A delay in signing contracts with new Medicaid managed care organizations has slowed progress on program improvements, including provisions that would hold the organizations accountable for ensuring patient access to doctors.

Given the magnitude of New Mexico’s substance and alcohol use problems and its investments of more than $800 million in treatment, the state is spending relatively little in upstream interventions and prevention efforts.

Early childhood services can lead to positive outcomes, and investments have increased over 50 percent since FY23; however, challenges with program implementation and oversight remain.

New Mexico has invested substantially in higher education financial aid, but while enrollment is up, many students don’t make it to graduation.

Home visiting, parent education and supports for families, likely reduces child maltreatment and improves parenting, but participant often drop out and effectiveness may depend on the home visiting model used.

Juvenile justice referrals to the Children, Youth and Family Department have declined to about a quarter of what they were 13 years ago, with a drop in the youth population and a change in New Mexico’s approach to juvenile justice both likely contributors.

The state faces ongoing challenges in addressing the root causes of homelessness and transitioning individuals and families to more stable, permanent housing and has invested unprecedented levels of funding into new homelessness and affordable housing initiatives.