Free, plain-English help for seniors and families in New Mexico. Education, not advice. Verify before you rely on it.
Start here (works anywhere in New Mexico)
- 211 (dial 2-1-1), Eldercare Locator 1-800-677-1116, BenefitsCheckUp.org, Medicare 1-800-633-4227, Social Security 1-800-772-1213, VA 1-800-827-1000, Alzheimer's 24/7 Helpline 1-800-272-3900, National Elder Fraud Hotline 1-833-372-8311, Crisis Lifeline 988
Free Medicare counseling (New Mexico SHIP)
New Mexico's State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) is administered through the New Mexico Aging and Long-Term Services Department (ALTSD) via its Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs). Counselors provide free, unbiased Medicare help with plan comparisons, enrollment, Extra Help eligibility, and fraud prevention. SHIP does not sell insurance.
State SHIP contact: 1-877-839-2675 (say "Medicare" when prompted, routes to your county counselor) SHIP locator: shiphelp.org/ships/new-mexico/ NM ALTSD SHIP page: aging.nm.gov/consumer-and-elder-rights/ship/
Statewide aging services line: 1-800-432-2080
Medicaid in New Mexico
New Mexico Centennial Care is the state's Medicaid program, administered by the New Mexico Health Care Authority (HCA). Turquoise Care is the managed care program within Centennial Care that launched July 1, 2024. Seniors age 65 and older are exempt from the work and activity requirements that apply to some other Medicaid categories.
Home and Community-Based Waiver programs through HCA can help qualifying seniors remain at home with in-home support instead of moving to a nursing facility. Contact the ALTSD Aging and Disability Resource Center for a referral.
How to apply: online at YES.NM.GOV or call 1-800-283-4465. NM HCA: hca.nm.gov
Prescription help
New Mexico does not operate a separate State Pharmaceutical Assistance Program (SPAP) for seniors, but the New Mexico Aging and Long-Term Services Department maintains a Prescription Drug Assistance resource page that explains options including Medicare Extra Help and manufacturer patient assistance programs.
NM ALTSD Prescription Drug Assistance: aging.nm.gov/consumer-and-elder-rights/prescription-drug-assistance/
Medicare Extra Help (Low Income Subsidy): apply through Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or ssa.gov.
BenefitsCheckUp.org: screens for additional prescription savings options.
SHIP counselors (1-877-839-2675) can help determine Extra Help eligibility at no cost.
Energy and utility help
New Mexico LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) is administered by the New Mexico Health Care Authority, Income Support Division. The program helps eligible households with heating and cooling costs. Special outreach is required for elderly and disabled households.
Income limit: at or below 150% of the federal poverty guideline.
How to apply: online at YES.NM.GOV or call 1-800-283-4465. NM HCA LIHEAP page: hca.nm.gov/lookingforassistance/low_income_home_energy_assistance_program/
Weatherization: the NM Energy$mart Weatherization Assistance Program through Housing New Mexico (housingnm.org) can help with insulation, weatherstripping, furnaces, and water heaters for eligible households.
Property tax relief (New Mexico)
New Mexico Senior Citizen Property Value Freeze (sometimes called the Value Limitation):
Homeowners age 65 or older, or who are disabled, may apply to freeze the assessed value of their property at the 2001 value, the year they turn 65, or the year of first occupancy of their home, whichever is later. This means property taxes do not rise even if the assessed value increases.
Income limit for 2026: the modified gross household income limit is $44,200 or less (based on your 2025 income, for the 2026 freeze). The state sets this limit annually and adjusts it for inflation. Apply with your county assessor.
Application: file with the county assessor within 30 days of receiving your notice of valuation. Once approved for three consecutive years with no eligibility change, reapplication is not required unless your eligibility changes.
Contact your county assessor or visit BenefitsCheckUp.org for program details by county.
Food, in-home help, caregiver, transportation, and legal help
NM Aging and Long-Term Services Department (ALTSD) coordinates a statewide network of aging services. ALTSD served over 3.8 million meals to older New Mexicans at 210 senior service sites statewide in a recent year. Services include home-delivered meals, in-home care aides, caregiver support, and transportation to medical appointments and grocery stores.
Statewide aging services line: 1-800-432-2080
Legal resources for seniors:
- Legal Resources for the Elderly Program (NM State Bar Association): toll-free 1-800-876-6657. Provides negotiated-fee or free legal assistance to New Mexicans age 55 and older.
- New Mexico Legal Aid: 1-833-545-4357. Civil legal advocacy for low-income New Mexicans statewide.
Find your local Area Agency on Aging: aging.nm.gov or call Eldercare Locator 1-800-677-1116.
Frequently asked questions
What is New Mexico's SHIP program? New Mexico SHIP provides free, unbiased Medicare counseling through the Aging and Disability Resource Centers. Counselors do not sell insurance. Call 1-877-839-2675 to reach a counselor in your county, or visit aging.nm.gov/consumer-and-elder-rights/ship/.
Does New Mexico offer a property tax break for seniors? Yes, through the Senior Citizen Property Value Freeze. Qualifying homeowners age 65 and older with household income below the annual threshold (confirm current limit with your county assessor; approximately $40,400 to $44,200 for 2026) can freeze their property's assessed value, preventing future increases. Apply with your county assessor.
How do New Mexico seniors get help with heating and cooling bills? Through LIHEAP, administered by the NM Health Care Authority. Apply at YES.NM.GOV or call 1-800-283-4465. Income limit is 150% of the federal poverty guideline. Call 211 if you need help finding your local office.
How does a New Mexico senior apply for Medicaid? Apply for New Mexico Centennial Care (Medicaid) online at YES.NM.GOV or by calling 1-800-283-4465. Seniors 65 and older are not subject to work requirements. The Home and Community-Based Waiver can provide in-home services; contact an Aging and Disability Resource Center at 1-800-432-2080 for a referral.
Sources
- NM ALTSD, SHIP program: https://www.aging.nm.gov/consumer-and-elder-rights/ship/ (Verified June 11, 2026)
- SHIP TA Center, New Mexico listing: https://www.shiphelp.org/ships/new-mexico/ (Verified June 11, 2026)
- NM HCA, Medicaid/Centennial Care: https://www.hca.nm.gov/turquoise-care/ (Verified June 11, 2026)
- NM HCA, Apply for Medicaid (YES.NM.GOV): https://yes.nm.gov/nmhr/s/?language=en_US (Verified June 11, 2026)
- NM ALTSD, Prescription Drug Assistance: https://www.aging.nm.gov/consumer-and-elder-rights/prescription-drug-assistance/ (Verified June 11, 2026)
- NM HCA, LIHEAP: https://www.hca.nm.gov/lookingforassistance/low_income_home_energy_assistance_program/ (Verified June 11, 2026)
- NM ALTSD, Aging Network Services (meals, transportation): https://www.aging.nm.gov/aging-network/aging-network-services/ (Verified June 11, 2026)
- NM ALTSD, Legal Services: https://www.aging.nm.gov/adult-protective-services/legal-services/ (Verified June 11, 2026)
- NM senior property tax value freeze (third-party; verify income cap with county assessor): https://nationaltaxreports.com/property-tax-exemption-for-seniors-in-new-mexico/ (Verified June 11, 2026)
Ryan Riggins, NC Real Estate License #361546, eXp Realty. Riggins Strategic Solutions is an education and media company, not a real estate sales business. This is not financial, tax, medical, or legal advice. Income limits, rates, and deadlines change annually, confirm with the program or a licensed professional before acting.