NMDWS News Release-September 9, 2026: State highlights free job help as new Medicaid work rules approach
For Immediate Release
September 9, 2026
Contact: Stacy Johnston
Communications & Marketing Director
505.250.3926
State highlights free job help as new Medicaid work rules approach
America's Job Center New Mexico offers job search, training, and career help at no cost
ALBUQUERQUE – As new federal Medicaid work requirements threaten to squeeze household budgets in 2027, the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions is highlighting free job-search and training services available to help Medicaid members keep their coverage.
Through America’s Job Center New Mexico, job seekers can receive personalized assistance finding employment, exploring career options, building skills, and connecting with employers, all at no cost.
“Looking for work can feel overwhelming, but New Mexicans don’t have to navigate that process alone,” said Sarita Nair, Cabinet Secretary for the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions. “Whether someone is entering the workforce, changing careers, returning to work, or looking for additional training, we want them to know there is a place they can turn to for help at any America’s Job Center New Mexico location.”
The state is doubling down on job-seeking services as more than 230,000 Medicaid members received notices from the New Mexico Health Care Authority about new work or activity rules to take effect in 2027. Starting Jan. 1, certain adults aged 19-64 enrolled in Medicaid will be subject to new federal requirements that will stipulate 80 hours per month of qualifying work or other activities, which include education, training, and community service.
“HCA is here to help our customers understand what they need to do to keep their Medicaid benefits, and Workforce Solutions is ready to help people find jobs, training, and other opportunities,” said Kari Armijo, Cabinet Secretary for the New Mexico Health Care Authority.
Medicaid members should work with the Health Care Authority to see if they will be subject to the new work or activity rules that will be effective as of January 1st. While the New Mexico Health Care Authority is responsible for administering Medicaid and answering questions about eligibility and the new requirements, NMDWS can help New Mexicans who are seeking employment or workforce opportunities.
America’s Job Center New Mexico provides services designed to meet job seekers where they are, including:
Help searching and applying for jobs
Resume development and interview preparation
Career planning and exploration
Skills assessments
Referrals to education and training opportunities, including tuition-free college and non-credit bearing industry recognized credentials
Assistance identifying career pathways and in-demand occupations
Connections with employers and job openings
Support for eligible individuals through Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) programs.
New Mexicans can access workforce services in person through any of the 24 America’s Job Center New Mexico locations or explore employment and career resources online through https://www.jobs.dws.nm.gov.
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The New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions (NMDWS) oversees the New Mexico public workforce system. The department is committed to supporting the business community through special recruitment, analyzing hard to fill jobs, layoffs, job fairs, and skills assessments for hiring; and assisting New Mexicans seeking employment opportunities with job search, job referrals and placement, and customized skill development such as interviewing skills and resume writing. The department administers programs to include business services; workforce training; Unemployment Insurance; labor law enforcement; veterans’ services; and labor market information. NMDWS has expanded to include the Office of Housing and the Office of New Americans.
