7 in 10 births in NM paid by Medicaid

Seven in 10 births in New Mexico are paid for by Medicaid.  

Recent analysis by the state Legislative Finance Committee that shows 71 percent of the nearly 27,800 babies born in New Mexico during 2010 were paid for by the state and federally funded health insurance program for the poor.

 Experts say the large number of Medicaid births reflects a slew of problems in New Mexico, such as high rates of unemployment, drug use, school dropout and teen pregnancy. 

About one in four New Mexicans is enrolled in the program.

7 in 10 births in NM paid by Medicaid