New Mexico · How-To Guide
How do I find and access senior services?
Area Agency on Aging (AAA) - regional level / New Mexico Aging and Long-Term Services Department - ALTSD (state level)
Details
What you need to know
Fee
Most services free or on sliding scale
ONLINE OPTION: Yes - nmaging.state.nm.us; yes.nm.gov (benefits); nmfirstcall.org (2-1-1)
WHERE TO GO: Your regional AAA; local senior center; 2-1-1 NM; ALTSD regional office
Online Option
Yes - nmaging.state.nm.us; yes.nm.gov (benefits); nmfirstcall.org (2-1-1)
Where to Go
Your regional AAA; local senior center; 2-1-1 NM; ALTSD regional office
County-specific variations apply
New Mexico is the 5th largest state by area with very low population density. Most counties outside Bernalillo (Albuquerque), Santa Fe, and Doña Ana (Las Cruces) are rural with significant distances between communities. TRIBAL COMMUNITIES: Many NM counties have significant Native American populations; Pueblo and Navajo Nation tribal senior programs operate alongside (and sometimes separately from) state AAA programs. The Navajo Nation in particular has its own extensive senior services. Rural counties (Harding, De Baca, Catron, Sierra, Guadalupe, Mora, Union, etc.) may have very limited local senior infrastructure.
New Mexico Notes
Important state-specific details
- NM SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program): free Medicare counseling - contact ALTSD at (800) 432-2080 or your regional AAA.
- MI VIA SELF-DIRECTED WAIVER: NM's self-directed HCBS waiver for seniors and disabled individuals; allows participants to choose and direct their own care; apply through NM Medicaid.
- PROPERTY TAX REBATE FOR LOW-INCOME RESIDENTS: qualifying seniors can receive a property tax rebate through the NM income tax return (Form PIT-RC) - important relief given NM's relatively high property taxes.
- Adult Protective Services (APS): report elder abuse through NM APS - (800) 797-3575 (APS 24-hour hotline).
- NM Legal Aid: (800) 340-9771 - free civil legal assistance for eligible New Mexicans.
Official Source
State office contact
State Office
NM Aging and Long-Term Services Department - nmaging.state.nm.us | 1-800-432-2080; NM SHIP: (800) 432-2080; APS: (800) 797-3575; 2-1-1 NM: dial 211