Medicaid Eligibility in New Mexico: Income Limits & How to Apply
Medicaid Eligibility in New Mexico
New Mexico expanded its Medicaid program under the Affordable Care Act, opening Centennial Care to adults aged 19-64 whose income falls at or below 138% of the federal poverty level. In 2026, that works out to roughly $21,597 for one person or $44,367 for a family of four.
Key threshold: If your income is below $21,597 (individual) or $44,367 (family of 4), you likely qualify for Centennial Care with free or very low-cost coverage. No premiums, no deductibles.
The following residents are eligible for Centennial Care:
- Adults aged 19-64 with income up to 138% FPL
- Children in families with income up to 200-300% FPL (varies by age)
- Pregnant women with income up to 185-200% FPL
- Seniors and people with disabilities who meet income and asset requirements
About Centennial Care
If you're a New Mexico resident looking for affordable health coverage, Centennial Care, New Mexico's Medicaid program, is a vital resource. It provides comprehensive health insurance to a significant portion of the state's population, with 888,500 people covered in 2024. Adults under 65 with household incomes up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) are eligible. For a single person, this means a monthly income of approximately $1,799 or less, and for a household of four, it's around $3,660 per month. Eligibility also extends to children (up to 305% FPL for ages 0-5, and 245% FPL for ages 6-18), pregnant women (up to 255% FPL), and individuals who are aged, blind, or disabled, though these groups may have additional income and asset limits.
If your income is slightly above the Centennial Care threshold, you might still qualify for significant savings on health insurance through beWellnm, New Mexico's health insurance marketplace. Marketplace subsidies can drastically reduce your monthly premiums. For instance, with New Mexico's benchmark Silver plan costing around $403 per month, subsidies can make this coverage very affordable, sometimes even free, depending on your income. It's important to remember that your eligibility for either program can change with your income, so if your financial situation shifts, you should recheck your options. New Mexicans who may have lost coverage during recent redeterminations can reapply for Centennial Care at any time.
Centennial Care offers a robust package of benefits, including physical health (medical, dental, and vision), behavioral health services for issues like stress, depression, and addiction, and long-term care and community benefits. These long-term care services can include adult day health and personal care, helping individuals who need a nursing facility level of care to remain in their homes or assisted living facilities. New Mexico also has unique programs like the Centennial Home Visiting pilot, which focuses on prenatal care, postpartum care, and early childhood development. Most Centennial Care members receive services through one of three managed care organizations (MCOs), and a care coordinator may be assigned to help you navigate your health needs, especially if you have complex conditions or are on a waiver program.
When applying for Centennial Care, be aware that the process can take several months, and eligibility is generally not backdated. While there is no asset test for most adult and child categories, aged, blind, or disabled individuals may have asset limits, typically around $2,000 for an individual. You can apply online through the YesNM portal, healthcare.gov, by phone, or in person at a New Mexico Human Services Department field office. A concrete action step you can take today is to visit the YesNM website to start an application or use their tools to estimate your eligibility.
New Mexico Medicaid Income Limits 2026
The following table shows the key income thresholds for New Mexico in 2026:
| Household Size | 100% FPL | 138% FPL (Medicaid Limit) | 400% FPL (Subsidy Limit) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $15,650 | $21,597 | $62,600 |
| 2 | $21,150 | $29,187 | $84,600 |
| 3 | $26,650 | $36,777 | $106,600 |
| 4 | $32,150 | $44,367 | $128,600 |
| 5 | $37,650 | $51,957 | $150,600 |
| 6 | $43,150 | $59,547 | $172,600 |
If your household income falls below the 138% FPL column, you qualify for Centennial Care. If your income is between 138% and 400% FPL, you qualify for ACA marketplace subsidies to help pay for private insurance.
Marketplace insurance in New Mexico is relatively affordable — the benchmark Silver plan runs about $403/month before subsidies, which is below the national average. This means subsidies stretch further here.
Marketplace Insurance in New Mexico
New Mexico residents who do not qualify for Medicaid can purchase private health insurance through beWellnm. The average benchmark (second-lowest cost Silver) plan in New Mexico costs approximately $403/month for a 40-year-old in 2026.
Premium tax credits (subsidies) are available for households with income between 100% and 400% FPL. Here is what a 40-year-old individual in New Mexico might pay after subsidies:
| Income Level | Annual Income | Expected Contribution | Estimated Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 150% FPL | $23,475 | 4.01% of income | ~$78/mo |
| 200% FPL | $31,300 | 6.52% of income | ~$170/mo |
| 250% FPL | $39,125 | 8.33% of income | ~$272/mo |
| 300% FPL | $46,950 | 9.83% of income | ~$385/mo |
| 400% FPL | $62,600 | 9.83% of income | ~$513/mo |
These are estimates for an individual. Actual premiums depend on your age, household size, tobacco use, and the specific plan you choose. Households with income between 100-250% FPL also qualify for cost-sharing reductions (CSR) on Silver plans, which lower deductibles and copays.
New Mexico operates its own state-based marketplace, beWellnm, which manages enrollment and plan selection independently from HealthCare.gov. This can mean different plan options and deadlines than the federal marketplace.
As an expansion state with its own marketplace infrastructure, New Mexico demonstrates strong commitment to coverage. Centennial Care benefits tend to be generous, and the enrollment process is well-integrated between Medicaid and marketplace plans.
How to Apply for Centennial Care
- Apply through the marketplace — beWellnm will determine whether you qualify for Centennial Care or marketplace subsidies when you submit your application.
- Apply with the state — Contact New Mexico's Medicaid agency directly. There is no deadline — Medicaid enrollment is open year-round.
- Call for help — Reach New Mexico's Medicaid helpline to check your eligibility or get application assistance over the phone.
- Visit a local office — Your county human services department or a certified application counselor can help in person.
To complete your application, you'll need income documentation (pay stubs, tax returns), a New Mexico address for residency verification, Social Security numbers for household members, and information about existing coverage.
Calculate Your Subsidy in New Mexico
Enter your income, age, and household size to see if you qualify for Medicaid or marketplace subsidies in New Mexico.
Check Your Eligibility →Frequently Asked Questions
What is the New Mexico Medicaid income cutoff for 2026?
In 2026, the Medicaid income limit in New Mexico is 138% of the federal poverty level: $21,597 per year for an individual, $29,187 for a household of 2, $36,777 for 3, and $44,367 for a family of 4.
Has New Mexico expanded Medicaid under the ACA?
Yes, New Mexico has expanded Medicaid under the ACA. Adults aged 19-64 earning up to 138% of the federal poverty level qualify for Centennial Care.
How do I get help paying for health insurance in New Mexico?
Yes. New Mexico residents with household income between 100% and 400% FPL ($15,650 to $62,600 for an individual in 2026) qualify for premium tax credits that reduce the cost of marketplace health insurance. Apply through beWellnm.
What is the name of New Mexico's Medicaid program?
New Mexico's Medicaid program is known as Centennial Care. It provides health coverage for eligible low-income residents including children, pregnant women, seniors, and adults up to 138% FPL.
How do I keep my health insurance if I lose Medicaid in New Mexico?
If your Centennial Care coverage ends due to income changes or redetermination, you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period on the marketplace. This gives you 60 days to sign up for a private plan through beWellnm. If your income is between 100-400% FPL, you'll likely qualify for subsidies to help cover the cost.
Am I eligible for Centennial Care if I'm employed?
Yes. Medicaid eligibility in New Mexico is based on your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI), not your employment status. If your household income is at or below 138% FPL ($21,597 for an individual), you qualify for Centennial Care even if you work full-time. Many Centennial Care enrollees are working adults.
Centennial Care vs. marketplace insurance — which is better?
Medicaid (Centennial Care) provides free or very low-cost coverage with no premiums. Marketplace plans in New Mexico average $403/month before subsidies — relatively affordable compared to other states. If you're right at the Medicaid income boundary, subsidized marketplace Silver plans with cost-sharing reductions can offer solid coverage.
Medicaid Eligibility in Nearby States
- Arizona Medicaid Eligibility — Expansion state
- Colorado Medicaid Eligibility — Expansion state
- Oklahoma Medicaid Eligibility — Expansion state
- Texas Medicaid Eligibility — Non-expansion state