Medicare Savings Programs in New Mexico: 2026 income limits and how to apply

Who qualifies

You must have Medicare Part A (or be able to get it), live in New Mexico, and have income under the limit for one of the three programs. New Mexico uses the federal income levels.

The HCA's own chart (form MAD 029, in effect April 1, 2026 to March 31, 2027) shows amounts that are $20 lower. That is because the chart already takes off the $20 of income that is not counted. Either way, you qualify at the same income.

What counts and what does not

• Assets do not count at all. Since January 1, 2021, New Mexico has had no resource test for QMB, SLIMB or QI1. Bank accounts, retirement savings, a home, cars and life insurance do not matter. Most states still have an asset limit, so this is a big difference.
• Income counts. This includes Social Security, pensions, wages and other regular income. If you are married and live together, your spouse's income is counted too.
• Some income is left out, such as the first $20 a month. If you are a little over a limit, apply anyway and let HCA do the math.

What each program pays

• QMB pays your Part B premium ($202.90 a month in 2026) and your Medicare deductibles and coinsurance. It does not cover dental or vision care that Medicare does not cover. If you have to pay a premium for Part A because you do not have enough work credits, ask HCA whether QMB can pay it in your case.
• SLIMB pays your Part B premium.
• QI1 also pays your Part B premium. You cannot get QI1 and full Medicaid at the same time.

All three programs also sign you up for Extra Help with Part D drug costs automatically.

When coverage starts

• QMB starts the month after you are approved. It does not pay for months before that.
• SLIMB and QI1 start the month you are approved and can go back up to three months before you applied.
• It can take about three months for the state to start paying your Part B premium. Social Security then refunds any premiums taken out of your check after your start date.

How to apply

1. Choose how to apply. You can use one form, the HCA 100, for Medicaid, Medicare Savings Programs, SNAP and LIHEAP.
   • Online: yes.nm.gov
   • By phone: 1-800-283-4465
   • In person: at a local HCA Income Support Division office
   • By mail: Central ASPEN Scanning Area (CASA), PO Box 830, Bernalillo, NM 87004
   • By fax: 1-855-804-8960
2. Fill in and sign Section One. HCA will accept your application if it has your name, address and signature. It cannot be processed unless it is signed.
3. Send proof if asked. HCA checks electronic records first. If it cannot confirm something, it mails you a request. Have your Medicare card, Social Security award letter, and proof of other income ready.
4. Wait for a decision. Medicaid-type programs are usually decided within 45 days.

After you apply

• Renewals: coverage is approved for 12 months. New Mexico renews many Medicare Savings Program cases automatically using data it already has. Return any renewal form HCA sends you.
• Report changes within 10 days, such as a move, a change in household, or income going up or down.
• Appeals: you have 90 days from the date of a notice to ask for a fair hearing. If you ask within 13 days, your benefits stay the same until the decision. Fill in the bottom of your notice, call 1-800-283-4465, or write to HCA's Office of Fair Hearing, P.O. Box 2348, Santa Fe, NM 87504-2348 (phone 505-476-6213).

Things people often miss

• People with savings often think they will not qualify. In New Mexico, savings do not matter for these programs.
• Getting a Medicare Savings Program is the easiest way to get Extra Help. Your drug copays drop as well.
• Apply in the month before your Medicare starts if you are new to Medicare, since QMB does not pay for earlier months.

Free help

• SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program) at the Aging and Disability Resource Center: free, unbiased Medicare counseling. Call 1-800-432-2080.
• Free legal help: 1-833-545-4357 (1-833-LGL-HELP).

See also Medicare Part B and all benefits in New Mexico.

Phone numbers: Free help lines for New Mexico agencies

Check what you may qualify for