New Mexico Medicaid

Last verified: June 2026

What is New Mexico Medicaid?

New Mexico Medicaid is administered by the New Mexico Health Care Authority (HCA), through its Medical Assistance Division (MAD). HCA is the new agency name — formerly the Human Services Department (HSD). New Mexico expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act in 2014 and has one of the highest Medicaid enrollment rates in the country. As of 2025, approximately 900,000 New Mexicans are enrolled — close to 40% of the state's population — reflecting persistently high poverty rates and one of the most aggressive outreach programs in the country.

Most New Mexico Medicaid members receive care through Turquoise Care, the managed care program that launched July 1, 2024. Per the HCA, four MCOs provide Turquoise Care services: Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Mexico (BCBSNM), Molina Healthcare of New Mexico, Presbyterian Health Plan, and United Healthcare Community Plan of New Mexico. BCBSNM and Presbyterian carried over from the previous Centennial Care arrangement; Molina and UHC joined as new MCOs in 2024.

Native Americans enrolled in Medicaid may opt into Turquoise Care managed care or remain in fee-for-service Medicaid — a choice that does not apply to other populations. Native Americans receiving long-term care services are required to enroll in Turquoise Care. All four MCOs are required to have staff trained in Native American culture and traditions.

Who qualifies for New Mexico Medicaid?

New Mexico uses MAGI income rules for most eligibility categories and has no asset test for standard Medicaid coverage. Income limits as of 2026 (per HCA at hca.nm.gov, verified June 2026):

• Adults ages 19–64 (ACA expansion): at or below 138% FPL — approximately $1,884/month for a single person
• Children under 19: up to 240% FPL — approximately $3,276/month for a household of 1
• Pregnant women: up to 250% FPL — approximately $3,413/month for a household of 1
• Seniors 65+ and adults with disabilities: separate non-MAGI income and asset rules apply
• Nursing facility / long-term care: 300% of the SSI Federal Benefit Rate ($2,982/month in 2026)
• No asset test for MAGI-based categories — savings accounts and property do not count

Source: New Mexico Health Care Authority, hca.nm.gov; HCA Eligibility Pamphlet effective January 1, 2026. Income thresholds are approximate. Verify current figures at yes.nm.gov or call HCA at 1-800-283-4465.

New Mexico's enrollment scale — the highest rate in the country

At roughly 40% Medicaid enrollment, New Mexico covers a higher share of its residents through Medicaid than any other state. This is not an accident of policy generosity alone — it reflects the state's demographics. New Mexico has a large Native American and Hispanic population and chronically low household income levels compared to national averages.

This high enrollment creates real provider network pressure. New Mexico also faces physician shortages in rural and tribal areas, including many of the state's 19 pueblos and the Navajo Nation. The HCA's Turquoise Care contracts require each MCO to meet network adequacy standards, and the PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) program serves some populations in urban areas.

Turquoise Care vs. Centennial Care — what changed and what didn't

The switch from Centennial Care MCO contracts to Turquoise Care on July 1, 2024, affected which health plans serve members — not the underlying Medicaid benefits. Covered services that existed under Centennial Care continued under Turquoise Care. New services added under Turquoise Care include chiropractic services. The rewards program previously called Centennial Care Rewards was renamed Turquoise Rewards.

Western Sky Community Care, which served members under Centennial Care, did not continue into Turquoise Care. Former Western Sky members were transitioned to one of the four Turquoise Care MCOs during the 2024 open enrollment period. Members who were with BCBSNM or Presbyterian and took no action were automatically re-enrolled with the same plan under Turquoise Care.

New Mexico Medicaid topics

What does New Mexico Medicaid cover?

Medicaid covers a broad range of health services. Federal law mandates certain benefits — inpatient and outpatient hospital care, physician services, lab work, X-rays, and nursing facility services, among others. States add optional services on top of those. Dental, vision, and long-term home care coverage vary by state.

The national benefits overview lists required and commonly optional services. Check the New Mexico Medicaid website for the current state-specific benefit package.

How to apply

Most people can apply online through New Mexico's Medicaid portal, by phone, or in person at a local eligibility office. The how to apply page walks through each method, what documents you'll need, and what to expect during the review period.

Under 42 CFR 435.912, states must process most standard Medicaid applications within 45 days (90 days for disability-based applications). New Mexico must follow that federal timeline.