How to Pay for In-Home Care
How to Pay for Home Care in New Mexico
Jump to a state to see its Medicaid programs, waivers, and other ways to help pay for in-home care.
New Mexico families typically start by screening the Medicaid Community Benefit for older adults or people with disabilities who need a nursing-facility level of care, choosing between its agency-based (ABCB) and self-directed (SDCB) tracks; those not already eligible for full Medicaid may need to go through the Central Registry allocation process first. Family caregiver rules vary by track: ABCB personal care can use many relatives except a spouse, plus friends and neighbors, subject to natural-support limits, while SDCB spouses and legally responsible individuals need extraordinary-circumstances approval, and Mi Via more broadly permits qualified relatives under its own rules. Adults 60+ needing help with at least two daily activities can also look at New MexiCare for caregiver financial assistance outside the Medicaid waiver structure, while IDD, medically fragile, and brain injury needs route through Mi Via or the DD Waiver, the Medically Fragile Waiver, and the Brain Injury Services Fund respectively, all of which can be layered with AAA/ADRC supports, Medicare Savings, SHIP, SNAP, energy assistance, and Veteran benefits.
Updated August 2026
Reviewed by Valerie VanBooven, RN, BSN
New Mexico Medicaid / Community Benefit
Community Benefit Program (CB)
YesHelps pay for: Long-term services and supports that help eligible members live at home or in the community instead of a facility.
Who qualifies: Generally requires Medicaid eligibility and nursing-facility level of care (NF LOC). People not already in full Medicaid may use the Central Registry allocation process; slots are available based on need.
How to start: If already in full Medicaid/MCO, ask the care coordinator for CB screening; otherwise apply for Medicaid or contact ALTSD for the Central Registry.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: Depends on service and delivery model
New Mexico Medicaid / ABCB
ABCB Personal Care Services
YesHelps pay for: Hands-on ADL help and selected household supports can replace privately purchased aide hours.
Who qualifies: ABCB/PCS authorization required. Current rule allows a family member except the spouse, or a friend/neighbor/other person, as PCS attendant; natural-support and live-in household-task limits apply.
How to start: Ask the MCO/care coordinator to assess personal-care needs and explain agency-based PCS worker rules.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: Yes - many relatives except spouse; friends/neighbors may also be selected
ABCB Family or Friend PCS Attendant
YesHelps pay for: Lets an eligible member use a known person for authorized personal care rather than relying only on an unfamiliar aide.
Who qualifies: Worker must meet attendant/provider requirements. Family cannot be paid for natural-support services; live-in workers have limits on routine household chores unless specific to the member.
How to start: Confirm the exact relationship and paid tasks with the PCS agency/MCO before enrollment or hiring.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: Yes - spouse excluded under standard PCS rule
ABCB Home Health Aide
YesHelps pay for: Home health aide services can offset paid home-care costs when authorized in the Community Benefit plan.
Who qualifies: ABCB enrollment, assessed need, plan authorization and qualified provider requirements.
How to start: Ask the care coordinator whether home health aide service is clinically appropriate and covered in the care plan.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No direct family wage unless separately qualified under provider rules
ABCB Respite
Yes - respiteHelps pay for: Temporary relief for an unpaid caregiver can reduce privately purchased relief care.
Who qualifies: ABCB enrollment and caregiver/respite need. Current rule generally limits respite to 300 hours per care-plan year, with additional hours possible when needed for health and safety.
How to start: Ask the care coordinator to assess and authorize respite.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No direct wage to primary unpaid caregiver
ABCB Adult Day Health
Indirect / day careHelps pay for: Daytime health, supervision and support can reduce home-care hours and caregiver burden.
Who qualifies: ABCB enrollment, assessed need, provider availability and care-plan authorization.
How to start: Ask the care coordinator whether adult day health fits the member plan.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No
ABCB Emergency Response Services
Indirect cost offsetHelps pay for: Personal emergency-response technology can support safer independent living and reduce monitoring costs.
Who qualifies: ABCB enrollment, assessed need and authorization.
How to start: Ask the care coordinator about emergency-response coverage.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No
ABCB Environmental Modifications
Indirect cost offsetHelps pay for: Home accessibility/safety modifications can reduce fall risk and the amount of hands-on assistance required.
Who qualifies: ABCB enrollment and assessed need. Current rule generally limits environmental modifications to $5,000 every five years, with additional requests possible for health/safety needs.
How to start: Request an environmental-modification assessment through the care coordinator.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No
ABCB Private Duty Nursing
Yes - skilled careHelps pay for: Skilled nursing in the home can offset high-cost private nursing for qualifying needs.
Who qualifies: ABCB enrollment, medical necessity, authorization and licensed provider requirements.
How to start: Ask the treating clinician and care coordinator about private-duty nursing.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: Only if worker independently meets professional/provider rules
ABCB Community Transition Services
Indirect cost offsetHelps pay for: One-time supports can help an eligible person move from an institution to a home/community setting.
Who qualifies: Must meet current Community Benefit transition criteria and care-plan authorization rules.
How to start: Ask the facility discharge planner/care coordinator about community transition services before discharge.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No
ABCB Employment Supports
Indirect cost offsetHelps pay for: Employment-related supports may preserve independence and income for eligible members.
Who qualifies: ABCB enrollment, assessed need and authorized employment-support plan.
How to start: Ask the care coordinator whether employment supports are available and appropriate.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No
New Mexico Medicaid / SDCB
Self-Directed Community Benefit (SDCB)
YesHelps pay for: Self-directed Community Benefit lets eligible members choose and control how approved CB services are delivered and who provides them.
Who qualifies: Must meet NF LOC and CB criteria. A member generally must first use ABCB for 120 calendar days before switching to SDCB.
How to start: Tell the MCO care coordinator you want to evaluate SDCB and complete the self-direction/EOR process.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: Yes for eligible chosen workers; special rules for spouse/LRI
SDCB Self-Directed Personal Care
YesHelps pay for: Budgeted personal care can cover ADLs, household tasks, companionship/community support and other approved assistance.
Who qualifies: SDCB enrollment, approved care plan/budget, qualified employee and fiscal-management requirements.
How to start: Work with the support broker/EOR to recruit and enroll the chosen worker.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: Potentially - chosen worker may be a relative/friend; spouse/LRI needs special approval
SDCB Home Health Aide
YesHelps pay for: Self-directed home health aide services can reduce private-pay home support when clinically authorized.
Who qualifies: SDCB enrollment, plan/budget authorization and provider qualifications.
How to start: Add the service to the SDCB care plan with the support broker.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: Potentially if worker meets service qualifications; LRI rules still apply
SDCB Respite
Yes - respiteHelps pay for: Self-directed respite can purchase temporary relief for an unpaid caregiver.
Who qualifies: SDCB enrollment, approved care plan/budget and qualified worker.
How to start: Ask the support broker to budget and enroll an eligible respite provider.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: May use an eligible chosen respite worker; relationship restrictions apply
SDCB Employment Supports
Indirect / supportHelps pay for: Self-directed employment supports can help an eligible member obtain or maintain work and community participation.
Who qualifies: SDCB enrollment and authorized budget/service.
How to start: Discuss employment goals and service options with the support broker.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: Potentially for allowable worker roles; verify relationship
SDCB Legally Responsible Individual / Spouse Provider
YesHelps pay for: Under extraordinary circumstances, an approved spouse or other legally responsible individual may be paid as an SDCB provider to protect health/welfare and avoid institutionalization.
Who qualifies: Formal MCO approval is required; provider must meet all federal/state HCBS requirements. EOR/employee conflict rules and work-hour limits apply.
How to start: Ask the MCO for the formal extraordinary-circumstances LRI/spouse approval process before relying on this route.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: Yes - extraordinary circumstances only, case by case
SDCB Related Goods
Indirect cost offsetHelps pay for: Approved disability-related goods can offset out-of-pocket costs for supports not otherwise covered.
Who qualifies: Must be in the approved SDCB plan/budget and meet related-goods rules. Current rule generally caps this category at $2,000 annually for members entering SDCB on/after Jan. 1, 2019.
How to start: Request the item through the support broker before purchase.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No
SDCB Non-Medical Transportation
Indirect cost offsetHelps pay for: Authorized non-medical transportation can reduce family transportation costs tied to community goals.
Who qualifies: Must be in the approved SDCB plan/budget and not duplicate another benefit. Current rule generally caps this category at $1,000 annually for members entering SDCB on/after Jan. 1, 2019.
How to start: Budget transportation with the support broker before using the service.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No
SDCB Environmental Modifications
Indirect cost offsetHelps pay for: Self-directed home modifications can improve accessibility and reduce caregiving burden.
Who qualifies: SDCB enrollment, assessed need and approved budget. Environmental modification limits follow current Community Benefit rules.
How to start: Ask the support broker/care team to document the functional need and approval path.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No
PACE
InnovAge PACE - Albuquerque
Yes / comprehensiveHelps pay for: All-inclusive medical, LTSS, transportation and home/community support designed to help eligible older adults remain independent.
Who qualifies: Generally age 55+, nursing-home level of care, able to live safely in the community and living in the PACE service area; Medicaid/Medicare payment rules vary.
How to start: Contact InnovAge Albuquerque for service-area and eligibility screening.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No direct family wage
New Mexico Medicaid / Work Incentive
Working Disabled Individuals (WDI) Medicaid
Indirect / coverageHelps pay for: Allows qualifying workers with disabilities to retain Medicaid coverage while working, preserving access to covered services.
Who qualifies: Must meet New Mexico WDI disability, employment, income and other current program rules; verify current 2026 financial thresholds before relying on eligibility.
How to start: Apply through HCA/YES.NM and ask specifically for Working Disabled Individuals Medicaid screening.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: Depends on underlying covered service
New Mexico Medicaid / Mi Via
Mi Via Self-Directed Waiver
YesHelps pay for: Self-directed HCBS for eligible people with IDD or medically fragile conditions, using an approved service/support plan and budget.
Who qualifies: Must meet Medicaid medical/financial eligibility and waiver level-of-care criteria. Participant controls services within the approved SSP/AAB; the EOR role itself is unpaid.
How to start: Contact DDSD Pre-Service Intake and request Mi Via eligibility/application guidance.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: Yes - qualified relatives may be paid for many services
Mi Via Homemaker / Direct Support
YesHelps pay for: Hands-on and household support can replace private-pay attendant hours.
Who qualifies: Service must be in approved SSP/AAB; worker must be enrolled/qualified. Qualified relatives may be employees for most Mi Via services.
How to start: Budget the service with the consultant and enroll the chosen worker through the FMA.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: Yes - qualified relatives can be paid, subject to exclusions and 40-hour rule
Mi Via Home Health Aide
YesHelps pay for: Home health aide services can offset paid home support for qualifying waiver needs.
Who qualifies: Mi Via eligibility, approved SSP/AAB and applicable provider qualifications.
How to start: Discuss need with the consultant and treating team.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: Yes if qualified relative is eligible for this service
Mi Via Respite
Yes - respiteHelps pay for: Respite can provide temporary relief to an unpaid caregiver.
Who qualifies: Mi Via eligibility, approved SSP/AAB and worker/provider requirements.
How to start: Include respite in the SSP and enroll the selected provider.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: Yes - qualified relative may be paid if otherwise allowable
Mi Via In-Home Living Supports
YesHelps pay for: Individualized in-home supports can reduce ongoing dependence on privately purchased assistance.
Who qualifies: Mi Via eligibility, approved SSP/AAB and service-specific qualifications.
How to start: Ask the consultant to assess in-home living support needs.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: Yes - qualified relatives may be paid if service rules are met
Mi Via Community Direct Support
Yes / community supportHelps pay for: One-to-one support for community participation can reduce family supervision and privately purchased support hours.
Who qualifies: Mi Via eligibility, approved SSP/AAB and service-specific qualifications.
How to start: Build community-support goals into the SSP.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: Yes - qualified relatives may be paid if service rules are met
Mi Via Private Duty Nursing
Yes - skilled careHelps pay for: Skilled nursing at home can offset high-cost private nursing when medically necessary.
Who qualifies: Mi Via eligibility, medical necessity, approved SSP/AAB and nursing licensure/provider requirements.
How to start: Coordinate with the consultant and treating clinician.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: Possible only if qualified/licensed relative meets all service rules
Mi Via Environmental Modifications
Indirect cost offsetHelps pay for: Approved home modifications can improve accessibility and reduce hands-on care needs.
Who qualifies: Must be disability-related, in the approved SSP/AAB and meet current Mi Via modification limits/approval rules.
How to start: Request an assessment and prior approval through the consultant.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No
Mi Via Emergency Response Services
Indirect cost offsetHelps pay for: Emergency-response technology can support safer independent living and reduce monitoring costs.
Who qualifies: Mi Via eligibility, assessed need and approved SSP/AAB.
How to start: Ask the consultant whether emergency response belongs in the plan.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No
Mi Via Transportation
Indirect cost offsetHelps pay for: Approved transportation can reduce family transportation costs for waiver/community activities.
Who qualifies: Mi Via eligibility and approved SSP/AAB; transportation has specific provider/relationship restrictions.
How to start: Discuss transportation needs and restrictions with the consultant before hiring a relative.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: Limited - transportation for a minor is excluded from paid-relative rule
Mi Via Qualified Relative / Authorized or Personal Representative Worker
YesHelps pay for: Qualified and approved relatives, authorized representatives or personal representatives may be hired and paid for many Mi Via services.
Who qualifies: Cannot be paid for consultant/support guide, customized community group supports, transportation for a minor, or individual-directed goods/services. Paid worker cannot also be the member EOR; max 40 paid hours in a consecutive 7-day week.
How to start: Confirm the exact service/relationship with the consultant and FMA before worker enrollment.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: Yes - broad relative option with specified exclusions
Mi Via Legally Responsible Individual (Parent/Guardian of Minor or Spouse)
YesHelps pay for: A parent/guardian of a minor or spouse may be paid for certain Mi Via services under extraordinary circumstances.
Who qualifies: Must protect health/welfare and avoid institutionalization; DOH approval required. Parent/spouse must meet provider qualifications, cannot exceed 40 hours per 7-day week, and paid LRI cannot also serve as EOR.
How to start: Ask the consultant for the written LRI extraordinary-circumstances approval process.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: Yes - extraordinary circumstances and written approval
New Mexico Medicaid / DD Waiver
Developmental Disabilities (DD) Waiver
YesHelps pay for: Residential, in-home, community, employment, therapeutic and family-support services for eligible children and adults with IDD.
Who qualifies: Must meet DD waiver medical/financial/level-of-care and allocation requirements. Current CMS renewal is effective July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2031.
How to start: Start with DDSD Pre-Service Intake/application and allocation process.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: Program/service specific - verify before relying on family payment
DDW Customized In-Home Supports
YesHelps pay for: Individualized assistance in the home can replace privately purchased support hours.
Who qualifies: DD Waiver enrollment, clinical justification and approved individual service plan/provider.
How to start: Ask the case manager to assess customized in-home support needs.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: Program/service specific - verify
DDW Family Living / Supported Living
Yes / residential supportHelps pay for: Living-care arrangements can provide ongoing support and reduce the need for institutional or privately purchased care.
Who qualifies: DD Waiver enrollment, clinical justification and provider/service-plan requirements.
How to start: Discuss living arrangement options with the DDW case manager.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: Potential family role varies by service/provider rules
DDW Respite
Yes - respiteHelps pay for: Temporary relief can reduce privately purchased caregiver replacement time.
Who qualifies: DD Waiver enrollment and approved respite need; children have access to respite as an identified service category.
How to start: Request respite through the DDW case manager.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: Provider/relationship rules apply
DDW Assistive Technology / Personal Support Technology
Indirect cost offsetHelps pay for: Assistive and remote-support technologies can reduce supervision needs and improve independence.
Who qualifies: DD Waiver enrollment, assessed need, clinical justification and authorization.
How to start: Ask the case manager about assistive technology and personal support technology.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No
DDW Environmental Modifications
Indirect cost offsetHelps pay for: Home modifications can improve accessibility and reduce caregiving burden.
Who qualifies: DD Waiver enrollment, assessed need, clinical justification and authorization.
How to start: Request an environmental-modification assessment through the case manager.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No
DDW Adult Nursing / Therapy Services
Yes - skilled/therapyHelps pay for: Adult nursing and physical, occupational, speech/communication or behavioral services can offset privately purchased skilled supports.
Who qualifies: DD Waiver enrollment, medical necessity/clinical justification and provider qualifications.
How to start: Coordinate with the case manager and treating clinicians.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: Only if independently qualified under professional/provider rules
DDW Community Integrated Employment
Indirect / supportHelps pay for: Employment supports can help eligible adults work and preserve income/independence.
Who qualifies: DD Waiver enrollment, person-centered employment goals and approved service.
How to start: Ask the case manager about Community Integrated Employment.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No direct caregiver wage
DDW Independent Living Transition / Non-Medical Transportation
Indirect cost offsetHelps pay for: Transition and transportation supports can reduce the cost of establishing and maintaining community living.
Who qualifies: DD Waiver enrollment, assessed need and plan authorization.
How to start: Discuss transition and transportation needs with the case manager.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No
New Mexico Medicaid / Medically Fragile
Medically Fragile Waiver (MFW)
YesHelps pay for: HCBS for people diagnosed with a medically fragile condition before age 22 who meet developmental and skilled-nursing criteria.
Who qualifies: Requires qualifying medically fragile condition, developmental disability/delay or risk, Medicaid/waiver eligibility and daily skilled-nursing need. Current CMS renewal is effective July 1, 2026.
How to start: Call the MFW application line and submit registration/eligibility information.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: Provider/relationship rules apply; verify before relying on family payment
MFW Home Health Care
YesHelps pay for: Home health services can offset private skilled/supportive care for eligible medically fragile participants.
Who qualifies: MFW enrollment, medical necessity and plan authorization.
How to start: Ask the MFW team to assess home health needs.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: Only if independently qualified under provider rules
MFW Respite Care
Yes - respiteHelps pay for: Respite can provide temporary relief to unpaid caregivers.
Who qualifies: MFW enrollment and approved respite need.
How to start: Request respite in the waiver plan.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: Provider/relationship rules apply
MFW Private Duty Nursing
Yes - skilled careHelps pay for: Private duty nursing can offset major out-of-pocket skilled nursing costs.
Who qualifies: MFW enrollment, daily skilled-nursing need, medical necessity and authorization.
How to start: Coordinate with the MFW team and treating clinician.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: Only if licensed/qualified under provider rules
MFW PT / OT / Speech Therapy
Indirect / skilled careHelps pay for: Covered therapies can reduce private-pay rehabilitation expenses and support function at home.
Who qualifies: MFW enrollment, clinical need and service-plan authorization.
How to start: Ask the MFW team about therapy referrals and coverage.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No direct caregiver wage
MFW Specialized Medical Equipment & Supplies
Indirect cost offsetHelps pay for: Specialized equipment and supplies can reduce out-of-pocket care costs and support safe home care.
Who qualifies: MFW enrollment, medical necessity and prior authorization/service-plan requirements.
How to start: Request needed equipment through the MFW team.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No
New Mexico Brain Injury
Brain Injury Services Fund (BISF)
Yes / short-term supportsHelps pay for: Statewide short-term service coordination and HCBS for qualifying New Mexicans with traumatic or acquired brain injury who need help addressing an immediate situation.
Who qualifies: Confirmed brain injury; New Mexico resident; institutional residents are not eligible. Designed as a short-term bridge, including for people applying for Medicaid or lacking another payer.
How to start: Submit the BISF application to the Service Coordination Agency serving the county/region.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No regular family-caregiver wage stated
BISF Professional Life Skills Coaching
Yes / coachingHelps pay for: Professional life-skills coaching can support independence and reduce reliance on unpaid/private supports.
Who qualifies: BISF eligibility and assessed need within the short-term program.
How to start: Ask the BISF service coordinator whether Life Skills Coaching fits the service plan.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No
New Mexico State Caregiver Support
New MexiCare
YesHelps pay for: State-funded financial assistance and training for caregivers helping an eligible older adult remain at home.
Who qualifies: Care recipient must be age 60+, need help with at least 2 ADLs, and meet current income/resource limits. Current published monthly income limits: $3,387 individual / $6,774 couple; checking+savings resource limits: $20,322 individual / $40,644 couple.
How to start: Apply through the New MexiCare online application or contact ALTSD.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: Yes - friend or family caregiver
New MexiCare Paid Friend / Family Caregiver
YesHelps pay for: Provides a direct paid-caregiver pathway outside Medicaid for an eligible older adult and chosen friend/family caregiver.
Who qualifies: Care recipient must meet New MexiCare eligibility; caregiver documentation and payroll enrollment are required. Palco is the financial management vendor and publishes the 2026 semi-monthly payroll schedule.
How to start: Apply to New MexiCare; after approval, complete caregiver/payroll onboarding with Palco.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: Yes - explicitly designed for friends/family
New Mexico Aging Network
OAA Title III In-Home Care / Chore / Supportive Services
Yes / indirectHelps pay for: Local aging-network in-home care, chore, case management, transportation, home repair and adult day services can reduce private-pay needs.
Who qualifies: Generally age 60+ for OAA Title III; ALTSD states there are no income or asset criteria for Title III eligibility, though local service availability/funding applies.
How to start: Contact the local Area Agency on Aging or ADRC for screening.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No regular caregiver wage
Home-Delivered Meals
Indirect cost offsetHelps pay for: Delivered meals can reduce food costs and meal-preparation burden for eligible older adults.
Who qualifies: OAA/local nutrition eligibility and provider assessment; local service availability applies.
How to start: Ask the local AAA/ADRC for home-delivered meal screening.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No
New Mexico Caregiver Support
National Family Caregiver Support / AAA Respite
Yes - respite/supportHelps pay for: Caregiver information, training, counseling and respite can reduce burnout and purchased relief-care costs.
Who qualifies: Caregiver/care-recipient must fit current OAA caregiver-support criteria; services and respite funding vary by area.
How to start: Call ADRC and ask for the local AAA caregiver-support/respite program.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No regular wage to primary caregiver
New Mexico Dementia Support
Alzheimer's & Dementia Caregiver Support / Respite
Yes - respite/supportHelps pay for: Dementia-specific caregiver education, support and respite connections can reduce caregiver burden and out-of-pocket relief care.
Who qualifies: Program/funding availability varies; care-recipient and caregiver circumstances are screened locally.
How to start: Contact ALTSD/ADRC and ask specifically about dementia caregiver and respite resources.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No regular wage
Medicare / Medicaid Cost Offset
Medicare Savings Programs (QMB / SLMB / QI)
Indirect cost offsetHelps pay for: Can pay Medicare premiums and, for QMB, qualifying Medicare cost sharing, freeing income for home-care expenses.
Who qualifies: Medicare beneficiary must meet the current program income and other eligibility rules.
How to start: Apply through New Mexico HCA/YES.NM or ask SHIP for screening help.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No
Medicare
Medicare Home Health
Yes - limited/skilledHelps pay for: Part-time/intermittent skilled nursing, therapy and limited home-health aide care may be covered when Medicare home-health rules are met.
Who qualifies: Medicare eligibility, qualifying skilled need, homebound requirement as applicable, clinician certification and Medicare-certified home-health agency.
How to start: Ask the treating clinician to certify/order home health and use a Medicare-certified agency.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No direct family wage
Medicare Hospice
Yes - hospiceHelps pay for: Hospice can cover palliative home visits, aides, drugs, equipment and supplies related to terminal illness.
Who qualifies: Medicare hospice eligibility and election requirements; generally terminal prognosis of six months or less if illness runs its normal course.
How to start: Request a hospice evaluation from a Medicare-certified hospice.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No direct family wage
Medicare / Prescription Cost Offset
Extra Help (Part D Low-Income Subsidy)
Indirect cost offsetHelps pay for: Reduces Medicare Part D premiums, deductibles and copays, preserving household funds for caregiving.
Who qualifies: Medicare and current federal income/resource or automatic-eligibility rules.
How to start: Apply through Social Security or ask New Mexico SHIP for screening help.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No
Medicare Counseling
New Mexico SHIP
Indirect cost offsetHelps pay for: Free, unbiased Medicare counseling can identify Medicare Savings, Extra Help, Part D and other ways to reduce health costs.
Who qualifies: Available to New Mexico Medicare beneficiaries and families; counseling is free.
How to start: Call the ADRC and request a SHIP counselor.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No
Household Cost Offset
SNAP
Indirect cost offsetHelps pay for: Food assistance can free household income for uncovered home-care expenses.
Who qualifies: Household must meet current New Mexico SNAP eligibility rules.
How to start: Apply through YES.NM/HCA.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
Indirect cost offsetHelps pay for: Energy assistance can reduce utility bills and preserve funds for caregiving and other necessities.
Who qualifies: Household must meet current LIHEAP income, residency and program requirements; funding/seasonal rules can change.
How to start: Apply through YES.NM/HCA or a local assistance office.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No
NM Energy$mart Weatherization Assistance
Indirect cost offsetHelps pay for: No-cost energy-saving retrofits and home modifications can lower recurring utility costs and improve home safety for eligible homeowners and renters.
Who qualifies: Income/priority rules and home assessment apply; renters need landlord consent. SSI/TANF or disability-income receipt may support/establish eligibility under program rules.
How to start: Apply directly to the Housing New Mexico weatherization service provider for the county/area.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No
VA Benefits
VA Homemaker & Home Health Aide
YesHelps pay for: VA may authorize community-based aides to help an eligible Veteran with ADLs and selected daily tasks at home.
Who qualifies: VA health care eligibility, clinical need, authorization and local availability; copays may apply. Ask the Veteran's VA primary care/social work team for assessment and authorization.
How to start: Ask the VA social worker or care team about VA Homemaker & Home Health Aide.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No
Veteran-Directed Care
YesHelps pay for: Flexible self-directed budget for eligible Veterans needing personal care; Veteran can choose workers and services within local program rules.
Who qualifies: VA enrollment/community-care eligibility, clinical need and local Veteran-Directed Care availability. Ask the VA care team or caregiver support team whether VDC is available in the Veteran's New Mexico service area.
How to start: Ask the VA social worker or care team about Veteran-Directed Care.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: Yes - family/friends may often be hired subject to local rules
VA Skilled Home Health
Yes - skilled careHelps pay for: VA may purchase skilled nursing, therapy and related home-health services from authorized community providers.
Who qualifies: Clinical need, VA eligibility/authorization and provider availability. Request through the VA care team.
How to start: Ask the VA social worker or care team about VA Skilled Home Health.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No
VA Respite Care
Yes - respiteHelps pay for: VA may provide in-home, adult-day or facility respite to give caregivers a break.
Who qualifies: VA enrollment, clinical need and local availability/authorization. Ask VA social work or caregiver support about respite.
How to start: Ask the VA social worker or care team about VA Respite Care.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No direct wage
VA Home-Based Primary Care
Yes - clinical home careHelps pay for: Interdisciplinary VA primary care delivered in the home for eligible Veterans with complex chronic conditions who have difficulty traveling.
Who qualifies: VA enrollment, clinical eligibility and local program availability. Ask the VA primary care team for HBPC screening.
How to start: Ask the VA social worker or care team about VA Home-Based Primary Care.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No
VA Adult Day Health Care
Indirect / day careHelps pay for: Daytime health, rehabilitation and social services can reduce caregiver hours and delay institutional placement.
Who qualifies: VA eligibility, clinical need and local availability. Ask VA social work about adult day health options.
How to start: Ask the VA social worker or care team about VA Adult Day Health Care.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No
Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC)
Yes - caregiver stipend/supportHelps pay for: May provide eligible family caregivers education, support, health coverage in some cases and a monthly stipend.
Who qualifies: Veteran and caregiver must meet current PCAFC eligibility and personal-care need rules. Apply through VA Caregiver Support / PCAFC.
How to start: Ask the VA social worker or care team about Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC).
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: Yes - qualifying primary family caregiver may receive stipend
VA Aid & Attendance / Housebound Pension
Yes - cash benefit can be used toward careHelps pay for: Additional monthly pension amount can help an eligible wartime Veteran or survivor pay for personal care and other needs.
Who qualifies: Must qualify for VA Pension or Survivors Pension and meet Aid & Attendance or Housebound criteria. Apply through VA or an accredited New Mexico VSO; document care needs and expenses.
How to start: Ask the VA social worker or care team about VA Aid & Attendance / Housebound Pension.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: Indirect - Veteran/survivor controls funds
VA Medical Foster Home
Residential alternativeHelps pay for: Small-home residential alternative paired with VA Home-Based Primary Care for Veterans needing substantial assistance.
Who qualifies: VA clinical eligibility, local availability and payment arrangement; not the same as staying in one's own home. Ask VA social work/HBPC about Medical Foster Home availability.
How to start: Ask the VA social worker or care team about VA Medical Foster Home.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No
VA New Mexico Caregiver Support
Indirect / navigationHelps pay for: Local VA caregiver team can connect caregivers to training, counseling, respite, PCAFC/PGCSS and community resources.
Who qualifies: Caregiver of a Veteran receiving VA care; each benefit has separate eligibility rules. Contact VA New Mexico and ask for Caregiver Support, or call the national support line.
How to start: Ask the VA social worker or care team about VA New Mexico Caregiver Support.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: PCAFC may pay qualifying caregivers
VA Community Care Network Region 4 / TriWest
Yes - when authorizedHelps pay for: When VA authorizes community care, Region 4 network providers can deliver covered services including home health care when referred by the VA team.
Who qualifies: New Mexico is in CCN Region 4, administered by TriWest. Routine community care generally requires VA referral/authorization. Ask the VA care team for a community-care referral when appropriate.
How to start: Ask the VA social worker or care team about VA Community Care Network Region 4 / TriWest.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No direct family wage
New Mexico Department of Veterans Services / VSO Assistance
Indirect / navigationHelps pay for: Accredited Veteran Service Officers help Veterans and eligible dependents file claims and identify federal/state benefits that can offset care costs.
Who qualifies: Veteran, survivor or eligible dependent seeking benefits assistance. Contact an NMDVS field service officer/VSO.
How to start: Ask the VA social worker or care team about New Mexico Department of Veterans Services / VSO Assistance.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No direct wage
Where New Mexico Families Can Start
Not sure where to begin? Match your situation to a contact below.
Community Benefit Central Registry, AAA services, caregiver support, respite, SHIP and aging/disability navigation
ALTSD Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC)
Medicaid eligibility, MCO enrollment, Community Benefit access and general Medicaid questions
New Mexico Health Care Authority - Medicaid
Apply for Medicaid, SNAP, LIHEAP and other New Mexico assistance programs
YES.NM Benefits Portal
For people needing LTSS who are not already full-coverage Medicaid; request registry placement/allocation screening
Community Benefit / Central Registry
Mi Via and DD waiver application/eligibility starting point
DDSD Pre-Service Intake Bureau
Self-direction, service/support planning, budgets, worker enrollment and family-caregiver rules
Mi Via Program / Consultant Path
Application and program questions for qualifying medically fragile individuals
Medically Fragile Waiver
Paid friend/family caregiver pathway for eligible adults 60+; payroll support after approval
New MexiCare / Palco
PACE eligibility/service-area screening and all-inclusive elder care
InnovAge PACE - Albuquerque
Free, unbiased Medicare counseling and screening for Medicare cost-saving programs
New Mexico SHIP
VA home/community care, geriatrics, social work and care-team navigation
VA New Mexico Health Care System
PCAFC, PGCSS, caregiver coaching, respite and caregiver navigation
VA Caregiver Support Line
Before You Rely on Any Payment Source
Planning Point
Why It Matters
Community Benefit has two access routes
If someone already has full Medicaid through an MCO, start with the MCO care coordinator. If long-term services are needed but full Medicaid is not available, HCA says the Community Benefit has a Central Registry and slots are allocated based on need; contact ALTSD early.
Community Benefit requires nursing-facility level of care
The current NMAC defines NF LOC as needing consistent ongoing daily service/assistance with two or more ADLs. This is a key functional screen before assuming Community Benefit eligibility.
SDCB self-direction is not usually immediate
A member who qualifies for MCO Community Benefit must generally use Agency-Based Community Benefit for the first 120 calendar days before choosing the Self-Directed Community Benefit.
ABCB family-attendant rule is different from SDCB
For agency-based personal care, a family member other than a spouse can be selected, and a friend/neighbor may also be selected. Natural-support and live-in household-task restrictions still apply.
SDCB spouse/LRI payment is exceptional
A spouse or other legally responsible individual may be an SDCB provider only after formal MCO approval under extraordinary circumstances to protect health/welfare and avoid institutionalization. Treat this as case-by-case, not automatic.
Mi Via has broader paid-relative rules
Qualified relatives, authorized representatives and personal representatives may be paid for many Mi Via services, with listed service exclusions. A paid worker cannot also be the member EOR, and no employee may exceed 40 paid hours in a consecutive seven-day work week for one recipient/EOR.
Mi Via parent/spouse LRI rules are separate
A parent/guardian of a minor or spouse can be paid only under extraordinary circumstances with required approval; the parent/spouse must meet service qualifications and is capped at 40 hours per seven-day work week.
DD and Medically Fragile waivers were renewed in 2026
CMS approved new DD and Medically Fragile waiver terms on June 29, 2026, effective July 1, 2026. Use current service standards and approvals rather than older waiver packets when rules conflict.
Do not count the old Supports Waiver as current
CMS currently lists the New Mexico Supports Waiver as terminated effective September 28, 2025. Older web materials may still appear in searches, so verify waiver status before planning around it.
New MexiCare is a separate paid-caregiver route
New MexiCare is not the Medicaid Community Benefit or Mi Via. It serves eligible adults 60+ needing help with two or more ADLs, has its own income/resource tests, and directly supports friend/family caregivers; 2026 payroll resources are through Palco.
PACE is geographically limited
InnovAge operates New Mexico PACE in Albuquerque. Screen service-area eligibility before assuming PACE is an option elsewhere in the state.
Veterans: New Mexico is VA CCN Region 4
TriWest administers VA Community Care Network Region 4, which includes New Mexico. VA community home health generally requires VA referral/authorization; combine VA screening with state Medicaid/aging-network options when appropriate.
Program rules, income limits, and availability change over time and can vary by county. Confirm current details with the program directly, or ask a home care provider in New Mexico to help you navigate the application process.
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