by New Mexico — Medicaid provides essential healthcare support for low-income residents of all ages in New Mexico. For seniors aged 65 and older, the program plays a critical role in covering long-term care costs, whether in nursing homes, assisted living, or through home-based services.
New Mexico’s Medicaid program, known as Centennial Care, is administered by the New Mexico Health Care Authority and offers three types of long-term care support for elderly residents:
- Institutional / Nursing Home Medicaid: Guaranteed for all eligible applicants and available only in nursing home facilities.
- Medicaid Waivers / Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS): Designed to help seniors remain in their homes or assisted living facilities. Availability is limited and may involve waitlists.
- Regular Medicaid / Aged, Blind, and Disabled (ABD): Also guaranteed for eligible applicants and may provide benefits like personal care assistance or adult day care.
2025 Financial Eligibility Guidelines
Medicaid eligibility depends on income, assets, marital status, and care requirements. The following outlines the 2025 financial criteria for New Mexico seniors applying for Medicaid long-term care:
| Type of Medicaid | Income Limit (Single) | Asset Limit (Single) | Income Limit (Married – Both Applying) | Asset Limit (Married – Both Applying) | Income Limit (Married – One Applying) | Asset Limit (Married – One Applying) | Level of Care Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Institutional / Nursing Home | $2,901 / month | $2,000 | $5,802 / month ($2,901 per spouse) | $4,000 ($2,000 per spouse) | $2,901 / month for applicant | $2,000 for applicant & $157,920 for non-applicant | Nursing Home |
| Medicaid Waivers / HCBS | $2,901 / month | $2,000 | $5,802 / month ($2,901 per spouse) | $4,000 ($2,000 per spouse) | $2,901 / month for applicant | $2,000 for applicant & $157,920 for non-applicant | Nursing Home |
| Regular Medicaid / ABD | $967 / month | $2,000 | $1,450 / month | $3,000 | $1,450 / month | $3,000 | Help with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) |
Key Financial Considerations
- Countable Income: Most income sources, including wages, pensions, and Social Security, are counted toward Medicaid’s income limit.
- Spousal Protections: The non-applicant spouse may keep up to $157,920 in assets and may receive income transfers to meet the Minimum Monthly Maintenance Needs Allowance (MMMNA) of $2,643.75 per month.
- Look-Back Period: Medicaid reviews financial transactions within a five-year window to ensure no assets were gifted or sold below market value to qualify for coverage. Violations trigger periods of ineligibility.
- Home Exemption: The applicant’s primary home is exempt if they or their spouse reside in it, but New Mexico’s Medicaid Estate Recovery Program may later claim the home to recover care costs.
Asset Rules
Countable assets include:
- Cash, bank accounts, stocks, bonds, and real estate (not the primary residence)
Exempt assets include:
- Personal belongings, household items, one vehicle, and irrevocable burial accounts
Medical Eligibility
- Nursing Home Medicaid and Waivers: Require a Nursing Home Level of Care (NFLOC)
- Regular Medicaid: Requires functional assistance with daily living activities but does not require NFLOC
Conclusion
New Mexico’s Medicaid long-term care programs provide essential support but come with complex eligibility rules and potential estate recovery concerns. Seniors and their families are encouraged to plan carefully and consult with Medicaid experts to fully understand their options and protect assets.
