It's a cycle in which every solution seems to create a new problem. More new and effective drugs that extend, improve and save more lives cost more money because they require more expensive research and development to be produced. More government benefits mean a bigger tab to be picked up by health care providers, and more expensive insurance for employers and everyone else. In every area the demand for service is greater than the money available. Employers want a comprehensive group insurance package for employees at rock-bottom prices.
Patients expect perfect care with as little as possible out of their own pockets.
Physicians are trying to retain historic compensation levels, hospitals are struggling to provide the latest technology in a time of decreasing resources. But it's becoming impossible to do, especially for rural areas in the state. And it's becoming impossible to meet those costs. That's why you're seeing some hospitals converting to critical access facilities. It's simply not possible to maintain any kind of delivery of service at the government reimbursement levels New Mexico receives.