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Can Family Members Get Paid for Caregiving in New Mexico?
Date Updated: July 26, 2024
Written by:
Rachel Lustbader is a writer and editor with a background in healthcare and technology. Her work has been published on websites including HealthCare.com, BiteSizeBio.com, BetterHelp.com, Caring.com, and PayingforSeniorCare.com. She studied health science and public health at Boston University.
Both of Rachel’s grandmothers had very positive experiences in senior living communities, and Rachel saw firsthand the impact that kind, committed caregivers and community managers can have on seniors’ and their family members’ lives. With her work at Caring, Rachel hopes to help other families find communities, caregivers, and at-home products that benefit elderly loved ones and make life less stressful for family caregivers
In New Mexico, family caregivers may be able to get financial assistance through the state’s Centennial Care Community Benefit option. Centennial Care is New Mexico’s Medicaid program, and the Community Benefit option provides a wide range of services that enable the state’s seniors to remain at home. Under Community Benefit, seniors can opt to self-direct their home care, which means they’re given money to pay family caregivers and other attendants of their choice. Below, learn more about Community Benefit and its eligibility requirements.
Centennial Care Community Benefit Overview
Community Benefit has two options to choose from: Self-Directed and Agency-Based. Under the Self-Directed option, seniors can hire and pay for their own caregivers, while Agency-Based includes a care coordinator who manages services on their behalf. Seniors who choose Self-Directed must be capable of hiring, training and supervising their caregivers or have access to a trusted person who can handle these tasks for them.
Community Benefit services include:
- Home health care
- Housekeeping
- Skilled and specialized therapies
- Nonmedical transportation
- Employment training
- Adult day care/social activities
- Emergency response system
- Nutrition counseling
- Medical supplies and equipment
Eligibility and How to Apply
Seniors must be eligible for Centennial Care to get the Community Benefit option. In 2023, Centennial Care has an income limit of $2,742 per month and an asset limit of $2,000. Applicants must also require help with at least two activities of daily living, such as mobility, dressing, bathing and feeding themselves.
To get started, seniors can sign up for Centennial Care on the state’s Medicaid portal, Yes New Mexico. For questions, they can call 1 (800) 283-4465.