State Medicaid Waiver Directory
Find your state's Katie Beckett waiver, TEFRA pathway, HCBS programs, and Medicaid eligibility rules for children and adults with disabilities. Each guide covers waitlists, application steps, income limits, and parent caregiver pay options.
For informational purposes only — not legal, medical, or financial advice. Medicaid rules, eligibility, and waitlists change frequently. Always verify with your state's official Medicaid agency before making decisions. Cross-check with Medicaid.gov's official waiver page.
New Mexico
Program Overview
Overview
New Mexico has a Developmental Disabilities Waiver and a Mi Via Self-Directed Waiver. New Mexico is one of the states with more developed self-directed care options.
Katie Beckett or similar pathway
New Mexico has not adopted the Katie Beckett/TEFRA state plan option. Families access services for children through the Developmental Disabilities Waiver and the Mi Via Self-Directed Waiver, which combine standard Medicaid financial eligibility with a level-of-care requirement. Contact New Mexico DDSD or HCBS and ask how income is counted for each waiver.
Child-relevant waivers
The DD Waiver and Mi Via Self-Directed Waiver are the primary routes for individuals with developmental disabilities. New Mexico also has a Centennial Care HCBS Waiver that covers adults with physical disabilities or complex care needs who require nursing-facility level of care but choose to live in the community. Centennial Care integrates physical, behavioral, and long-term services and supports through managed care plans.
Eligibility
Who qualifies
DD Waiver serves individuals with developmental disabilities who meet ICF/ID level of care and financial eligibility.
Financial and income rules
New Mexico Medicaid financial eligibility applies. Waiver-specific rules also apply.
Level of care
ICF/ID level of care is required for the DD Waiver.
Age rules
DD Waiver serves individuals of various ages including children.
Getting Started
How to apply
Contact New Mexico DDSD (Division of Developmental Disabilities Supports) for intake.
Documents needed
Disability documentation, level-of-care assessment, and financial information are typically required.
Waitlist information
New Mexico DD Waiver has had waiting periods. Mi Via may have more flexibility.
Practical next step
Contact New Mexico DDSD and ask about DD Waiver and Mi Via intake and eligibility. For non-Medicaid supports, contact New Mexico DVR or PARE.
Services & Support
Services available
DD Waiver can cover residential services, community supports, employment services, and respite.
Parent caregiver pay
In New Mexico's Mi Via Self-Directed Waiver, parents and guardians of minors (and spouses of adult participants) can be paid for nearly all waiver services, except transportation of a minor and a few excluded services. Legally responsible individuals may provide up to 40 hours of services in a seven-day period.
Equipment exchange & assistive technology
New Mexico Technology Assistance Program (NM TAP — tap.gcd.nm.gov) — free device demonstrations, short-term loans, and reuse programs. Available statewide to all New Mexicans with disabilities.
Mental health and Medicaid coverage
New Mexico Medicaid covers behavioral health services through Centennial Care managed care organizations. Covered services include outpatient therapy, psychiatric evaluations, medication management, crisis services, and community support. The Behavioral Health Services Division (BHSD) within NMDOH oversees public behavioral health. New Mexico has a strong behavioral health network including Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs). Children can access mental health services through the EPSDT benefit. New Mexico has also invested in school-based mental health supports.
Additional notes
New Mexico's Mi Via Waiver is one of the more fully developed self-directed care options in the country. Families who want more control over how services are provided and who delivers them should ask specifically about Mi Via.
State-Specific Resources
New Mexico Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) — Employment Services
New Mexico DVR (dvr.state.nm.us) helps people with all types of disabilities prepare for, find, and keep employment. Services include vocational evaluation, job training, assistive technology, job placement and coaching, and supported employment. Services are free and available statewide. DVR also serves transition-age youth (ages 14+) and has developed partnerships with employers and training providers.
New Mexico Technology Assistance Program (NM TAP) — Device Loans & Reuse
NM TAP (tap.gcd.nm.gov) provides free assistive technology services including device demonstrations, short-term equipment loans for trial, device reuse programs, and information on AT funding sources. Available statewide to all New Mexicans with disabilities.
New Mexico Partners for Employment — Job Development & Support
Partners for Employment works with provider agencies, state personnel, family members, self-advocates, and employers to provide employment training, job development, and support services for individuals with developmental disabilities seeking employment in the community.
New Mexico Parents as Resources for Education (PARE) — Family Advocacy
PARE provides training, information, and advocacy support to families of children with disabilities and special health care needs across New Mexico. Services include IEP and 504 plan guidance, special education advocacy, and connections to community resources.
Disability Rights New Mexico (DRNM) — Legal Advocacy & P&A
DRNM (drnm.org) is the state's Protection and Advocacy agency, providing free legal services, advocacy, and information on disability rights, education rights, employment issues, assistive technology access, and abuse/neglect.
New Mexico Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) — Paid Leave
New Mexico's Paid Family and Medical Leave program provides up to 12 weeks of paid leave to care for a seriously ill family member, bond with a new child, or address personal medical needs. Eligible workers receive partial wage replacement. Program administered by the NM Department of Workforce Solutions.
Sources
Community Tips & Experience
Comments reflect the personal experiences and opinions of individual community members only. They do not represent the views, positions, or endorsements of National Disability Resource Project or any of its staff, volunteers, or affiliated members. Always verify information with official agencies and qualified professionals before making decisions.
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