New Mexico Medicaid Waiver Programs Guide
New Mexico offers three primary home- and community-based services (HCBS) waiver programs through the Health Care Authority (HCA) and the Developmental Disabilities Supports Division (DDSD): the DD Waiver (agency-directed services for individuals with developmental disabilities), Mi Via (self-directed services for the same population), and the Medically Fragile Waiver (for individuals with complex medical needs). All three require active New Mexico Medicaid enrollment. The DD Waiver and Mi Via both enter through the DDSD Central Registry — a paper-intensive, mail-based process.
WaiverPath is not a government agency, law firm, Medicaid provider, or benefits advisor. We help you organize information, documents, and follow-up tasks. Always verify requirements with the official agency or a qualified professional.
New Mexico HCBS Waiver Programs
Developmental Disabilities (DD) Waiver
New Mexico Health Care Authority (HCA) · Developmental Disabilities Supports Division (DDSD) · Pre-Service Intake Bureau (PSIB)
Who it serves: Individuals of any age with developmental disabilities — including intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, or other conditions with onset before age 22 that result in substantial functional limitations — who meet the level of care required for an ICF/IID (Intermediate Care Facility for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities). Active New Mexico Medicaid enrollment is required. Eligibility is determined by DDSD — confirm your diagnosis, functional criteria, and current eligibility standards with PSIB or a DDSD regional office.
How to apply: Register on the Central Registry by contacting the Pre-Service Intake Bureau (PSIB): call 505-630-9555 or 575-997-7980, mail or fax the registration form (fax 505-533-6077), or visit a DDSD regional office in person. DDSD mails the HCBS Waivers & ICF/IID Application Form after registration — do not download forms independently; use the packet DDSD sends. Return the completed packet with supporting documentation within the timeframe specified. Confirm current intake procedures and regional contacts with PSIB.
Note: Your registration date on the Central Registry is your priority date — not the date you contact PSIB or submit documentation. Get written confirmation of the date DDSD received your registration from PSIB and keep it. The NM DD Waiver has had significant waitlists in recent years — confirm current wait estimates with your DDSD regional office. All documents in this process travel by postal mail; send returns by certified mail with tracking.
Mi Via Self-Directed Waiver
New Mexico Health Care Authority (HCA) · Developmental Disabilities Supports Division (DDSD) · Pre-Service Intake Bureau (PSIB)
Who it serves: Individuals with the same developmental disability eligibility as the DD Waiver — intellectual disability, autism, related conditions with onset before age 22, ICF/IID level of care required — who prefer to manage their own HCBS services through a self-directed model. Active New Mexico Medicaid enrollment is required. Mi Via participants work with a Support Consultant (SC) and a Financial Management Agency (FMA) to build and manage their individualized service budget. Confirm current Mi Via eligibility standards, SC availability in your region, and FMA options with DDSD.
How to apply: The entry process is the same as the DD Waiver — register on the Central Registry through PSIB. Both waivers share the same allocation process. When DDSD offers you a slot through the Letter of Interest, you choose between the DD Waiver (agency-directed services) and Mi Via (self-directed budget). If you already know you prefer Mi Via, you can indicate that preference at registration, but the formal choice is made at the Letter of Interest stage. Confirm how to document your Mi Via preference with your DDSD regional office.
Note: Mi Via gives participants control over their service budget — they hire and manage their own providers and direct their own support plan with the help of an SC and FMA. This model requires more administrative involvement from the participant or family compared to the agency-directed DD Waiver. Both waivers cover similar service categories, but Mi Via's self-directed structure allows more customization. Confirm current Mi Via service arrays, SC and FMA options in your area, and any program changes with DDSD before choosing.
Medically Fragile Waiver
New Mexico Health Care Authority (HCA) · Developmental Disabilities Supports Division (DDSD)
Who it serves: Individuals who are medically fragile — requiring extensive or pervasive medical supports such as ventilator dependency, complex nursing care, or chronic medical conditions requiring daily skilled nursing — regardless of whether they have a developmental disability diagnosis. The Medically Fragile Waiver serves both children and adults. Eligibility is determined through DDSD in coordination with the individual's medical team. Confirm current eligibility criteria, the level-of-care assessment process, and regional contacts with DDSD.
How to apply: Contact DDSD to begin the eligibility determination process for the Medically Fragile Waiver — reach the Pre-Service Intake Bureau at 505-630-9555 or contact a DDSD regional office. Unlike the DD Waiver, eligibility for the Medically Fragile Waiver centers on the individual's medical needs rather than a developmental disability diagnosis. A medical level-of-care assessment is part of the eligibility process. Confirm current Medically Fragile Waiver intake procedures, wait status, and required documentation with DDSD before submitting any application materials.
Note: The Medically Fragile Waiver provides supports including private duty nursing, personal care, respite, and other medically oriented home- and community-based services. Service availability and program structure may differ from the DD Waiver — confirm the current Medically Fragile Waiver service array with DDSD. If the individual also has a developmental disability, confirm with DDSD whether both programs are potentially applicable and what the interaction between them looks like.
How to Apply for New Mexico HCBS Waiver Services
- 1
Identify which New Mexico HCBS waiver fits the individual's diagnosis and support needs
New Mexico's three primary HCBS waivers serve distinct populations. The DD Waiver and Mi Via Waiver both serve individuals with developmental disabilities (ID, autism, related conditions with onset before age 22) who meet ICF/IID level of care — the difference is the service delivery model (agency-directed for DD Waiver, self-directed for Mi Via). The Medically Fragile Waiver is for individuals with complex medical needs regardless of DD diagnosis. Starting with the right track prevents delays. Confirm which waiver applies to the individual's specific diagnosis and functional needs with DDSD before registering.
- 2
Confirm active New Mexico Medicaid enrollment — or begin enrollment simultaneously
All New Mexico HCBS waivers require active New Mexico Medicaid enrollment before waiver services can begin. Apply through the NM Health Care Authority at nmsiis.hsd.state.nm.us or at your local county Income Support Division (ISD) office. DDSD can begin the Central Registry registration process while a Medicaid application is pending — but the waiver slot cannot be finalized without active Medicaid. Track your Medicaid case number separately from your DDSD registration number — they are two parallel processes.
- 3
Register on the Central Registry through the Pre-Service Intake Bureau (PSIB)
For the DD Waiver or Mi Via: contact PSIB to register — call 505-630-9555 or 575-997-7980, mail or fax the registration form (fax 505-533-6077), or visit a DDSD regional office in person. Your registration date is your priority date — DDSD determines slot offers based on registration date, not application date. Get written confirmation of your registration date from PSIB the same day you register and keep it as proof. For the Medically Fragile Waiver, contact DDSD to confirm the correct intake entry point.
- 4
Gather required documentation while waiting for the mailed application packet
After Central Registry registration, DDSD mails the HCBS Waivers & ICF/IID Application Form and Release of Information forms. Do not download forms independently — use the packet DDSD sends. While you wait for the packet, begin gathering documents: qualifying disability diagnosis from a licensed psychologist or physician; medical records; IEPs, functional assessments, or prior evaluations; proof of NM residency; Social Security card; and active Medicaid enrollment documentation. Having documents ready before the packet arrives prevents delays when the 60-day return window begins.
- 5
Return the completed packet and supporting documents within the required window
Return the completed application packet with all required supporting documentation within the timeframe specified by DDSD (typically 60 days from receiving the packet). Send by certified mail with tracking — this paper chain is the family's proof of compliance and submission dates. Photocopy or scan every signed page before mailing. Direct questions about the packet to PSIB at 505-350-0034. Late or incomplete packets can delay your position — confirm the return deadline and mailing address with PSIB.
- 6
At allocation, respond to the Letter of Interest within 30 days and choose your waiver model
When a slot opens, DDSD sends a Letter of Interest and Primary Freedom of Choice form by postal mail. You typically have 30 days to respond, choosing among the DD Waiver (agency-directed), Mi Via Waiver (self-directed), ICF/IID (institution), or requesting to hold your position. Missing or delaying the Letter of Interest response is among the most costly mistakes in the NM waiver process. Confirm your current mailing address with DDSD at least annually so this letter reaches you. After accepting, Medicaid financial eligibility and service planning begin — confirm next steps with DDSD.
Document Checklist
Gather these before — or as soon as — you receive the DDSD mailed application packet. Exact requirements vary by waiver — confirm with DDSD or PSIB before your first appointment.
- Written confirmation of Central Registry registration date from DDSD/PSIB (request same day as registration)
- Qualifying disability diagnosis from a licensed psychologist or physician (IQ/adaptive behavior evaluation for ID; diagnosis documentation for autism, cerebral palsy, or other related conditions)
- Documentation of condition onset before age 22 (for DD Waiver and Mi Via)
- Medical records documenting complex medical needs and level of care (for Medically Fragile Waiver)
- Proof of New Mexico residency (utility bill, lease agreement, or government-issued mail)
- Social Security card and birth certificate
- Active New Mexico Medicaid enrollment documentation (Medicaid ID or enrollment confirmation)
- Prior IEPs, functional assessments, psychological evaluations, or school records
- Release of Information forms (provided in DDSD mailed packet — use the packet's forms, not downloads)
- Completed HCBS Waivers & ICF/IID Application Form (mailed by DDSD after Central Registry registration)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the New Mexico DD Waiver?
The New Mexico Developmental Disabilities (DD) Waiver is a federally funded 1915(c) HCBS waiver that provides home- and community-based services as an alternative to institutional care (ICF/IID) for individuals with developmental disabilities. Eligible conditions include intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and other related conditions with onset before age 22 that result in substantial functional limitations. Services may include case management, community integrated employment, customized community supports, home supports, respite, environmental modifications, and nursing. Confirm current service arrays, eligibility criteria, and available supports with DDSD.
What is the difference between the DD Waiver and Mi Via in New Mexico?
Both waivers serve the same population — individuals with developmental disabilities who meet ICF/IID level of care — and share the same entry process through the Central Registry. The difference is in how services are delivered: the DD Waiver uses an agency-directed model where DDSD-enrolled provider agencies deliver services under a case manager's oversight; Mi Via is a self-directed model where the participant (or a representative) manages their own service budget with support from a Budget Consultant (BC) and a Financial Management Agency (FMA). Mi Via provides more flexibility in choosing and directing your own providers but requires more administrative involvement. Confirm the practical differences between both models with your DDSD regional office before making your choice at the Letter of Interest stage.
How do I get my child or family member on the New Mexico DD Waiver interest list?
Register on the DDSD Central Registry through the Pre-Service Intake Bureau (PSIB): call 505-630-9555 or 575-997-7980, mail or fax the registration form (fax 505-533-6077), or visit a DDSD regional office. Your registration date — the date DDSD receives your registration — is your priority date for slot offers. After registration, DDSD mails the application packet. Get written confirmation of your registration date from PSIB the same day. For the Medically Fragile Waiver, contact DDSD for the correct intake process, which is separate from the DD Waiver Central Registry.
What is the Medically Fragile Waiver in New Mexico?
The Medically Fragile Waiver (MFW) provides HCBS supports for individuals who require extensive or pervasive medical care at home — such as ventilator dependency, complex nursing needs, or other chronic medical conditions requiring daily skilled nursing — regardless of whether they have a developmental disability. It can serve both children and adults. Eligibility focuses on medical need and level of care rather than a DD diagnosis. Contact DDSD for current MFW eligibility criteria, the level-of-care assessment process, and intake procedures — confirm current program details directly with DDSD before submitting any paperwork.
How long is the wait for the DD Waiver or Mi Via in New Mexico?
New Mexico's DD Waiver has historically had significant waitlists. Wait times vary by region and change over time based on available allocations. WaiverPath cannot provide current waitlist figures — these change frequently and vary by DDSD region. Contact your DDSD regional office or PSIB directly to ask about current wait estimates in your area, and confirm your registration date and position status at least annually. Never assume your registration is still active without periodic verification — contact PSIB to confirm.
Can a child with autism qualify for a New Mexico HCBS waiver?
Children with autism spectrum disorder may qualify for the DD Waiver or Mi Via if their diagnosis meets DDSD's eligibility criteria and they require an ICF/IID level of care. Not every autism diagnosis automatically qualifies — DDSD evaluates functional limitations and care needs as part of the eligibility determination. Some families with children who are not DD-waiver-eligible may find the Medically Fragile Waiver applicable if the child has complex co-occurring medical needs. Confirm which waiver applies to your child's specific diagnosis, functional profile, and support needs with DDSD.
What does WaiverPath help New Mexico families do?
WaiverPath is an organizer for families navigating Medicaid HCBS waiver applications. It helps you track your Central Registry registration date, checklist steps, required documents, PSIB contacts, and follow-up deadlines — so nothing is missed in NM's paper-intensive process. WaiverPath does not submit applications on your behalf, is not affiliated with DDSD or the NM Health Care Authority, and does not provide legal, medical, or eligibility advice. Always confirm eligibility criteria, current procedures, and status updates directly with DDSD or PSIB.
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WaiverPath is not a government agency, law firm, Medicaid provider, or benefits advisor. We help you organize information, documents, and follow-up tasks. Always verify requirements with the official agency or a qualified professional. Always confirm waiver program details, eligibility requirements, application procedures, and waitlist status directly with DDSD, your DDSD regional office, PSIB, or a qualified case manager. WaiverPath is an organizer, not a government agency or benefits advisor. Last reviewed: August 2026.
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