LOOKING FOR ASSISTANCE
The Health Care Authority’s mission is: We ensure that New Mexicans attain their highest level of health by providing whole-person, cost-effective, accessible, and high-quality health care and safety-net services.
Mi Via Self-Directed Waiver
Starting in 1999, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services launched its first self-directed Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver program, named Mi Via. Mi Via is the result of the efforts of many individuals and groups state-wide to realize the inclusion of self-direction as an option in New Mexico’s HCBS waivers.
Mi Via, which means “my path”, “my way” or “my road”, is designed to assist you in managing your own services and supports to live your best life. Mi Via is about choosing self-direction in your home and community-based services, support and goods within your approved plan and budget.
Every five years New Mexico applies to Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for federal approval to renew the Mi Via Waiver Program under d1915(c) HCBS waiver rules.
Please visit the Medical Assistance Division Registers page to find updates on the currently approved Mi Via Waiver and any requests for public comment.
Overview
This program is a person-centered, community-oriented approach to deliver services and supports that assist eligible children and adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) or Medically Fragile conditions to participate as active members of their communities.
The Mi Via Waiver is one of several waivers available in New Mexico. It is intended to provide a community-based alternative to institutional care that facilitates greater participant choice, direction and control over services and supports.
The approach emphasizes:
- That people with IDD oversee their lives as much as possible.
- That people with IDD have opportunities to use resources in ways that enhance their lives and help them participate in their communities
- A shared responsibility for the wise use of public dollars and the contribution that people with IDD and their families can make.
- That the system is managed in a way that is efficient and fair to everyone.
New Mexico’s self-directed waiver program’s guiding principles state that all participants:
- Have value and potential.
- Will be viewed in terms of their abilities.
- Have the right to participate and be fully included in their communities.
- Have the right to live, work, learn, and receive services and supports to meet their individual needs in the most integrated settings possible within their community.
Upon allocation for services and meeting medical and financial eligibility for Medicaid waiver services, a participant may choose Mi Via. With the assistance of a consultant, participants develop their own Service and Support Plan (SSP) to meet functional, medical, and social needs. Participants decide what services they need and how to spend their Mi Via budget.
An Employer of Record (EOR) is the individual responsible for directing the work of Mi Via employees and vendors for Mi Via participants. The EOR is not paid. An EOR is the common law employer of workers who provide waiver services.
Frequently Asked Questions & Fact Sheets
How to Apply
Please visit the Pre-Service Intake Webpages on this site and contact your Pre-Service Intake Specialist or the Pre-Service Intake Bureau at
Phone: 505-350-0034 or 505-470-5825
Fax: 505-533-6077
Pre-Service Intake Bureau Contact Sheet
Know Your Rights Campaign
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) published a Final Rule addressing new settings and person – centered planning requirements for governing the 1915 (c) HCBS waiver programs including the Mi Via Waiver.
Please visit the Director’s Office Settings Requirements section of our website to learn more.
Community Resources
Below are some useful links we hope you will find helpful.
Turquoise Care
Please visit the Turquoise Care website to learn more about New Mexico Medicaid Managed Care Porgram for Medical and Behavioral Health needs.
Social Services Resource Directory
Your online gateway to social service providers. The Resource Directory provides an easy way for you, your family or caregivers to find up-to-date comprehensive information about national, state and local social services and providers.
Family Caregiver Alliance
The Family Caregiver Alliance (FCA) offers programs to support and sustain the important work of families and friends caring for loved ones with chronic, disabling health conditions. FCA offers programs at national, state and local levels. A wealth of caregiving advice, resource listings, newsletters, fact sheets, research reports, policy updates and discussion groups are freely available. In addition to visiting their website, you may also call them at 1-800-445-8106 for more information.
New Mexico Direct Caregivers Coalition
The New Mexico Direct Caregivers Coalition (NMDCC) is a coalition created to enhance and promote family and professional direct care workers. NMDCC is led by caregivers who share common causes, common needs, and common goals with you!
The NMDCC offers caregivers monthly meetings, support groups, communications and information important to the field of caregiving. They offer advocacy supports, training and an annual summit with seminars available on important topics for you and your career. You can visit their website or call at 505-867-6046 for more information.
Reporting Abuse, Neglect & Exploitation
Call the Adult Abuse, Neglect & Exploitation Hotline at 866-654-3219,
or file a report online
Visit Division of Health Improvement pages for more information.
Contact Information
Program Manager
Elaine Hill, Mi Via Program Manager
505-506-6103
Please visit the Mi Via Self-Directed Waiver Staff Directory page for a listing of staff members from DDSD Mi Via Unit, Exempt Services and Programs Bureau for this waiver program.