What Is Considered Low Income for Seniors in New Mexico?

New Mexico considers seniors who earn $2,742 or less per month low income and therefore eligible for institutional Medicaid coverage. Seniors must also not own more than $2,000 in assets. The income limit for regular Medicaid for the elderly, also known as Centennial Care, is $914 per month. Some other low-income seniors may qualify for Medicaid waivers, which offer benefits outside nursing homes for people who can receive care at home or in community settings. New Mexico also offers many other assistance programs that are targeted at low-income seniors who need help surviving in the community. Applications for most programs can be submitted through YesNM.

The Disabled and Elderly program is a Home and Community-Based Waiver services program that can pay for home health and personal care services for seniors 65 or older who require a nursing home level of care but can live in the community safely. The monthly income limit for this program is $2,742, and the asset limit is $2,000 for an individual and up to $148,620 for a couple where one spouse is a non-applicant. Benefit distribution is handled by local Aging & Disability Resource Centers throughout the state.

Low-income seniors in New Mexico may qualify for assistance programs other than Medicaid. LIHEAP, which helps pay energy bills for low-income seniors, has a monthly income requirement of $1,699. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program has an income limit of $1,133 per month, and the Cash Assistance & Support Services program has the same income limit. The Human Services Department of New Mexico may be able to connect seniors with additional services that can relieve financial burdens for older adults in the state. These low-income programs may also require proof of residency in New Mexico and proof of U.S. citizenship or legal resident status.