SANTA FE — Nearly nine in 10 New Mexico voters believe the state faces a shortage of doctors, and almost half say they or an immediate family member have had a medical condition worsen because they could not get in to see a provider fast enough, according to a new statewide poll that underscores mounting concern about access to health care.

The January survey of 500 likely 2026 general election voters found that worries about long waits to see a primary care doctor or specialist now rival, and in some cases exceed, concerns about crime and cost-of-living pressures. Seventy-nine percent of respondents said they are concerned it may take a long time to get an appointment if they need one, compared with 66% concerned about being a crime victim and 56% concerned about being unable to cover basic living expenses within the next year.

The poll paints a picture of a health care system under strain. Sixty-seven percent of voters reported experiencing difficulty getting an appointment with a provider or specialist within the past two years, while 46% said an illness or injury worsened because they were not seen in a timely manner. Sixty-five percent said they or an immediate family member had to change doctors in the last two years because a previous physician moved away or retired.

“New Mexico voters are deeply frustrated with their inability to find or keep a doctor,” said Dr. Roybal, a New Mexico physician who has been involved in discussions about workforce shortages. “Amongst the worries of life, New Mexicans fear they won’t be able to get treatment when they need it. Sadly, nearly half of New Mexicans state they have had a condition worsen due to the inability to see a doctor.”

The survey found broad agreement about what voters believe is driving the shortage. Seventy-nine percent said the lack of a cap on punitive damages in medical malpractice lawsuits contributes to doctors leaving or avoiding the state, and 75% said physicians struggle to find affordable insurance because lawsuits are commonly filed.

Those perceptions translate into strong support for policy changes. Eighty-four percent of respondents agreed New Mexico should reform its medical malpractice laws to make the state a more welcoming place to practice medicine, including by placing a reasonable cap on punitive damages and limiting attorneys’ fees. Only about 5% of voters said they oppose malpractice reform.

Voters also sent a clear message about legislative priorities. Ninety-one percent said addressing the doctor shortage should be a high priority for the governor and Legislature during the current session. Among those who agree, large majorities said doctors do not feel comfortable practicing in New Mexico because of easy-to-file lawsuits, uncapped punitive damages and difficulty obtaining affordable insurance.

The poll’s release comes as lawmakers consider House Bill 99, legislation that proposes changes to New Mexico’s Medical Malpractice Act. The bill recently cleared its first committee but has since been the subject of proposed amendments from some Democratic lawmakers that critics argue would significantly narrow its scope.

Supporters of HB 99 say the legislation is one tool to help stabilize the medical workforce, particularly in rural areas where hospitals and clinics often struggle to recruit and retain physicians. Opponents contend the current malpractice framework is necessary to protect patients’ rights and ensure accountability.

For many New Mexicans, the issue is personal. The survey shows that even voters who say they rarely need to see a doctor report experiencing appointment delays and provider turnover, while those with chronic conditions face even higher rates of difficulty accessing care.

As the Legislature continues to debate HB 99 and related proposals, the poll suggests voters across party, ideological and demographic lines view the doctor shortage as a pressing problem and expect state leaders to take action.