Who Qualifies for Home Health Care Financial Assistance in New Mexico?

Seniors ages 65 and over, or people who are blind or disabled may qualify for home health care financial assistance in New Mexico if they meet the income restrictions for Medicaid and enroll in the required programs. Home health care financial assistance falls under the Community Benefit Program. Seniors can access a variety of service options with this program.

To access the Community Benefit Program and receive financial assistance for home health care, New Mexico residents must be senior citizens ages 65 or over, be blind or have a disability. This program is for U.S. citizens and legal aliens who demonstrate a proven need for health care assistance so they can live in their own homes rather than in a nursing home.

Seniors who wish to enroll in the Community Benefit Program must first enroll in Medicaid, meeting its financial eligibility requirements. For a single person in 2022, the Medicaid income limit is $10,092 a year with a maximum of $2,000 in assets. For a two-person household, the annual income limit is $15,137 and the asset limit $3,000. If these qualifications are met and seniors are enrolled in Medicaid, they must join a Medical Managed Care Option (MCO), for the MCOs run the Community Benefit Program. Seniors who do not qualify for Medicaid based on their income may still access the Community Benefit Program through a registry option based on need, but the open positions may be limited.

Seniors who are accepted into the Community Benefit Program receive financial assistance for home health care based on their proven health needs and financial situation. They begin with the Agency-Based Community Benefit for initial care coordination and the development of a care plan, but after 120 days, they may choose to switch to a self-directed option in order to choose their own caregivers.

The Community Benefit Program may pay for home health services such as personal care assistance, private-duty nursing, adult day health, therapy, home health aide services and respite care. Home health care typically involves medical services such as vital sign monitoring, assistance with medication and chronic condition management for diabetes or other health problems. If nursing services are included, seniors may receive wound care, IV therapy and other more complex medical care.