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New Mexico Medicaid: 2026 Income Limits and Moving In or Out

Moving TO New Mexico

Turquoise Care (New Mexico's Medicaid program) does not accept transferred cases from other states: every new New Mexico resident applies fresh through New Mexico Health Care Authority. There is no waiting period tied to how recently you arrived — eligibility is decided on New Mexico's own income and household rules from the day you become a resident.

Leaving New Mexico

Leaving New Mexico ends your Turquoise Care (New Mexico's Medicaid program) case — no state will take it over. Close the case with New Mexico Health Care Authority effective your move month, then apply in your destination state immediately after arriving.

Official agency: New Mexico Health Care Authority ↗ (application page)

New Mexico Medicaid at a glance

Program nameTurquoise Care
ACA Medicaid expansionYes — adults covered on income
Adult income limit138% of the federal poverty level
ProcessingFederal 45-day standard (90 days for disability determinations); no NM-specific timeline verified

New Mexico Medicaid income limits for adults (2026)

New Mexico expanded Medicaid under the ACA, so adults with income up to 138% of the federal poverty level can qualify without fitting a category such as disability or pregnancy. Federal law (Public Law 119-21) adds a work condition for most of these adults from January 1, 2027 (earlier in some states, and later only in a state granted an extension, which cannot run past 2028): they must show 80 hours a month of work, school, job training, or community service, unless they are exempt (for example, parents of a child 13 or under, pregnant people, and people with a disability). New applicants may have to show it for 1 to 3 consecutive months immediately preceding the month they apply.

Household sizeMonthly income limitYearly income limit
1 person$1,836$22,025
2 people$2,489$29,864
3 people$3,142$37,702
4 people$3,795$45,540
5 people$4,449$53,379
6 people$5,102$61,217
7 people$5,755$69,056
8 people$6,408$76,894
Each additional person+$654+$7,839

Federal source: HHS 2026 Poverty Guidelines (91 FR 1797) (published 2026-01-15)

How to apply for Medicaid in New Mexico

Apply with New Mexico Health Care Authority online at yes.nm.gov, which runs the program as Turquoise Care. Go to the official application page ↗

Processing time: Federal 45-day standard (90 days for disability determinations); no NM-specific timeline verified.

Moving with more than one benefit? The relocation checklist orders every step for your move.

Common questions

What is the Medicaid income limit in New Mexico for 2026?

For adults, 138% of the federal poverty level: about $1,836 a month for one person and $3,795 a month for a family of four in 2026. Children, pregnant people, and people 65+ or with a disability have separate limits.

Can I keep New Mexico Medicaid if I move to another state?

No. Medicaid covers residents only, so New Mexico coverage ends once you live elsewhere. Report the move to New Mexico Health Care Authority and apply in your new state right away; eligibility there is decided on that state's own rules.

How do I apply for Medicaid in New Mexico?

Apply with New Mexico Health Care Authority online at yes.nm.gov, which runs the program as Turquoise Care. Processing time: federal 45-day standard (90 days for disability determinations); no NM-specific timeline verified.

Who runs Medicaid in New Mexico?

New Mexico Health Care Authority, which runs the program as Turquoise Care. The official page and application link are cited below — always act through them.

Does New Mexico make new residents wait for Medicaid?

No state may impose a residency waiting period for Medicaid. You apply as soon as you live in New Mexico; eligibility is decided on New Mexico's own rules.

Where do I report that I'm leaving New Mexico?

Contact New Mexico Health Care Authority (official link below) to report the move and close your case effective your move month.

Every move involving New Mexico

Other benefits in New Mexico

Terms on this page: Federal poverty level (FPL) · Medicaid expansion · Retroactive Medicaid coverage

Official sources

Every fact above was checked against these official pages. Last verified .

Written by Benefits Transfer Editorial Team

Reviewed by Billy Reiner, Editor

Last verified