New Mexico's Medicaid program, called Centennial Care, covers low-income adults, children, pregnant women, seniors, and people with disabilities. For 2026, most working-age adults qualify if their household income is at or below 138% of the federal poverty level, which works out to $22,025 per year for a single person or $45,540 for a family of four. Eligibility limits vary by category, so children and pregnant women can qualify at higher income levels. Not sure where you stand? Use the free Benefits Navigator screener to check your eligibility in minutes.
What Is Centennial Care?
Centennial Care is the name for New Mexico's Medicaid managed care program. It is administered by the New Mexico Health Care Authority (formerly the Human Services Department) and covers a broad range of health services including doctor visits, hospital care, prescription drugs, mental health treatment, substance use treatment, dental care, and vision services.
New Mexico expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, which means low-income adults without dependent children can qualify. This expansion closed the coverage gap that exists in states that chose not to expand.
2026 Income Limits for Working-Age Adults (Centennial Care)
Adults between ages 19 and 64 qualify for Centennial Care if household income is at or below 138% of the federal poverty level. The table below shows the monthly and annual limits by household size.
| Household Size | Monthly Income Limit | Annual Income Limit |
|---|
| 1 | $1,836 | $22,025 |
| 2 | $2,489 | $29,863 |
| 3 | $3,142 | $37,702 |
| 4 | $3,795 | $45,540 |
| 5 | $4,448 | $53,378 |
| 6 | $5,101 | $61,217 |
For each additional person beyond six, add approximately $7,839 per year to the annual limit.
These figures are based on the 2026 federal poverty guidelines. Income is counted as household gross income before taxes. The calculation uses Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) rules, which means certain income sources like child support received and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are excluded from the count.
2026 Income Limits for Children (CHIP and Medicaid)
Children are eligible for coverage under Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) at higher income thresholds than adults. New Mexico runs both programs and uses income level to determine which one a child falls under.
| Age Group | Income Limit (% FPL) | Annual Limit for Family of 4 |
|---|
| Infants (0 to 1) | 305% FPL | approximately $100,650 |
| Children (1 to 5) | 305% FPL | approximately $100,650 |
| Children (6 to 18) | 245% FPL | approximately $80,850 |
Children who exceed these limits may still qualify for private insurance subsidies through beWellnm, New Mexico's health insurance marketplace.
2026 Income Limits for Pregnant Women
New Mexico provides Medicaid coverage for pregnant women at up to 255% of the federal poverty level. For a household of two, that equals approximately $75,420 per year. Coverage begins immediately upon confirmation of pregnancy and includes prenatal care, labor and delivery, and postpartum care.
Postpartum coverage was extended to 12 months after delivery, a change that took effect in 2022 under federal policy updates. This means new mothers can stay enrolled for a full year after giving birth rather than losing coverage after 60 days.
2026 Income Limits for Seniors and People with Disabilities
Income and asset rules are different for seniors (age 65 and older) and people with disabilities who need long-term care services.
Regular Medicaid (Aged, Blind, and Disabled)
| Household Size | Monthly Income Limit |
|---|
| Single | $994/month |
| Married couple | $1,491/month |
Asset limits for this category are $2,000 for a single person and $3,000 for a married couple. Some assets are exempt, including the primary home (if the applicant intends to return), one vehicle, and personal property.
Nursing Facility and Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS)
For seniors who need nursing home care or home-based long-term care services, the income limit is $2,982 per month in 2026. This equals 300% of the federal Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefit rate.
A married couple where both spouses are applying has a combined income limit of $5,964 per month. If only one spouse applies, the non-applicant spouse can retain a monthly maintenance needs allowance and a portion of the couple's assets.
Asset limits for nursing home care are $2,000 for a single applicant. The community spouse (the one who remains at home) can retain up to $162,660 in countable assets under the 2026 spousal protection rules.
Applicants who exceed the income limit may still qualify through a Qualified Income Trust, sometimes called a Miller Trust, which redirects excess income to meet program rules.
What Does Centennial Care Cover?
Centennial Care provides comprehensive health coverage including:
- Primary and preventive care (annual checkups, immunizations, screenings)
- Specialist visits
- Hospital inpatient and outpatient care
- Emergency services
- Prescription medications
- Mental health and behavioral health services
- Substance use disorder treatment
- Dental care for adults and children
- Vision care including eye exams and eyeglasses
- Hearing services
- Home and community-based long-term care services
- Transportation to medical appointments
Coverage is delivered through managed care organizations (MCOs) that contract with the state. When you enroll, you choose or are assigned to one of the participating health plans.
Who Is Eligible: Additional Requirements
Beyond income, Centennial Care has a few additional eligibility requirements.
Residency. You must live in New Mexico and intend to remain in the state. There is no minimum residency period, so you can apply as soon as you move to New Mexico.
Citizenship and immigration status. U.S. citizens and many qualified immigrants are eligible for full Centennial Care benefits. Certain lawfully present immigrants who have been in the country for less than five years may be eligible for emergency-only coverage. Undocumented immigrants are generally not eligible for full Medicaid but may qualify for emergency services.
Age. Centennial Care covers people of all ages, from newborns to seniors.
Disability. People with disabilities who receive SSI are automatically enrolled in Medicaid. Others with disabilities can apply directly and may qualify under the aged, blind, and disabled categories depending on their functional limitations and income.
How to Apply for New Mexico Medicaid in 2026
There are four ways to apply for Centennial Care.
1. Apply Online Through Yes New Mexico
The fastest way to apply is through the Yes New Mexico online portal at yesnewmexico.com. The system walks you through each step, lets you upload documents, and determines which programs you may qualify for, including Medicaid, SNAP, and other assistance programs at the same time.
2. Apply Through beWellnm
If you are applying for health coverage and are not sure whether you qualify for Medicaid or a marketplace plan, start at beWellnm.com. The site screens you for both options and routes you to the right program based on your income.
3. Apply by Phone
Call the New Mexico Human Services Department at (800) 283-4465 Monday through Friday. A caseworker will take your information over the phone and explain what documents to submit.
4. Apply In Person
Visit any New Mexico Human Services Department field office. Locations are listed at hsd.state.nm.gov. Some community organizations and certified application counselors can also help you apply at no cost.
Documents to Gather Before You Apply
Having these ready will speed up the process:
- Proof of identity (driver's license, passport, or birth certificate)
- Social Security numbers for all household members applying
- Proof of New Mexico residency (utility bill, lease agreement, or mail with your address)
- Proof of income (recent pay stubs, most recent tax return, or employer letter)
- Proof of immigration status if applicable (green card, visa, or immigration documents)
- Bank statements if you are applying for a category with asset limits
Processing Time
Applications are typically processed within 45 days for most categories. Applications involving disability determinations may take up to 90 days. If you have an urgent medical need, request expedited processing when you apply.
Once approved, coverage is retroactive to the first day of the month you applied. In some cases, retroactive coverage can go back up to three months prior to the application date if you had eligible expenses during that period.
Renewal and Ongoing Coverage
Once enrolled in Centennial Care, your coverage renews automatically each year through a process called ex-parte renewal. The state checks its own data systems (tax records, Social Security data, etc.) to verify ongoing eligibility without requiring you to do anything.
If the automated check cannot confirm your eligibility, the state will send you a renewal notice. You typically have 90 days to respond before coverage is terminated. Make sure the address on file with the Human Services Department is current to avoid missing renewal notices.
If your income or household situation changes during the year, report the change to the Human Services Department within 10 days. Changes that could affect eligibility include a new job, a raise, a new household member, or a change in immigration status.
What If You Earn Too Much for Medicaid?
If your income is above 138% FPL but below 400% FPL, you likely qualify for subsidized health insurance through the beWellnm marketplace. Premium tax credits can significantly reduce your monthly premium costs, and cost-sharing reduction subsidies (available at 100% to 250% FPL) lower your deductibles and copays.
If you earn between 100% and 150% FPL, you may qualify for a zero-premium silver plan through the marketplace after subsidies.
You can check both Medicaid and marketplace eligibility at the same time using the free Benefits Navigator screener or by visiting beWellnm.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the income limit for Medicaid in New Mexico in 2026?
For most adults ages 19 to 64, the Medicaid income limit in 2026 is 138% of the federal poverty level: $22,025 per year ($1,836 per month) for a single person and $45,540 per year ($3,795 per month) for a family of four. Children qualify at higher limits, up to 305% FPL for infants and children under six.
Does New Mexico have Medicaid expansion?
Yes. New Mexico expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act and has been an expansion state since 2014. This means adults without dependent children can qualify for coverage if their income is below 138% FPL. There is no coverage gap in New Mexico.
How do I apply for Centennial Care?
You can apply online at yesnewmexico.com, through beWellnm.com, by calling the Human Services Department at (800) 283-4465, or in person at a local Human Services Department office.
What is the asset limit for Medicaid in New Mexico?
For adults receiving regular Medicaid (aged, blind, and disabled category), the asset limit is $2,000 for a single person and $3,000 for a married couple. For ACA expansion Medicaid covering working-age adults under 138% FPL, there is no asset test.
How long does it take to get approved for Medicaid in New Mexico?
Most applications are processed within 45 days. If your application involves a disability determination, it can take up to 90 days. Applications with urgent medical needs can be expedited.
Can undocumented immigrants get Medicaid in New Mexico?
Undocumented immigrants are not eligible for full Centennial Care benefits. However, they may qualify for emergency Medicaid, which covers emergency medical conditions. Some immigrants who are lawfully present but have been in the country fewer than five years may be eligible for limited benefits.
What happens if my income changes after I enroll?
You are required to report income changes to the Human Services Department within 10 days. If your income rises above the Medicaid limit, your coverage will end at the next renewal period, and you can transition to a subsidized marketplace plan through beWellnm. If your income drops, you may become newly eligible for Medicaid if you were previously on a marketplace plan.
Is dental coverage included in New Mexico Medicaid?
Yes. Centennial Care covers dental services for both adults and children, including cleanings, x-rays, fillings, and extractions. Coverage is provided through your managed care organization.
For a personalized eligibility check that looks at Medicaid and other programs you may qualify for, visit the Benefits Navigator screener or the New Mexico benefits guide.
