Centennial Care is New Mexico’s Medicaid managed care program, launched on January 1, 2014 to replace the state’s previous Medicaid system. It provides health coverage to low-income residents through private insurance companies contracted with the state. As of July 1, 2024, the program was renamed Turquoise Care, though the core structure and benefits remain largely the same. About 841,600 New Mexicans were enrolled in Medicaid as of December 2024.
How the Program Works
Rather than having the state pay doctors and hospitals directly for every service, Centennial Care (now Turquoise Care) routes most members through managed care organizations, or MCOs. These are private health insurance companies that receive a set payment from the state for each member and then coordinate that person’s care. The goal is to deliver the right care at the right time, keep people healthier through prevention and case management, and reward providers for good outcomes rather than simply billing for more visits.
Four MCOs currently operate in New Mexico: Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Mexico, Presbyterian Health Plan, Molina Health Care of New Mexico, and United Health Care. When you enroll, you choose one of these plans (or get assigned one), and that plan becomes your insurance carrier. It covers your doctor visits, prescriptions, hospital stays, behavioral health services, and more. Presbyterian Health Plan was also selected as the sole plan for children in state custody to provide a more consistent care experience.
The Transition to Turquoise Care
On July 1, 2024, New Mexico officially rebranded the program from Centennial Care to Turquoise Care. If you’re searching for Centennial Care, this is the same program under a new name. All previously covered services carried over, and chiropractic care was added as a new benefit. The rewards program, formerly called Centennial Rewards, became Turquoise Rewards. For most members, the transition meant picking a new MCO or confirming their existing one, since the lineup of insurance companies changed slightly at that time.
Who Qualifies
Eligibility is based on household income measured against the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). The thresholds vary by age and life stage:
- Adults ages 19 to 64: Household income below 133% of the FPL (roughly $20,000 per year for a single person).
- Pregnant women: Income below 250% of the FPL, which is significantly higher to ensure prenatal and delivery coverage.
- Children ages 0 to 5: Medicaid covers children in households up to 240% FPL, and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) extends coverage up to 300% FPL.
- Children ages 6 to 18: Medicaid covers up to 190% FPL, with CHIP extending to 240% FPL.
You also need to be a New Mexico resident and a U.S. citizen or qualifying immigrant. Adults with Medicare eligibility follow a different set of rules.
How to Apply
The main way to apply is through the state’s online portal at YES.NM.GOV. You can also apply in person on paper or, for some programs, by phone or with help from a certified application assister. The portal lets you submit your application, upload documents, check your case status, and renew benefits all in one place.
When you apply, the state tries to verify your information electronically. If it can’t, you may be asked to provide documents such as a driver’s license or government ID, a birth certificate or passport, pay stubs or tax documents, and a lease or utility bill proving New Mexico residency. Some programs require an interview, though not all do. Once approved, you’ll receive a notice explaining your benefits and which MCO you’re enrolled with.
Community Benefit for Long-Term Care
One of the program’s most significant features is the Community Benefit, designed to help people who need long-term support stay in their homes instead of moving to a nursing facility. Services range from personal care assistance with daily activities like bathing and dressing to home modifications that improve safety and accessibility. Employment supports are also available. The specific services you receive depend on an individual assessment of your needs.
Value-Added Services Beyond Medical Care
Each MCO offers a set of extra benefits called Value-Added Services that go well beyond traditional medical coverage. These vary by plan, so which extras you get depends on which MCO you choose. Some of the more notable offerings include:
- Fitness and nutrition: Free gym memberships, weight control programs, home-delivered meals, fresh produce, and financial support for sports and youth activities.
- Technology: Free smartphones with unlimited talk, text, and data. Some plans also cover home internet service and remote patient monitoring devices.
- Housing support: Rental deposit assistance, pest control, furniture, and utility help for members reintegrating into the community.
- Culturally responsive care: Native American traditional healing benefits, therapeutic massage, acupuncture, and curanderismo services, with some plans offering up to $300 per year for traditional medicine.
- Mothers and infants: Car seats, portable cribs, diapers for the first month of life, pregnancy tests, and feminine hygiene products.
- Education and workforce: Scholarships for certificate or degree programs, GED vouchers, school clothing allowances, and funding for books, tools, and uniforms.
- Transportation: Prepaid cards for non-emergency medical trips, pharmacy runs, and grocery store visits. Overnight lodging is available for members traveling more than 150 miles for care.
These extras are one of the main reasons it’s worth comparing MCOs before choosing a plan. A gym membership or workforce scholarship could make a real difference depending on your situation.
Options for Native American Members
Native American residents have unique flexibility within the program. Most can choose to enroll in a Turquoise Care MCO, but they are not required to. Instead, they can use Fee-for-Service Medicaid, which lets them see providers without going through a managed care plan. Regardless of which option they pick, Native American members can always receive care at Indian Health Service facilities and tribal clinics. The managed care program is designed to work alongside IHS and tribal health systems rather than replace them.