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.
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
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.
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 $2,349 per month. Married couples who are both applying for assistance can make $4,698 per month. If only one spouse needs to enter a nursing home, they can make up to $2,349 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 $128,640.
2022 Basic Medicaid Income Limits for Seniors in New Mexico
| Monthly income limits | Asset limits | |
|---|---|---|
| Single Applicant | $2,349 | $2,000 |
| Two-Person Household(Only One Person Applying) | $2,000 | $2,000 for applicant $137,400 for non-applicant |
| Two-Person Household (Both People Applying) | $4,698 | $4,000 |
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.
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:
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 |
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:
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. |
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. |
New Mexico seniors have a wealth of free or almost-free resources when they need to navigate the world of senior living, from organizations that offer a wide swath of services to agencies with very specific audiences. Here is a diverse compilation of resources for the elderly who call New Mexico home.
| Resource | Contact | Service |
|---|---|---|
| Veterans Affairs New Mexico Healthcare System | (505) 265-1711 | Veterans can call the New Mexico VA Healthcare office to learn about the Aid and Attendance benefit for help paying for home care or nursing home level care in the home. They can also request information on the New Mexico State Veterans’ Home (NMSVH), a senior care facility that offers nursing home, memory care and assisted living. |
| New Mexico Caregivers Coalition | (505) 867-6046 | The New Mexico Caregivers Coalition provides information and advocacy information for caregivers and offers low-cost background checks for families who want to check out potential caregivers before hiring them. |
| New Mexico’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program | (866) 451-2901 | This program is associated with the New Mexico Aging & Long-Term Services Department, offering seniors a vast array of services. One of its most familiar uses is in advocating for seniors who are having difficulty with their long-term care facility. The program also helps elders with care planning, questions they have about available resources in their area and Medicaid/Medicare enrollment. |
| Legal Resources for the Elderly (LREP) | (800) 876-6657 | The Legal Resources for the Elderly Program (LREP) is a free program that advises residents 55+ on legal issues. There is no income qualification for these workshops, clinics or one-on-one advice. Seniors have access to quality advice on conservatorships, wills, trusts, debt collection, transfer on death deeds and other topics relevant to the elderly. |
| 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. |
1650 Galisteo Street , Santa Fe, NM, 87505
2.4
(10 reviews)
"My husband was at Casa Real for rehab. They did very well, even though they were short-staffed. They took excellent care of him and got him up and going, so I was impressed with that. The staff was cheerful and upbeat because they had some long-te..."
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635 HARKLE ROAD, Santa Fe, NM, 87505
2.0
(6 reviews)
"My mother is in a skilled nursing facility, Santa Fe Care Center. My first experience was not that great, but she is in for a second time. My second experience is much better now. Things are better. The staff are overworked and understaffed, espec..."
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