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)
About this information
This page summarizes public Medicaid, waiver, and insurance-mandate information for general reference.
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
- Covers ABA
- Yes
- Age limit
- Under 21 (via EPSDT)
- Prior auth required
- Yes
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
- Waitlist:
- Long waitlist (multiple years)
- Apply via:
- DOH DDSD (register on Central Registry)
Mi Via Self-Directed Waiver
Covers autismWaiver-eligible participants who want budget authority
- Apply via:
- DOH DDSD
Medically Fragile Waiver (MFW)
Covers autismChildren and young adults with medical complexity and IDD
- Apply via:
- DOH DDSD
Supports Waiver
Covers autismIndividuals with IDD needing lower-intensity supports (dollar-capped)
- Apply via:
- DOH DDSD
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.
New to waivers? Read our plain-language guide to autism Medicaid waivers, SSI and ABLE accounts, or compare states on the waiver waitlists tracker.
Official Sources
Use these primary sources when you need to confirm current Medicaid rules, waiver access, or state-agency guidance in New Mexico.
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Find providers in New Mexico
Browse informational listings for therapists, diagnostic centers, and support groups. Confirm details directly.
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Evaluation costs in New Mexico
Private-pay, insurance, and low-cost options.
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Compare waitlists across 50 states
Sortable table of every state's HCBS waiver waits.