Steve McLaughlin will become CEO in December, the first physician to lead New Mexico’s largest hospital. He plans to keep working in the emergency department. Jail Health Care: Bernalillo County is weighing a new medical-services model at the Metropolitan Detention Center as UNM Hospital prepares to exit. A proposal seeks $30 million from county reserves for transition costs. Public Health: Plague remains rare, averaging about five U.S. cases a year, mostly in New Mexico and Arizona. Health officials say sick cats have been linked to recent infections; pneumonic plague can spread between people. Insurance Costs: New Mexico approved an average 19.8% increase in small-group health insurance premiums for 2027.
School Meals: Albuquerque Public Schools expects food-service spending to reach $95 million this year, up from $54 million in 2024–25, as a new law requires at least half of meals to be made from scratch. Cafeteria workers say the added workload leaves some without time for breaks, food or water. Jail Health Care: Bernalillo County is planning a new medical-care model for the Metropolitan Detention Center as its contract with UNM Hospital expires next summer. The transition could cost $63 million; union officials have raised concerns about staffing and expenses. Indigenous Support: A state task force is weighing about $1.1 million in proposals, including medical care and counseling for survivors of violent crime and families of people killed, plus an investigator to review missing-person cases and identify unclaimed remains. Congenital Syphilis: New Mexico renewed an order aimed at combating infections passed from parent to baby. Insurance Costs: State regulators approved an average 19.8% increase in small-group health premiums for 2027.
Youth Health: New Mexico’s lawsuit accusing vape retailers and distributors of fueling youth nicotine addiction is awaiting a hearing after the companies sought dismissal. Rural Care: Quay County approved a nearly $661,000 contract to oversee construction of a new Dr. Daniel C. Trigg Memorial Hospital. Gila Regional Medical Center is also preparing to expand for a new MRI scanner. Prevention: The state renewed its order to combat congenital syphilis, continuing required testing. Affordability: New Mexico approved an average 19.8% increase in small-group health insurance premiums for 2027. Local Services: A free Oct. 20 expo in Albuquerque will offer health screenings and Medicare guidance for adults 50 and older.**
Fentanyl Response: Bernalillo County commissioners are proposing a state of emergency to address the fentanyl crisis, as the county continues to report New Mexico’s highest overdose rates. Food Access: Prickly Pear Food Co-op in Truth or Consequences now accepts SNAP/EBT and offers 50% off New Mexico-grown fresh fruits and vegetables through Double Up Food Bucks. Syphilis Prevention: The state renewed its testing order after syphilis rates fell 32% from 2023 to 2025. Congenital syphilis remains a serious concern: New Mexico’s 2024 rate was 366 cases per 100,000 live births, versus 109.6 nationally. Coverage Costs: New Mexico approved an average 19.8% increase in small-group health insurance premiums for 2027. Early Childhood: New Mexico officials and program leaders are pushing back against a proposed federal rollback of Head Start standards.
Head Start at Risk: New Mexico officials and program leaders are opposing a proposed federal rollback that could weaken services for nearly 8,000 local children and families. The changes would remove staff-to-child ratio standards, require English-only instruction and sharply limit administrative spending. Insurance Costs: New Mexico approved an average 19.8% increase in small-group health insurance premiums for 2027, adding pressure for employers and workers. Rural Health Care: Gubernatorial candidate Deb Haaland toured a rural New Mexico hospital and highlighted challenges tied to Medicaid and access to care.
Insurance Costs: New Mexico regulators approved an average 19.8% increase in small-group health premiums for 2027. Separately, changes to federal ACA subsidy rules could leave some enrollees facing steep paybacks if their 2026 income exceeds their estimate. Care Access: Former Albuquerque Mayor Richard Berry says tackling the state’s physician shortage remains a priority, while Haaland highlighted rural health care and Medicaid challenges during a hospital visit. UNM also dropped its plan to acquire Alta Vista, amid questions about abortion services. Public Health: New Mexico renewed its syphilis testing order. Bernalillo County officials also presented preliminary plans for a crisis triage center. Environmental Health: A report describes concerns about toxic, sometimes radioactive oilfield wastewater dumped near southern New Mexico waterways.
Insurance Coverage: New ACA rules leave 2026 enrollees facing repayment of the full excess subsidy if their income is higher than estimated; those above 400% of the poverty line have no repayment cap. Surgical Safety: Lovelace Health System is piloting computer vision to help staff check surgical instrument trays, aiming to prevent delays and reduce patient-safety risks. Physician Access: New Mexico Medical Society CEO Richard Berry says putting recent malpractice-law changes into practice, improving business conditions and developing the workforce are key to addressing the state’s doctor shortage. Rural Care: UNM’s preliminary plan to acquire Alta Vista Regional Hospital in Las Vegas has expired, leaving questions about the proposed deal and a separate state appropriation for reproductive health care. Insurance Costs: New Mexico approved an average 19.8% increase in small-group health premiums for 2027.
Doctor Shortage: Richard Berry, the new head of the New Mexico Medical Society, says the state must put recent malpractice-law changes into practice and improve workforce development to help doctors succeed. Environmental Health: Near the Black River, a suspected produced-water dump has raised safety concerns. The oilfield waste can contain toxic chemicals and may be radioactive, and trucks haul it across southern New Mexico. Rural Care: UNM’s preliminary plan to acquire Alta Vista Regional Hospital in Las Vegas has lapsed, leaving questions about the future of the 25-bed hospital and whether the deal was tied to state funding for reproductive health care. Public Health: New Mexico renewed its syphilis testing order, while thousands of immigrants in the state could lose health coverage amid Medicaid changes.
Rural Care: UNM has dropped its plan to acquire Alta Vista Regional Hospital in Las Vegas, leaving questions about the future of the 25-bed rural facility and whether the proposal was tied to a reproductive health clinic. Insurance Costs: New Mexico approved an average 19.8% increase in small-group health premiums for 2027. Separately, some ACA enrollees nationwide are receiving one-time $500 checks, even as insurers seek higher rates next year. Public Health: The state renewed its syphilis testing order as it continues efforts to address infections. Family Health: New Mexico is offering free portable cribs to families during Safe Sleep Awareness Month. Behavioral Health: The state committee approved all 13 regional behavioral health plans, while county officials reviewed preliminary plans for a crisis triage center.
Coverage Costs: Nearly 1 million Affordable Care Act enrollees are receiving one-time $500 checks, but New Mexico has approved an average 19.8% increase in small-group health premiums for 2027. Medicaid Access: Federal eligibility restrictions that took effect Oct. 1 are putting thousands of immigrants in New Mexico at risk of losing coverage. Rural and Behavioral Health: Deb Haaland highlighted Medicaid and health care challenges during a visit to a rural New Mexico hospital. In San Juan County, preliminary plans for a crisis triage center outline a short-term alternative to emergency rooms and jail for people facing mental health or substance-use crises. Prevention: New Mexico renewed its syphilis response order and is offering free portable cribs to families this month.
Organ Donation: A Balloon Fiesta ride reunited Albuquerque liver-transplant recipient Victoria Yocum with the family of the donor whose liver saved her life. Overdose Prevention: Santa Fe County has launched a new fentanyl-awareness campaign, “Your Tomorrow Matters,” promoting recovery support, naloxone and the advice not to use alone. Insurance Costs: New Mexico approved an average 19.8% increase in small-group health premiums for 2027, adding pressure on employers and workers. Medicaid Access: New eligibility restrictions have left thousands of immigrants in New Mexico without coverage, while broader federal Medicaid changes are still ahead. Rural Care: Deb Haaland toured a rural New Mexico hospital and highlighted Medicaid and health-care challenges facing rural communities. Public Health: New Mexico renewed its effort to combat syphilis, and the state is offering free portable cribs to families in need. Emergency Response: New Mexico’s fire department trained a record number of EMTs and paramedics.
Health Costs: New Mexico approved an average 19.8% increase in small-group health premiums for 2027, adding pressure for people and businesses already facing rising insurance costs. Medicaid Access: Changes to Medicaid are expected to leave thousands of immigrants in New Mexico without coverage, while a rural hospital tour by gubernatorial candidate Deb Haaland highlighted wider concerns about Medicaid and access to care. Stroke Care: San Juan Regional Medical Center has earned primary stroke center certification, bringing specialized care to the Four Corners; the nearest certified hospital had been nearly 200 miles away. Infant Safety: The state is offering free portable cribs to families who complete safe-sleep training. Sudden unexpected infant death is New Mexico’s third-leading cause of infant fatalities, averaging 110 deaths a year from 2020 to 2024. Rural Health: A $96 million Alamo Navajo Health Center is planned for rural Socorro County, bringing a major investment in care to an underserved community.
Insurance Costs: New Mexico approved an average 19.8% increase in small-business health premiums for 2027, affecting coverage for more than 31,000 people. Officials cite higher medical claims and rising care costs. Jail Health: Two people died in Curry County’s jail within seven weeks. Officials say both deaths are under investigation; the county disclosed the second inmate’s identity after inquiries from a local newspaper. Rural Care: Gubernatorial candidate Deb Haaland toured Presbyterian Española Hospital and heard concerns about rural services and the possible effects of Medicaid cuts. Stroke Services: San Juan Regional Medical Center earned primary stroke center certification, bringing timely, specialized care closer to Four Corners residents. Infant Safety: The state is offering free portable cribs to families who complete safe-sleep training. New Mexico averages about 110 sudden unexpected infant deaths a year.
Syphilis Prevention: New Mexico is renewing expanded syphilis testing to protect newborns. Cases have fallen more than 32% in three years, but remain among the nation’s highest; infection during pregnancy can cause birth defects or death. Infant Safety: The state is offering free portable cribs to families in need. Families can check eligibility by completing safe-sleep training at safesleepNM.org. Head Start: New Mexico is leading a 25-state coalition opposing proposed federal cuts to the program, which provides early education and health services to low-income families. The proposal would roll back standards and require English-only instruction. Air Quality: During a visit to Santa Fe, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin said the agency plans to eliminate its program for identifying major methane leaks. Environmental groups warn the rollback could worsen pollution near oil and gas sites.**
Early Childhood: New Mexico is leading 25 attorneys general opposing proposed Head Start cuts they say could weaken child-safety standards and reduce health and family services. Infant Safety: The state is offering free portable cribs to eligible families after they complete safe-sleep training at safesleepNM.org. Infectious Disease: New Mexico renewed its syphilis testing order. Rates have fallen 32% since 2023, but congenital syphilis remains far above the national rate. Mental Health: Families in seven counties can get free court-based help connecting loved ones with serious mental illness to community treatment. Public Health Tools: A new UNM College of Pharmacy dashboard tracks poison exposures among people and pets by county and severity. Pollution: EPA chief Lee Zeldin announced plans to weaken methane protections at a Santa Fe industry conference; environmental groups warn the changes could threaten health near oil and gas sites. Cancer Care: A Sierra Vista Hospital 5K on Oct. 24 will raise funds for a local group that helps patients travel to treatment.
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