Turquoise Care is New Mexico's Medicaid managed care program, run by the New Mexico Health Care Authority (HCA), which took over Medicaid from the Human Services Department in July 2024. It provides healthcare coverage to low-income New Mexicans through managed care organizations (MCOs). For Medicare beneficiaries who also qualify for Medicaid, Turquoise Care plays a critical role in reducing out-of-pocket costs and expanding access to services.
What Is Turquoise Care?
Turquoise Care began on July 1, 2024, replacing Centennial Care, the program New Mexico had used since 2014. Centennial Care members were moved to Turquoise Care; the name changed, and so did the list of health plans. If you see “Centennial Care” on an old card or letter, it refers to the same Medicaid coverage. Turquoise Care delivers benefits through contracted MCOs that coordinate physical health, behavioral health, and long-term care services in a single plan.
Who Qualifies for Turquoise Care?
- Adults ages 19-64 with household income up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL)
- Pregnant women with income up to 255% FPL
- Children with income up to 305% FPL
- Seniors 65+ and individuals with disabilities who meet income and asset requirements
- Dual-eligible beneficiaries who have both Medicare and Medicaid
Turquoise Care Benefits
Turquoise Care covers a broad range of services, many of which go beyond what Medicare provides:
- Doctor and specialist visits
- Hospital care (inpatient and outpatient)
- Prescription drugs
- Behavioral health and substance use treatment
- Dental, vision, and hearing services
- Home and community-based services (the Community Benefit)
- Personal care services
- Nursing facility care
- Non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT)
- Community health workers and health homes
How Turquoise Care Works With Medicare
If you have both Medicare and Medicaid (dual-eligible), Medicare is your primary insurance and pays first. Turquoise Care then acts as secondary coverage, helping pay for Medicare premiums, deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. Turquoise Care may also cover services that Medicare does not, such as dental care, long-term personal care services, and non-emergency transportation.
Important for dual-eligible New Mexicans: You may be eligible for a Dual Eligible Special Needs Plan (D-SNP), which is a Medicare Advantage plan specifically designed to coordinate your Medicare and Medicaid benefits in one plan. Learn more about D-SNPs.
Turquoise Care Managed Care Organizations
Turquoise Care benefits are delivered through contracted MCOs. Each MCO maintains its own provider network, so it is important to choose one that includes your preferred doctors and hospitals. The state periodically rebids MCO contracts, so available MCOs may change.
How to Apply for Turquoise Care
- Online: Apply at YES New Mexico (yes.nm.gov)
- Phone: Call the Health Care Authority Customer Service Center at 1-800-283-4465
- In Person: Visit your local Income Support Division (ISD) office
- Mail: Send a signed application to Central ASPEN Scanning Area (CASA), PO Box 830, Bernalillo, NM 87004
Home & Community-Based Services (Community Benefit)
Turquoise Care's Community Benefit helps seniors and people with disabilities remain in their homes and communities rather than moving to institutional care. Services include personal care assistance, respite care for caregivers, home modifications, adult day health, and community transition support.
To learn about Community Benefit eligibility and enrollment, call the Aging & Disability Resource Center at 1-800-432-2080.
Need Help Coordinating Medicare and Medicaid?
Navigating both programs can be complex. A licensed Medicare agent can help you understand how your benefits work together and find plans that maximize your coverage.