Leticia Muñoz, executive director of the State Republican Party of New Mexico, expressed concerns about the state's healthcare system. She highlighted issues such as long appointment waits, physician losses, and insurer pressures, challenging the governor's claims of preparedness. Her statement was made on X.
"New Mexico Governor says “I guarantee we'll do a better job than the federal government," said Muñoz. "People are waiting 6 months just for an appt. Doctors are leaving NM and insurance companies are fighting to stay alive here. So let's put on record her answer of “absolutely not” being prepared."
Between 2023 and 2025, New Mexico legislators and policy advocates engaged in discussions regarding revisions to the Medical Malpractice Act and the Patient Compensation Fund. These debates aimed to alleviate pressure on physicians and insurers by balancing patient protections with liability stability. Proposals also sought to improve recruitment through interstate licensing compacts. Supporters argue that these reforms are crucial for addressing rural provider shortages and insurer strain, as reported by Source New Mexico.
New Mexico's physician supply in 2025 remains below national averages, with approximately 159.4 primary care and 160.5 specialist physicians per 100,000 residents. Nationally, new-patient wait times increased to an average of 31 days in 2025, indicating tighter access and growing workforce shortages. These statistics were published in AMN Healthcare’s 2025 Physician Appointment Wait Times Report.
According to the New Mexico Office of the Superintendent of Insurance, average individual-market health plan premiums are projected to rise by 35.7% in 2026, impacting around 75,000 BeWell enrollees. Despite these rate hikes, insurers maintain medical loss ratios above the Affordable Care Act (ACA) threshold of 80%, suggesting that most premium dollars continue to be allocated toward patient claims. These figures underscore ongoing cost pressures and market concentration.
Muñoz serves as Executive Director of the Republican Party of New Mexico, overseeing statewide operations, communications, and policy coordination. Her leadership role involves connecting party strategy to legislative issues including healthcare access and tort reform.
