CHIP in New Mexico

New Mexico at a glance

New Mexico is home to about 199,738 foreign-born residents (9.4% of the state’s 2,120,246 people) and 1,026,614 residents of Hispanic or Latino origin (48.4%), per the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (2024 5-year estimates). The procedures below apply to everyone in New Mexico regardless of immigration status unless noted.

CHIP covers health insurance for uninsured children from families earning too much for Medicaid but unable to afford private insurance.

CHIP eligibility limits in New Mexico (verified data)

Source: Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) — CHIP data by state

Verified on: 2026-05-25

Children’s health coverage in New Mexico

Child ageMedicaid (% FPL)
Infants 0-1 yearup to 240% FPL
Children 1-5 yearsup to 240% FPL
Children 6-18 yearsup to 190% FPL

CHIP upper income limit in New Mexico: 305% of FPL

How to apply for CHIP in New Mexico

  1. Combined Medicaid+CHIP application via healthcare.gov
  2. New Mexico state application (some states have own portal)
  3. By phone: 1-877-KIDS-NOW (1-877-543-7669)

New Mexico adopted CHIPRA Option

New Mexico adopted the CHIPRA option, eliminating the 5-year bar for permanent-resident children. This means a child with a new green card (under 5 years in US) can qualify for CHIP in New Mexico without waiting.

How to apply for CHIP in New Mexico

  1. Visit Healthcare.gov or New Mexico’s Medicaid/CHIP portal
  2. Complete the application — ONE application covers both Medicaid AND CHIP automatically
  3. New Mexico determines if your child qualifies for one or the other

Typical coverage

CHIP covers: doctor visits, vaccines, hospitalization, dental, vision, prescriptions, mental health.

Income limits

Generally 200-300% federal poverty level. For family of 4: ~$60,000-$90,000/year.

Costs

CHIP has very low co-pays (sometimes $0) and low monthly premiums ($0-$50/month).

Last verified: 2026-06-15.