New Mexico Medicaid Autism Coverage
New Mexico Medicaid (Turquoise Care) covers ABA under EPSDT for children under 21. The DD Waiver has one of the longest waiting lists in the country; Mi Via is the self-directed option, and Supports / Medically Fragile waivers are alternative paths. NM does not operate a traditional Katie Beckett program.
Quick Answer
New Mexico Medicaid (Turquoise Care) covers ABA under EPSDT for children under 21. The DD Waiver has one of the longest waiting lists in the country; Mi Via is the self-directed option, and Supports / Medically Fragile waivers are alternative paths. NM does not operate a traditional Katie Beckett program.
- ABA benefit: covered under EPSDT for under 21 (via epsdt).
- HCBS waivers: 4 relevant waiver options listed on this page.
- Commercial insurance: New Mexico has a state autism insurance mandate.
Medicaid ABA Coverage
Yes — EPSDT
Under 21 (via EPSDT)
Insurance Mandate
Yes
HCBS Waivers
4 available
Waitlist: Long waitlist (multiple years)
Editorial Review
This page summarizes public Medicaid, waiver, and insurance-mandate information reviewed by the Autism Hearts editorial team.
Medicaid benefits, managed-care rules, and waiver waitlists can change quickly, so families should verify eligibility, prior authorization, and enrollment steps with the administering agency before relying on this page.
Last reviewed 2026-04-21 by Autism Hearts Editorial Team
New Mexico Commercial Insurance Mandate
- Statute
- New Mexico autism insurance mandate (NMSA 59A autism coverage provisions)
- Age limit
- Through age 19 (per statute; confirm with plan)
Covered services
Self-funded employer plans (often from large employers) are regulated by federal ERISA law, not state mandates, and may be exempt. Always confirm your plan type on your Summary of Benefits and Coverage.
Medicaid ABA Therapy Benefit
NM Medicaid operates under Turquoise Care (successor to Centennial Care) as of 2024. ABA requires prior authorization through the child's Turquoise Care MCO.
New Mexico HCBS Waivers
Developmental Disabilities Waiver (DDW)
Covers autismIndividuals with IDD, all ages
Mi Via Self-Directed Waiver
Covers autismWaiver-eligible participants who want budget authority
Medically Fragile Waiver (MFW)
Covers autismChildren and young adults with medical complexity and IDD
Supports Waiver
Covers autismIndividuals with IDD needing lower-intensity supports (dollar-capped)
Katie Beckett / TEFRA Option
Not available
New Mexico does not operate a traditional Katie Beckett / TEFRA option. Middle-income families typically rely on waiver eligibility (DDW, Supports, or Medically Fragile), which uses the child's own income/resources.
Early Intervention (Birth–3)
Family Infant Toddler (FIT) Program — New Mexico's IDEA Part C program. Children under 3 with developmental delays can access services without a formal autism diagnosis.
Official Sources
Use these primary sources when you need to confirm current Medicaid rules, waiver access, or state-agency guidance in New Mexico.