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Nursing Homes in New Mexico
Renowned for its mountain resorts, dramatic landscapes and arid high-desert climate, New Mexico has been a sought-after retirement destination for decades. Today, seniors represent 18% of the state’s 2,096,829 residents, and New Mexico is projected to have the nation’s fourth-largest senior population by 2030.
While New Mexico has four unique regions, many of the state’s amenities and top-performing medical facilities are located in Albuquerque, Santa Fe and other major cities. The state is also home to 76 nursing homes that accommodate more than 5,800 residents. These facilities provide intermediate or skilled care to residents who have advanced medical needs or require specialized rehabilitative services. According to Genworth Financial’s 2020 Cost of Care Survey, which tracks nursing home costs nationally and regionally, a semiprivate room in New Mexico costs $7,406 per month. Residents pay $8,304, about $900 more, for private accommodations. Although skilled nursing is more expensive than other forms of long-term care, rates tend to be lower than the U.S. average.
This guide looks at average nursing home costs in New Mexico and programs that can help with these expenses. It also provides information about nursing home regulations, government agencies and nonprofits that can help along the way.
The Cost of Nursing Home Care in New Mexico
Seniors in New Mexico benefit from competitive nursing home rates averaging around $7,406 per month. Although prices are $350 lower than the U.S. median, they’re higher than most neighboring states. Average rates range from $5,019 in Texas, which represents a monthly savings of $2,387, to $8,517 in Colorado where rates are $1,111 higher. Seniors in Arizona pay $6,844 or about $560 less per month of care. Average rates are also $1,018 lower in Utah and $2,083 lower in Oklahoma.
Nursing home costs in New Mexico vary by more than $3,300 per month. Albuquerque, the state’s most populous city, is the most expensive option at $8,330. Seniors in Santa Fe pay $8,060 per month, which is $654 more than the state median. Rates are slightly more affordable than average in Las Cruces at $7,336, and seniors in Farmington pay $6,915 per month, about $500 less than the state median. Several other cities provide a more competitive value, especially near the Texas border. In Roswell and El Paso, rates average around $5,232. Clovis is similar to Amarillo at $5,171, and Hobbs is even lower at $5,019, which is comparable to Odessa.
Albuquerque
$8330
Santa Fe
$8060
Farmington
$6915
Las Cruces
$7336
Roswell
$5232
Hobbs
$5019
Clovis
$5171
Long-term care costs in New Mexico are relatively affordable across the board. However, nursing homes are the most expensive option with an average monthly cost of $7,406. Household services and medical assistance provided by home health care agencies cost $4,290-$4,385 per month, which is slightly lower than the national average. Assisted living facilities cost $3,356 less than skilled nursing at $4,050 per month, and adult day health care costs $2,513, which is higher than in other parts of the country.
In-Home Care
$4290
Home Health Care
$4385
Adult Day Care
$2513
Assisted Living Facility
$4050
Nursing Home Care
$7406
Does Medicaid Cover Nursing Home Care in New Mexico?
New Mexico’s Medicaid program is called Centennial Care, and it is administered through the Human Service Department (HSD). As of late 2021, Centennial Care enrolled 809,955 residents, of whom 20%, or approximately 162,000, were seniors and/or disabled. The state has 70 nursing homes with 6,942 licensed beds. Centennial Care typically covers the entirety of nursing home costs for eligible seniors, including room and board, therapies, daily activities and 24-hour nursing care.
Centennial Care is a managed care program, with services provided through one of three entities, including Blue Cross/Blue Shield and Presbyterian. With this general Medicaid program, seniors receive full coverage of nursing home services and some personal care assistance.
The state also offers a Medicaid Waiver program for seniors who wish to avoid institutional care. This is known as a Community Benefit version of Centennial Care, and it includes services such as adult day care, respite and assistance with activities of daily living.
Medicaid Eligibility in New Mexico
The income limits for seniors differ depending on marital status. If married, income limits depend upon whether one or both married partners are applying. Single seniors applying for the program can make up to $2,742 per month. Married couples who are both applying for assistance can make $5,484 per month. If only one spouse needs to enter a nursing home, they can make up to $2,742 per month, and only that applicant’s income is considered when determining eligibility.
In addition to being income-dependent, financial eligibility is also affected by the value of a person’s assets. Single applicants can have assets amounting to $2,000. Married couples can have up to $4,000 in assets if both are applying. If just one spouse applies, the applicant’s asset limit is $2,000. Due to the Spousal Impoverishment Act, the spouse can have assets up to $148,620.
| Household Size | Number of Applicants | Income Limits Per Year* | Asset Limits: Applicant(s) | Asset Limits: Non-Applicants |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| One Person | 1 | $32,904 | $2,000 | |
| Two People | 1 | $32,904** | $2,000 | $148,620 |
| Two People | 2 | $66,808*** | $4,000*** |
* Except for a $83/mo. personal needs allowance, Medicare premiums and possibly a spousal income allowance for a non-applicant spouse, all of a recipient's monthly income must be put toward the cost of nursing home care.
** Income limit is for applicant only.
*** Income is limited to $2,742 per month per spouse.
****Assets are limited to $2,000 per spouse
In addition to the income eligibility requirements for seniors, those who are applying for Centennial Care must also be legal residents of New Mexico. They may be U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, legal aliens or permanent residents.
How To Apply for Medicaid in New Mexico
Seniors interested in applying for Centennial Care can do so online, over the phone or in person.
Online: Interested seniors can visit the YESNM website to apply for coverage. First, applicants will create a username and password for the site. Once they have created and verified the account, they can complete the application online and submit when finished.
Telephone: Seniors can apply for Medicaid over the phone by calling the Consolidated Customer Service Center at 800-283-4465 anytime; alternatively, they may call the hotline Monday through Friday between 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. and speak with a company representative directly.
Paper application: Seniors can download the paper application, fill it out completely, sign it and mail it to the following address:
Central ASPEN Scanning Area
PO Box 830
Bernalillo, NM, 87004
Alternatively, they can fax the completed application to 1-855-804-8960, or deliver it in person to their local Income Support Division (ISD) office.
Information You Will Need
During the application process, you will need to establish proof of citizenship and residency in addition to proof of income. Please ensure you have the following ready:
- A U.S. passport, certificate of naturalization, certificate of U.S. citizenship, government-issued ID or proof of membership in a federally recognized Native tribe
- If you don’t have stand-alone evidence proving citizenship, a U.S. birth certificate, U.S. citizen identification card, final adoption decree or another comparable document may be acceptable
- Proof of income, which might include bank statements, pay stubs, income tax statements, Social Security award letters or hand-written notes
Additional Medicaid Support & Resources in New Mexico
The following table provides information for New Mexico applicants and can be used in the event that you need a helping hand to complete the paperwork.
| Program | Contact | Service |
|---|---|---|
| New Mexico Human Services Department | (800) 283-4665 | New Mexico's HSD is the organization responsible for accepting and approving Medicaid applications, so they can handle any of the problems seniors might have in filling out the paperwork for the ConnectCare program. Callers also have access to the helpful customer service team in the Income Support Division, who can help seniors figure out what proof of citizenship, income or residency would be the easiest for them to use on their application. |
| New Mexico Aging and Long-Term Services Department | (800) 432-2080 | The ADRC can help seniors find information about the various Medicaid options available to elders, including the Medicaid Waiver programs. Additionally, through NMHIX (New Mexico Health Exchange), seniors can get help finding health care coverage outside of Medicaid. |
| Social Security Administration | Online Only | New Mexico Medicaid Portal |
Does Medicare Cover Nursing Home Care in New Mexico?
Medicare provides limited coverage for short-term stays in a skilled nursing facility following a hospital stay, but seniors must meet a number of specific requirements. This benefit is available to beneficiaries who have been hospitalized for at least three days, excluding the date of discharge, so it’s most valuable for those who are recovering from an injury, illness or surgery.
Once seniors meet the hospitalization requirement, Medicare will pay for up to 100 days of skilled nursing per benefit period. The first 20 days are covered in full. Starting on day 21, beneficiaries must pay a daily coinsurance rate. After day 100, seniors are responsible for the entire cost.
What Does Medicare Cover?
Medicare covers a number of specific services, including:
- Meals
- A semiprivate room
- Medications
- Skilled nursing
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Speech therapy
- Audiologist care
- Medical supplies
- Medical social services
- Nutritional counseling
- Ambulance transportation
What Isn’t Covered by Medicare?
Medicare does not cover long-term custodial care that addresses seniors’ day-to-day needs. This includes help with daily activities, such as bathing, dressing and using medical equipment.
For more information about Medicare and when it covers Nursing Home Care, read our Guide to Nursing Homes.
Although most seniors find it easy to enroll in Medicare when they reach the age at which they’re eligible, it can be confusing to find the resources they need to most benefit from retiring. Here are some available resources for assistance with the Medicare sign-up process.
| Program | Contact | Service |
|---|---|---|
| New Mexico Aging and Long-Term Services Department (ALTSD) | (800) 432-2080 | Seniors can receive free Medicare counseling and help with enrolling in Medicare. The department can also provide valuable information on health plan options, provide tips for avoiding health care fraud and assist seniors in changing plans. |
| MEDICARE.gov | (800) 633-4227 | The best place to find out everything about Medicare is to go to the source. Here, seniors can learn about the cost of Medicare in 2022, connect to someone locally, find health and drug plans and apply for benefits. Visitors to the site can create an account or call the helpline at 1-800-MEDICARE. |
| Social Security Administration | (800) 722-1213 | Learn about the benefits of being retired, read about new Social Security programs or keep up with your information. Most of what you'll need can be found on this site, whether advice, personal insurance information (such as a benefit verification letter) or access to emergency assistance for seniors. |
Other Financial Assistance Options for Nursing Home Care in New Mexico
While Medicaid and Medicare are two of the most common programs used to pay for Nursing Home Care, there are other financial assistance options available, depending on your unique situation.
| Name | How To Apply | How It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Aid and Attendance | Learn more and apply online at va.gov. | Veterans who receive a VA pension may also be eligible for the Aid and Attendance benefit, a monthly cash allowance that veterans receive in addition to their standard pension amount. The benefit is intended for veterans in need of long-term care services and may be used towards paying for skilled nursing care. |
| Reverse Mortgages | Learn more about your options and how to apply at ftc.gov | If you own a home, you may be able to use a reverse mortgage to help pay for nursing care. Reverse mortgages are loans that one can take out against the value of their home, essentially converting some of the home's equity into cash. Reverse mortgage loans do need to be repaid with interest, typically within 12 months of receiving the loan. |
| Long-Term Care (LTC) Insurance | Learn more about Long-Term Care Insurance and how to apply for a policy at acl.gov. | Seniors who already have long-term care insurance may be able to use it to pay for skilled nursing care. Most policies cover at least a portion of the cost, but it depends on the specific policy terms. Note that older adults who are already in need of skilled nursing care will not typically be eligible to sign up for a LTC insurance policy. |
Free and Low-Cost Resources for Seniors in New Mexico
There are many resources in New Mexico that assist seniors in their retirement. Caring.com has compiled information on local organizations, programs and agencies and categorized them into care types for easy reference.
Area Agency on Aging
Retirees can find support and advice on various senior-related issues from their local Area Agency on Aging. The agency provides advice on topics such as financial assistance programs, in-home care and long-term care planning. It also connects seniors and caregivers with community-based resources.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| New Mexico Area Agencies on Aging | There are four Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) in New Mexico. Albuquerque is home to two of them, another is in Santa Fe, and the fourth is in Window Rock, AZ. Tribal programs have a minimum age of 55 to be able to receive services, while all other areas have a minimum age of 60. Information and services for seniors include respite care, transportation, meals, legal help and adult day care. |
Cash Assistance Programs
Cash assistance programs in New Mexico provide financial support to help low-income retirees remain in their own homes for as long as possible. Seniors and caregivers can apply for tax rebates and reductions, discounts on vital services and help covering the cost of heating and cooling their home.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| New Mexico Lifeline Program | 800-234-9473 | The LifeLine Program offers a discount on landline or mobile telephone service, ensuring that participants can stay in contact with loved ones. |
Financial Assistance for Senior Care and Senior Living
Whether living in their own home or in a senior living community, New Mexico seniors can find financial assistance from numerous local resources. These organizations help residents cover some of the costs associated with in-home or long-term care and connect them with other helpful community-based resources.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| New Mexico Community Benefit Program | 800-432-2080 | The aim of the program is to give seniors the help they need to stay in their homes, instead of having to move to nursing homes and other institutional settings. Covered services include assistance with activities of daily living, home modifications to increase accessibility, personal emergency response systems and physical therapy. |
Food Assistance Programs
Local organizations help ensure elderly citizens have a balanced diet and receive essential vitamins and minerals to remain healthy. Through nutrition programs, congregate meals, home-delivered meals and food pantries, these programs help New Mexico seniors afford the nutritious food they need.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| New Mexico Home Delivered Meals | 800-432-2080 | Home Delivered Meals are delivered to clients who are homebound and unable to prepare their own meals and have no caregiver at home to prepare meals for them. |
| New Mexico Meals on Wheels | 505-823-8060 | Meals on Wheels of Albuquerque is a private 501(c)3 nonprofit corporation founded in 1972 by a group of women from Presbyterian Churches around Albuquerque. We began with 20 clients and 40 volunteers. Today we serve approximately 500 clients and have over 400 volunteers. We delivered 9,400 meals in 1972. Today we are delivering over 140,000 meals a year. Meals on Wheels of Albuquerque provides nutritious meals and crucial social contact each day. Not only do we provide friendship and compassion but we also check the well being of those we serve. |
Free Used Medical Equipment
Due to the high cost of purchasing new medical equipment, several organizations in New Mexico collect lightly used medical devices such as wheelchairs, ramps and walkers and distribute them to local seniors and residents in need.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| New Mexico Adelante Back In Use | 505-341-7171 | Back in Use recycles medical equipment and assistive devices, helping New Mexicans with limited financial resources get the equipment they need. All donated items are inspected carefully and sanitized before they're distributed. |
| New Mexico Technology Assistance Program | 877-696-1470 | The New Mexico Technology Assistance Program lends assistive technology and medical equipment to New Mexico residents with all types of disabilities. Available items include wheelchair cushions, telephone amplifiers and visual alert systems. |
Health Insurance & Prescription Drug Coverage for Seniors
New Mexico seniors who meet certain income criteria can apply to local resources to help them pay for prescription drugs. Eligible residents can also receive assistance through health insurance and other programs to access free or discounted medical services.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| New Mexico Drug Card | 800-726-4232 | The New Mexico Drug Card gives users access to pharmacy discounts that can help them reduce their out-of-pocket prescription costs. These discounts are typically applied when a medication isn't covered by Medicare Part D or another type of insurance. Participants can also use the New Mexico Drug Card if the out-of-pocket cost would be less than the cost of purchasing the medication with insurance coverage. |
Home Repair and Modifications
Seniors and those with disabilities can access a variety of local resources to help them pay for home repairs and modifications. Programs in New Mexico have different eligibility criteria and often assist retirees by providing grants or loans.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| New Mexico Energy$mart Weatherization Program | New Mexico's Energy$mart Weatherization Program provides funds that can be used to increase energy efficiency or make a home safer for its occupants. Home energy audits are performed to determine which services are appropriate for each participant. |
Social Security Offices
Social Security offices in New Mexico help seniors and disabled people access the benefits they're entitled to. Older adults can contact their local office for information about receiving retirement benefits, disability allowance and Supplemental Security Income.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| New Mexico Social Security | Social Security is a source of income available to retirees and people who can no longer work because of a disability. The money for Social Security comes from a payroll tax levied on employers, employees and self-employed individuals. When you retire, you'll receive monthly payments based on how much you earned when you were working. |
Tax Assistance
Seniors can apply for tax assistance from several New Mexico resources. Elderly residents and those with disabilities could be eligible for tax exemptions on medical expenses, reductions on property tax and other tax assistance programs.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| New Mexico Senior Property Tax Rebate | 505-372-8314 | In New Mexico, seniors qualify for a rebate that reduces the amount of property tax owed each year. Tax collection is handled by a network of county assessor offices, so the amount of the rebate depends on a senior's county of residence. |
Veteran's Services
New Mexico retirees who have served in the U.S. military can find support from local veteran services. These offices and organizations help vets access the benefits they're eligible for and provide advice and information on a variety of issues.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| New Mexico VA Benefits and Health Care | New Mexico VA Benefits and Health Care offers health administration and benefits delivery to qualified veterans throughout the state. The Regional Benefits Office and the main VA Health Care System office are located in Albuquerque, and the office has outpatient clinics across New Mexico. Seniors who served in the armed forces can contact these locations to get help applying for their veteran health care and financial aid benefits. |
Nursing Home Laws and Regulations in New Mexico
| Topic | Rule |
|---|---|
| Licensing | Intermediate and skilled nursing facilities in New Mexico are regulated by the bureau of Health Facility Licensing & Certification, which is part of the Department of Health, Division of Health Improvement. |
| Staffing | Long-term care facilities must maintain sufficient staff to meet residents' needs 24 hours a day. They must employ a director of nursing, and a qualified charge nurse must be on duty at all times. Intermediate care facilities must employ sufficient staff to provide 2.3 hours of direct daily care per resident, and skilled nursing facilities must provide at least 2.5 hours of direct care. |
| Training | Certified nursing assistants in New Mexico must complete a state-approved 75-hour training program that includes at least 16 hours of clinical coursework. Additionally, facilities must provide quarterly in-service training and continuing education to all direct-care staff. |
| Admission Restrictions | Facilities must not admit a person who has or is suspected of having a communicable disease. Admissions restrictions also apply to residents who are abusive, destructive or have a significant mental illness. |
| Care Planning | Staff members must conduct a preliminary assessment within 48 hours and a comprehensive assessment within 30 days to determine the resident's functional needs. A physician must review the plan of care every 30 days for those in skilled nursing or every 60 days for those who require intermediate care. |
| Dietary and Nutrition Services | Nursing homes must provide three daily meals plus drinking water and snacks, if supplemental items are appropriate for the resident's diet. Meals must include a variety of ingredients and follow nationally recognized dietary guidelines. Menus should be planned at least two weeks in advance, and facilities must take reasonable measures to accommodate residents' personal preferences and nutritional needs. |
| Specialized Rehabilitative Services | Long-term care facilities must provide skilled therapeutic services to help residents complete a physician-ordered rehabilitative care plan. Therapists must assess each resident's needs, develop a personalized treatment plan and document the resident's progress. |
| Medication and Pharmaceutical Services | Facilities must obtain all medications that residents require from a licensed pharmacy. They must employ a qualified pharmacist to review each resident's medication plan at least monthly. These professionals are responsible for recordkeeping and other administrative functions. |
| Activities Requirements | Nursing homes must provide individual and group activities that accommodate residents' needs and preferences and are appropriate for their plan of care. Recreational activities must be organized by a qualified activities coordinator who has a suitable combination of education and/or training, work experience or on-the-job support. |
| Infection Control | Long-term care facilities must have written policies and procedures for infection control. Infection control guidelines also apply to specific tasks, such as housekeeping and laundry. |
| Medicaid Coverage | New Mexico Medicaid covers skilled nursing and other long-term supports through Centennial Care, the state's managed care organization. |
Facilities in New Mexico
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