The New Mexico Human Services Department has joined forces with the UNM Health Policy Center to conduct a survey on the public's attitude towards the application of Medicaid funding. The study, conducted by the newly established Center for Health Policy at The University of New Mexico's College of Population Health, aimed to gather insights and experiences of New Mexico residents regarding Medicaid.
According to the survey, which took place from April 25 to May 28, 2023, there is a significant amount of support from residents for utilizing Medicaid funding to address social determinants of health. The results showed that 78% of respondents were in favor of expanding early childhood development and prenatal support using Medicaid funding. Additionally, 74% endorsed the allocation of these funds to address domestic violence.
The survey also highlighted a clear understanding among state residents regarding the link between economic well-being and health. Approximately 73% of participants supported the use of Medicaid dollars for initiatives related to economic development, such as expanding job training opportunities and addressing homelessness.
Director of the Center for Health Policy, Robert Frank, emphasized the importance of the study's findings, stating that Medicaid can go beyond providing medical care and address the underlying factors that lead to expensive medical care, ultimately saving lives and money for the state.
The survey also revealed that a majority of New Mexico residents, 67%, are in favor of utilizing federal Medicaid funds to combat gun violence and mass shootings. This support was consistent across various demographic sub-groups, with higher endorsement among Black and Latino participants, potentially due to their increased vulnerability to gun violence.
The partnership between the New Mexico Human Services Department and the UNM Health Policy Center is seen as a way to better serve the state's 934,305 Medicaid customers, according to Alanna Dancis, the Medical Director for New Mexico Medicaid. This collaboration will help ensure that Medicaid funding is used effectively to address the needs and concerns of the residents of New Mexico.