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Got a Medicaid letter about the new work or community service rule

Use when someone got a Medicaid (Turquoise Care) letter, often in a turquoise envelope, about 80 hours a month of work or activities starting January 2027, 6-month renewals, or a Help Us Make a Decision letter.

In danger right now: call 911. Crisis or thoughts of suicide: call or text 988. Not sure where to start? Call the Silver City Gospel Mission: 575-388-5071. Police, fire or sheriff, not an emergency: 575-388-8840 (Central Dispatch). Print our list of phone numbers → · Food pantry calendar → · Free meals calendar → · Getting there: bus and rides →
These are the same steps our staff use when they help someone. "They" means the person who needs help: you, or someone you are helping. Go in order, and call ahead when you can.
In this guide
  1. Read the letter together
  2. Check for an exemption first
  3. What counts toward 80 hours
  4. Keep proof and answer every letter
  5. If Medicaid ends

1Read the letter together

You can ask"Can I see the letter? Did it come in a turquoise envelope from the Health Care Authority?"
You can say"This letter does not mean you will lose Medicaid. Many people are exempt. Let's look at it together."
Starting January 1, 2027, some adults ages 19 to 64 on Medicaid (Turquoise Care) must show 80 hours a month of work or activities, or an exemption.
It is for the "Other Adults" Medicaid group. Children, people 65 and older, and people on Medicare do not have to do this.
These adults will also renew every 6 months instead of every 12, starting with renewals due March 31, 2027.
For help reading it, see the guide "Can't read or understand a letter or form".

2Check for an exemption first

Exempt people do not need hours. They include: parents or caregivers of a child 13 or younger; caregivers of a person with a disability; pregnant or within 12 months after pregnancy; a disability or serious physical or mental health condition, including addiction; in drug or alcohol treatment; Native American; a veteran rated 100% or total (TDIU) by the VA; on Medicare; in jail or released in the last 3 months; former foster youth under 26; already meeting SNAP or TANF work rules; in a hospital or nursing home.
In 2027, people can tell HCA themselves that they have a serious health condition. No extra papers are needed in 2027.
See the guide "Might be exempt from the new SNAP or Medicaid work rules".

3What counts toward 80 hours

Work (paid or unpaid), volunteering or community service with a nonprofit or public agency, job training or a work program. Mix them to reach 80 hours in one month.
School or career training at least half-time counts all by itself.
Or income of at least $580 a month, from work or other income such as unemployment.
Also on SNAP? The same 80 hours count for both. They do not need 160.
New applicants starting January 2027 need 80 hours in the month before they apply.
At renewal, they need 80 hours in any one month since their last renewal.
For volunteer places, see the guide "Wants to volunteer, or needs community service hours".
Volunteer at the Silver City Gospel Mission to earn hours: kitchen, pantry, clothing bank, thrift store or front desk. Tap Website below to sign up, then ask Mission staff to sign your hours log. Check with Income Support that they accept it.
Silver City Gospel Mission
Volunteer at the Mission (hours for SNAP or Medicaid work rules)
575-388-5071
111 S. Texas St., Silver City · Weekdays during Mission hours
Website ↗

4Keep proof and answer every letter

Bring
  • Pay stubs
  • school enrollment proof
  • volunteer logs with the date, hours, organization, and the name and phone of the person who signs
HCA checks its own records first. If it can't confirm, it sends a "Help Us Make a Decision" letter.
They have 30 days to answer it. Medicaid keeps going during those 30 days.
Answer online at yes.nm.gov, by phone, or at the Income Support office.
NM Health Care Authority - Income Support Division (Grant County office)
Medicaid (Turquoise Care)
1-800-283-4465
3088 32nd St Bypass, Suite A, Silver City · Lobby Mon-Fri 8:00 am-4:30 pm, closed 12:00-1:30 pm for lunch. Phone line (1-800-283-4465) Mon-Fri 7:00 am-6:30 pm.
Website ↗
NM Health Care Authority
Turquoise Care (Medicaid) customer service line
800-283-4465
· Mon-Fri 7:00 am-6:30 pm
Website ↗
At the Gospel MissionNo safe address? Use the Mission's free mail service: Their Name, c/o Silver City Gospel Mission, 111 S. Texas St., Silver City, NM 88061.
At the Gospel MissionThe case worker can help update their address on YES New Mexico and answer letters.

5If Medicaid ends

They can apply again right away. The letter explains how.
Starting in 2027, Medicaid pays only 1 month of old bills for these adults (it was 3). Do not wait to reapply.
If they think the decision is wrong, they can ask for a fair hearing.
NM Health Care Authority
Office of Fair Hearings: appeal a SNAP, Medicaid, cash aid or LIHEAP decision
505-476-6213
P.O. Box 2348, Santa Fe · Business hours
Website ↗
New Mexico Center on Law and Poverty
Help with SNAP, Medicaid and TANF problems and wage claims
505-255-2840
301 Edith Blvd NE, Albuquerque · Statewide phone/online; weekday business hours
Website ↗
New Mexico Legal Aid
Free civil legal help
1-833-545-4357
2005 Hwy 180 W, Suite 500, Silver City · Phone intake Mon-Thu 9:30 am-4:00 pm at 1-833-545-4357; online application any time at newmexicolegalaid.org. Silver City office: 575-388-0091.
Website ↗
Need care now? See the guide "Sick, out of medicine, or has no doctor or insurance".

More help like this

Wants to apply for SNAP, Medicaid or cash helpUse when someone wants to apply for SNAP food benefits, Medicaid (Turquoise Care), or cash help (TANF or General Assistance), or needs to renew them.Has a disability and can't work (SSI or SSDI)Use when someone can't work because of a health problem or disability and wants to apply for SSI or Social Security disability (SSDI).Has medical bills they can't pay, or lost their MedicaidUse when someone owes a hospital or doctor money, got a surprise bill, or their Medicaid was cut off.Lost their EBT card, or SNAP benefits stoppedUse when someone lost their EBT card, had it stolen, forgot the PIN, sees no money on the card, or got a letter that SNAP is ending or has stopped.Gets Social Security and needs a payee or representativeUse when someone on SSI or Social Security needs someone to manage their check (a payee), wants a different payee, has a payee problem, or wants someone to help with their claim.Wants their SNAP (food stamps) to last all monthUse when someone gets SNAP but runs out before the end of the month and wants a simple plan to make it last, plus free food to fill the gaps.

See all guides in Money and benefits →

This guide is general information only, not medical, legal or other professional advice. Places and rules change, so please call before you go. In an emergency, call 911; in a mental health crisis, call or text 988. Disclaimer

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Questions, or want someone to walk through this with you? The Silver City Gospel Mission, 111 S. Texas St., Silver City, 575-388-5071, weekdays 9:00am-1:45pm. Everyone is welcome.