Medicaid meetings begin to prepare for new rules

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – New Medicaid rules will affect more than 825,000 people in New Mexico, with work requirements and shorter renewals set to start Jan. 1.

The New Mexico Health Care Authority said patients need to prepare for several changes so they do not lose benefits. The agency planned its first in-person information sessions for Thursday at the Gateway Center in Albuquerque.

Medicaid is the government-funded health insurance program for low-income Americans. New Mexico has one of the highest enrollment rates in the country at close to 38%, which covers more than 825,000 people.

President Trump approved federal funding cuts and other program changes in July 2025 as part of his “One Big Beautiful Bill.” Those changes take effect next year.

Starting Jan. 1, Medicaid patients ages 19 to 64 will need to show they are working, attending school, volunteering or taking part in other qualifying activities for at least 80 hours a month.

There are exemptions for caregivers, disabled people and Native groups. The renewal period will drop from 12 months to six months, and the new rules also limit retroactive coverage for past medical bills.

“These changes affect not only Medicaid members but the providers in terms of how we can pay providers,” said Heidi Capriotti. “It affects hospitals and how they get paid. So the impacts are wide and far-reaching for New Mexico.”

Program managers said they are mailing turquoise envelopes to Medicaid patients whose eligibility may be at risk, and they urged people to watch for them.

The Health Care Authority invited patients, providers, community groups and others with questions to attend free information sessions. The first sessions were scheduled for Thursday in Albuquerque at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m.

More sessions are planned in Santa Fe, Carlsbad, Hobbs, Roswell and several other cities over the next few weeks. The agency also plans a virtual session in early December.

Full schedule of meetings

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