New Mexico built two important Medicaid protections for people leaving incarceration. The first is Senate Bill 42 (2015): New Mexico law requires that Medicaid eligibility is preserved during incarceration -- benefits are suspended, not terminated, and automatically restarted at release as long as the person still qualifies. Presumptive Eligibility Determiners, trained and certified by the Health Care Authority (HCA), are located in jails and prisons to help incarcerated individuals apply for Medicaid before release.
The second is JUST Health Plus: New Mexico's 1115 Medicaid reentry waiver was approved by CMS in July 2024 and is named JUST Health Plus. The program provides pre-release Medicaid services 30 to 90 days before release, including primary care visits inside the facility, a 30-day medication supply at discharge, and case management support through the release process. Implementation began in 2025.
Here is what currently exists, what you need to confirm about the status of JUST Health Plus at your facility, and what you need to do.
New Mexico SB 42 (2015): Medicaid Preserved During Incarceration
Under Senate Bill 42 (2015), New Mexico law requires that Medicaid eligibility is maintained during incarceration and that benefits are suspended -- not terminated -- while someone is incarcerated. When released, Medicaid benefits are automatically restarted as long as the person still qualifies. This happens without the individual filing a new application.
How this works operationally:
Jails and prisons must notify the New Mexico Health Care Authority (HCA) when someone is admitted and when they are scheduled for release.
HCA receives daily electronic reports of members entering or scheduled for release.
Medicaid managed care organizations (MCOs) are notified of incarceration and release dates.
Presumptive Eligibility Determiners -- trained and certified by HCA -- are located in jails and prisons statewide to help incarcerated individuals apply for Medicaid before release.
If you were not on Medicaid before incarceration, you can apply while in jail or prison. Ask your case manager or the facility's Presumptive Eligibility Determiner about your Medicaid status and whether an application has been submitted.
After release: If you were on Medicaid before incarceration, your benefits should restart automatically. If they do not, contact HCA at hca.nm.gov or call 1-888-997-2583 (yes.state.nm.us). If you were never on Medicaid, apply at yes.state.nm.us or call 1-888-997-2583.
JUST Health Plus: Pre-Release Medicaid Services
New Mexico's 1115 Medicaid reentry waiver was approved by CMS in July 2024. The program is named JUST Health Plus and is administered by the New Mexico Health Care Authority (HCA) and the New Mexico Corrections Department (NMCD).
JUST Health Plus provides targeted Medicaid pre-release services to Medicaid-eligible adults and youth in state prisons, county jails, tribal facilities, and juvenile correctional facilities. Coverage begins 30 to 90 days before an individual's expected release date.
Three mandatory services are required of all participating facilities; eight additional optional services are subject to state budget availability and facility readiness. Services include primary care visits with a physician inside the facility, behavioral health services, case management to plan and coordinate post-release care, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), and a 30-day supply of medications at the time of release.
A critical feature of JUST Health Plus: the waiver requires not only that providers refer individuals to post-release appointments, but that they sit with the individual in the waiting room, support them through the process, and try to sign them up for other benefits. This in-person accompaniment model is designed to ensure connections actually happen, not just referrals.
Implementation: HCA targeted summer 2025 for JUST Health Plus launch. As of July 2025, NMCD issued an RFI for a vendor to support billing infrastructure. Confirm the current operational status of JUST Health Plus at your specific facility by asking your NMCD case manager or by visiting hca.nm.gov/justice-initiatives.
What NMCD Provides at Release
The New Mexico Corrections Department (NMCD, cd.nm.gov) provides reentry programming including cognitive and vocational programs. NMCD has a Reentry division with dedicated reentry staff.
Regarding ID documents before release: Ask your NMCD case manager or reentry staff directly whether the facility provides assistance with state ID, driver's license, Social Security card, or birth certificate processing before release. Confirm the status of each document -- do not assume it has been initiated.
Getting Your New Mexico State ID or Driver's License
New Mexico state IDs and driver's licenses are issued by the New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division (MVD, tax.newmexico.gov/mvd).
If your ID was not processed before release, visit any New Mexico MVD office after release. You will need documents establishing your identity, Social Security number, and New Mexico residency. Standard documents include a birth certificate or passport, your Social Security card, and proof of a New Mexico address. Your NMCD release documentation serves as a supporting identity document.
Getting Your Social Security Card
If your Social Security card was not obtained before release, contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213, apply online at ssa.gov, or visit your nearest SSA office. Replacement cards are free. Bring your state ID and birth certificate.
Ask your case manager whether your facility has a prerelease SSA agreement allowing the card replacement and benefit application process to begin up to 90 days before release.
Getting Your Birth Certificate
If you were born in New Mexico, request a certified copy from the New Mexico Department of Health Vital Records at health.nm.gov or by calling (505) 827-0121. The fee is currently $10 per copy.
If you were born in another state, contact that state's vital records office. Start this process early -- out-of-state requests can take time and delay your ID process.
New Mexico Medicaid (Centennial Care)
New Mexico expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. New Mexico's Medicaid program (Centennial Care) is administered by HCA (hca.nm.gov). Low-income adults who meet income requirements are generally eligible.
If you were on Medicaid before incarceration: benefits should automatically restart upon release under SB 42 (2015). If they do not restart, contact HCA immediately.
If you were not on Medicaid before incarceration: apply at yes.state.nm.us or call 1-888-997-2583. Presumptive Eligibility Determiners at your facility can help you apply before release.
JUST Health Plus: Check with your NMCD case manager or hca.nm.gov/justice-initiatives for the current operational status and whether your facility is participating. If JUST Health Plus is active at your facility, you may be eligible for pre-release primary care, case management, MAT, and a 30-day medication supply at discharge.
SNAP: Food Assistance
New Mexico has no drug conviction SNAP ban. People with drug felony convictions are eligible for SNAP subject to standard income and eligibility requirements.
Apply for SNAP at yes.state.nm.us or call 1-888-997-2583. You will need to verify identity, residency, income, and household composition.
Voting Rights in New Mexico
New Mexico restores voting rights upon completion of your sentence, including any period of probation or parole. You do not need to apply for restoration -- rights are restored automatically when supervision ends.
If you are currently on probation or parole, your voting rights are not yet restored. Contact the New Mexico Secretary of State's office (sos.nm.gov) or NM Legal Aid (nmlegalaid.org) to confirm your specific eligibility and register to vote once your supervision is complete.
NM Reentry Resources
New Mexico Corrections Department (cd.nm.gov): Reentry division; cognitive and vocational programming; case managers.
New Mexico HCA Justice Initiatives (hca.nm.gov/justice-initiatives): JUST Health Plus pre-release Medicaid program; Medicaid SB 42 suspension and reinstatement; Presumptive Eligibility Determiners in jails and prisons; Justice Involved Policy and Billing Manual for providers.
New Mexico Medicaid / Centennial Care (yes.state.nm.us; 1-888-997-2583): Medicaid and SNAP applications; HCA administers Centennial Care.
New Mexico MVD (tax.newmexico.gov/mvd): State ID and driver's license.
New Mexico Department of Health Vital Records (health.nm.gov; 505-827-0121): Birth certificates; $10 per copy.
NM Legal Aid (nmlegalaid.org): Free civil legal assistance for eligible low-income New Mexicans, including benefit access, housing rights, and voting rights.
211 New Mexico (nm.211.org; dial 211): Statewide referrals to housing, food, health, and social services by county.
Social Security Administration (ssa.gov; 1-800-772-1213): SSI and SSDI applications; SSA Reentry Benefits at ssa.gov/reentry/benefits.htm.
Frequently asked questions
Does NMCD help with ID documents before release?
NMCD has reentry staff and case managers who work with individuals before release. For state ID, driver's license, Social Security card, and birth certificate assistance, ask your NMCD case manager directly about what the facility initiates before release and confirm the status of each document. Do not assume these have been initiated -- confirm directly with your reentry staff.
What is New Mexico's JUST Health Plus program?
JUST Health Plus is New Mexico's 1115 Medicaid reentry waiver program, approved by CMS in July 2024. It provides Medicaid pre-release services 30 to 90 days before release in state prisons, county jails, tribal facilities, and juvenile facilities. Three mandatory services are required at all participating facilities, including primary care visits inside the facility, behavioral health services, and case management. A 30-day medication supply is provided at discharge. A distinctive feature is that providers are required to accompany individuals -- not just refer them -- to post-release appointments and help them enroll in additional benefits. Confirm the current operational status of JUST Health Plus at your specific facility with your NMCD case manager or at hca.nm.gov/justice-initiatives.
Can I get Medicaid after prison in New Mexico?
Yes. New Mexico expanded Medicaid and low-income adults are generally eligible. If you were on Medicaid before incarceration, your benefits should restart automatically at release under SB 42 (2015) -- contact HCA at 1-888-997-2583 if they do not. If you were never on Medicaid, apply at yes.state.nm.us or call 1-888-997-2583. Presumptive Eligibility Determiners at your facility can help you apply before release. If your facility participates in JUST Health Plus, you may receive pre-release services including a 30-day medication supply at discharge.
Is my Medicaid paused or canceled during incarceration?
Paused. Under New Mexico Senate Bill 42 (2015), your Medicaid eligibility is preserved during incarceration -- benefits are suspended, not terminated. When you are released and still qualify, benefits restart automatically. You do not need to file a new application after release if you were already enrolled. HCA receives daily electronic reports of members entering and scheduled for release. If your benefits do not restart after release, contact HCA at 1-888-997-2583 or hca.nm.gov immediately.
Can I get SNAP benefits after prison in New Mexico?
Yes. New Mexico has no drug conviction SNAP ban. People with drug felony convictions are eligible for SNAP subject to standard income and eligibility requirements. Apply at yes.state.nm.us or call 1-888-997-2583 after release.
Can I vote after prison in New Mexico?
Your voting rights are restored automatically upon completion of your full sentence, including any period of probation or parole. If you are currently on probation or parole, your voting rights are not yet restored. Once all supervision ends, you can register to vote at sos.nm.gov. Contact NM Legal Aid (nmlegalaid.org) to confirm your specific situation.
How do I get my birth certificate in New Mexico?
If you were born in New Mexico, request a certified copy from the New Mexico Department of Health Vital Records at health.nm.gov or by calling (505) 827-0121. The current fee is $10 per copy. Ask your NMCD case manager whether the facility can assist with this before release. If you were born in another state, contact that state's vital records office early.
How do I replace my Social Security card in NM?
Contact SSA at 1-800-772-1213, apply online at ssa.gov, or visit your nearest SSA office. Replacement cards are free. Bring your state ID and birth certificate. Ask your NMCD case manager whether your facility has a prerelease SSA agreement allowing this to begin up to 90 days before release. SSA reentry benefits information is at ssa.gov/reentry/benefits.htm.
What benefits can I apply for after release in NM?
New Mexico Medicaid (Centennial Care) at yes.state.nm.us (1-888-997-2583) -- should restart automatically if you were enrolled before incarceration; apply new if you were not. SNAP (food assistance) at yes.state.nm.us -- drug convictions do not bar you. JUST Health Plus pre-release services if your facility participates -- ask your case manager. SSI or SSDI through SSA (1-800-772-1213) if you qualify through age or disability. Veterans' benefits through the VA if applicable. 211 NM (dial 211) for county housing, food, and social service referrals.
What reentry resources does NMCD provide?
NMCD (cd.nm.gov) provides reentry programming including cognitive and vocational programs. NMCD's reentry division coordinates with HCA on Medicaid pre-enrollment through JUST Health Plus and the SB 42 suspension/reinstatement system. Presumptive Eligibility Determiners at NMCD facilities assist with Medicaid applications. For JUST Health Plus current operational status, visit hca.nm.gov/justice-initiatives. 211 NM (nm.211.org, dial 211) provides county referrals. NM Legal Aid (nmlegalaid.org) provides free civil legal help. ---