7 in 10 births in New Mexico paid for by Medicaid
Posted at: 01/27/2013 1:23 PM
By: The Associated Press
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) - Seven in 10 births in New Mexico are paid for by Medicaid.
The Albuquerque Journal cites a 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.
The state Human Services Department oversees Medicaid and pays premiums to four managed care organizations to provide health insurance for New Mexicans who qualify for Medicaid.
About one in four New Mexicans are enrolled in the program.
(Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
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