New Mexico Medicaid Help & Updates

You’ve Got People. We’re Your People.
New Mexico Medicaid—including the Turquoise Care program—covers substance use disorder and mental health services.
Whether you need help applying, renewing your coverage, understanding a turquoise-envelope notice, or preparing for upcoming Medicaid changes, Porch Light Health is here to help.
Don’t let worries about Medicaid stop you from starting or continuing treatment. Whether or not you qualify for Medicaid, we will work with you to find a way to get the treatment you need.
Get Help With MedicaidStart Treatment in New Mexico
A smiling woman hugging her dog outside a clinic

What You Can Do Right Now

A few simple steps can help you avoid missing important information or deadlines:
  • Make sure New Mexico Medicaid has your current address, phone number, and email.
  • Watch for a turquoise envelope from the New Mexico Health Care Authority.
  • Check your email, text messages, and YES.NM.GOV account for notices.
  • Open and respond to Medicaid communications right away.
  • Complete your renewal when you are notified.
  • Ask for help if you receive something you don’t understand.
Sign up below for Medicaid updates from Porch Light Health.
Sign In to YES.NM.GOV
A Porch Light Health team member talking with a patient in a clinic office

We Can Help With Medicaid—and With Staying in Care

Our team can help you:
  • Apply for New Mexico Medicaid
  • Complete your Medicaid renewal
  • Update your contact information
  • Understand notices and identify your next steps
  • Access substance use disorder and mental health treatment
  • Find transportation for covered appointments
  • Explore your options if your coverage changes or you do not qualify
The New Mexico Health Care Authority makes Medicaid eligibility decisions. Porch Light Health can help you navigate the process, connect with the right resources, and find a way to continue receiving care.
Talk With Someone Who Can Help

Latest New Mexico Medicaid Updates

Last updated: September 8, 2026

Watch for a turquoise envelope

The New Mexico Health Care Authority has begun sending notices about Medicaid changes taking effect in 2026 and 2027.
If you receive a turquoise envelope, open it right away. It may contain information you need to provide or steps you need to take to keep your coverage.
Receiving a notice does not automatically mean you are losing Medicaid. You may qualify for an exception to the new requirements.

New work and activity requirements begin January 1, 2027

Beginning January 1, 2027, some adults ages 19 through 64 will need to complete and report at least 80 hours per month of work, school, job training, volunteering, or a combination of qualifying activities to apply for or maintain Medicaid coverage.
These requirements will not apply to everyone. If they may apply to you, the New Mexico Health Care Authority will send you information about what to do.

Receiving treatment for a substance use disorder?

Federal Medicaid rules include people participating in a drug or alcohol treatment program among those who do not have to meet the new work requirements.
People with a substance use disorder, disabling mental health condition, disability, or serious or complex medical condition may also qualify for a medical-frailty exception when the condition significantly affects their ability to meet the requirements.
New Mexico is still developing some of the processes it will use to identify and confirm exceptions. Continue to open and respond to all notices, even if you believe an exception applies to you.

Some members will renew every six months

Beginning January 1, 2027, some adults who are subject to the new work and activity requirements will need to renew their Medicaid coverage every six months instead of once a year.
The change will not apply to every Medicaid member. Watch for information from the New Mexico Health Care Authority and complete your renewal by the deadline provided.

Coverage changes for some immigrants begin October 1, 2026

Federal changes will affect Medicaid eligibility for some lawfully present immigrants—including certain refugees, asylees, and humanitarian parolees—beginning October 1, 2026.
New Mexico is developing state-supported coverage options to help some affected residents avoid a gap in care. If you receive a notice that your Medicaid coverage is ending, contact Porch Light Health and BeWell for help exploring your options.

What Does “Medically Frail” Mean?

“Medically frail” is a Medicaid term for someone whose health condition may mean they do not have to meet the new work and activity requirements.
Current federal guidance includes people who have:
  • A substance use disorder
  • A disabling mental health condition
  • A disability that significantly affects daily activities
  • A serious or complex medical condition
  • Blindness or another qualifying disability
The condition generally must significantly affect the person’s ability to work or complete other qualifying activities.
New Mexico officials have said that during 2027, members may use a self-attestation form to request a medical-frailty exception without providing additional medical paperwork. That process may change as the state receives and implements additional federal guidance.
If you receive a notice about work requirements or medical frailty, don’t ignore it. Porch Light Health can help you understand what it is asking and identify your next step.
Contact Porch Light Health
A woman writing in a notebook while sitting on a couch

Common Questions

Does New Mexico Medicaid cover substance use disorder and mental health treatment?

Yes. New Mexico Medicaid and Turquoise Care include mental health and substance use disorder services.
Porch Light Health can help you understand your coverage and get connected with care.

Do the new work requirements apply to everyone?

No. They apply only to certain adults ages 19 through 64. Many people do not have to meet them because of their health, age, pregnancy, caregiving responsibilities, Tribal status, participation in certain programs, or other circumstances.

What should I do if I receive a turquoise envelope?

Open it right away and look for:
  • The reason for the notice
  • Information being requested
  • The deadline to respond
  • Instructions for submitting information
If you don’t understand it, contact Porch Light Health. We can help you identify your next step.

Do I have to meet the requirements if I am receiving substance use treatment?

Federal rules include people participating in a drug or alcohol treatment program among those who do not have to meet the work requirements.
You must still respond if the New Mexico Health Care Authority asks for information or confirmation. Contact us if you need help understanding what to provide.

What if I don’t qualify for Medicaid or my coverage ends?

Call us. We will help you understand your options and work with you to find a way to make treatment possible.
Contact Porch Light Health

Get New Mexico Medicaid Updates

Medicaid information is changing. Sign up to receive important deadlines, coverage updates, and practical guidance from Porch Light Health.
New Mexico Medicaid Updates Sign-Up
Signing up is optional and is not required to receive care.

More Help and Resources

Looking for Colorado Medicaid information?

Visit our Colorado Medicaid Help Center for Colorado-specific information, updates, and assistance.
Visit the Colorado Medicaid Help Center

Need help with transportation, food, housing, or other needs?

Visit our Resource Center to find additional services and support that can help you stay connected to care.
Visit the Resource Center

Helping Someone Access Care?

Porch Light Health works with healthcare providers, Tribal and community organizations, social-service agencies, first responders, and other partners throughout New Mexico.
If someone in your community needs help applying for Medicaid, responding to a notice, maintaining coverage, or accessing substance use disorder or mental health treatment, send them to us.
They’ve got people, too.
Porch Light Health provides Medicaid navigation, education, and treatment support. Medicaid eligibility and coverage decisions are made by the New Mexico Health Care Authority. Information may change as additional state and federal guidance becomes available.
Translate »
phone-handsetphone