SANTA FE – The New MexiCare Caregiver Program is now accepting applicants from Bernalillo and Doña Ana counties, making the program fully state-wide.
The New MexiCare Caregiver Program provides financial and training assistance to family and friend caregivers who support older adults and individuals with disabilities. The goal of the program is to allow older adults to thrive in their homes and communities as an alternative to nursing home placements and to help reduce emergency department visits.
“Family and friend caregivers are the backbone of our long-term care system, and they often face significant physical, emotional and financial challenges in doing so,” said Emily Kaltenbach, Aging & Long-Term Services Department cabinet secretary. “This expansion is a significant step forward in ensuring every caregiver and care recipient in New Mexico has access to the help they need, no matter where they live.”
The program is designed to ease the stress of caregiving and improve the quality of life for both caregivers and care recipients. Some of the services provided include respite care, training and education, access to support groups, and financial assistance. Since the start of the program in October 2024, 285 New Mexicans have been enrolled in the program, with over $1.2 million distributed in financial assistance.
To qualify for the program, applicants must:
- Be age 60+.
- Have cognitive or physical limitations requiring assistance with two or more activities of daily living such as feeding, dressing, personal hygiene, using the bathroom and/or walking.
- Have a monthly income level of up to $3,387 (individuals) or $6,774 (couples).
- Have monthly resources, including savings and checking, no greater than $20,322 (individuals) or $40,644 (couples).
New Mexicans can learn more about the New MexiCare Caregiver Program and apply for services by calling 800-432-2080 or visiting aging.nm.gov/long-term-care/new-mexicare/.