Mi Via Waiver New Mexico: Self-Directed Services for Adults with Disabilities

New Mexico families choosing between the state's two developmental disability waivers often hear about Mi Via without a clear picture of what "self-directed" actually means in practice. The Mi Via waiver puts the participant — or their designated representative — in charge of hiring staff, managing a budget, and purchasing approved services directly. It's the opposite of the traditional DD waiver model where a provider agency handles staffing and scheduling.

That level of control is powerful, but it comes with administrative responsibilities that aren't right for every family.

What Mi Via Self-Direction Looks Like

Under Mi Via, the participant or their Employer of Record (EOR) manages a state-approved annual budget. The family directly:

• Hires and fires support staff — including family members in many cases, subject to conflict-of-interest rules
• Sets schedules and pay rates within the approved budget range
• Purchases goods and services customized to the individual's needs (adaptive equipment, community experiences, environmental modifications)
• Manages payroll and tax obligations through a Fiscal Management Agency (FMA) contracted by the state

A Mi Via Consultant is assigned to each participant to help develop the Service and Support Plan (SSP) and navigate budget rules. But the day-to-day decisions belong to the family, not an agency.

Mi Via vs. Traditional DD Waiver

The traditional Developmental Disabilities Waiver uses an agency-directed model. A contracted provider agency manages the scheduling, staffing, and delivery of services like community inclusion, supported living, and behavioral support. The family works with a Case Manager who coordinates the Individual Service Plan (ISP).

Families who choose Mi Via tend to value flexibility — they want to hire specific people they trust, adjust schedules around the individual's life, or purchase services that agency catalogs don't cover. Families who prefer the traditional waiver typically want less administrative overhead and the stability of an established provider managing staff turnover.

The choice between the two waiver models is made during the allocation process. If circumstances change later, coordinate any request to change models with DDSD and update the service plan.

The Application and Allocation Process

Both waivers begin with the same application:

1. Submit the HCBS Waivers & ICF/IID Application Form to the Pre-Service Intake Bureau (PSIB). The date this completed packet is received becomes the official application date.
2. PSIB reviews diagnostic records — eligibility requires documentation of an intellectual disability with onset before age 18, or a related condition (Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Epilepsy, or similar) with onset before age 22 and significant limitations in at least three major life activities.
3. "Yes Match" letter — if criteria are met, the applicant is placed on the Central Registry.
4. Allocation offer — the state mails a Letter of Interest and a Primary Freedom of Choice form. The representative must respond within 30 days. This is where you choose Mi Via or the traditional DD waiver.
5. Level of Care determination — the state's Third-Party Assessor confirms ICF/IID Level of Care eligibility.
6. Institutional Medicaid application — required even if the applicant already has standard Medicaid. Submitted to the Income Support Division's Institutional Care Waiver Unit in Bernalillo.
7. Service plan and budget approval — the Mi Via Consultant develops the SSP and annual budget, which the TPA reviews and approves.

New Mexico historically had a Central Registry waitlist measured in years. Between 2021 and 2025, the state's "Super Allocation" initiative moved over 3,200 individuals into active services, eliminating the multi-year backlog. Allocations now process on a rolling monthly basis — but the clinical and administrative steps between application and actual service start still take several months.

Who Should Consider Mi Via

Mi Via makes the most sense when the family has the capacity to manage administrative tasks and wants direct control over who provides support. Common scenarios:

• Rural families where provider agencies have limited staff or service gaps — Mi Via lets them hire local support workers directly
• Families with trusted existing caregivers who want to formalize and fund those relationships
• Young adults transitioning from school who need flexible scheduling around employment, post-secondary education, or community activities
• Families dissatisfied with agency staffing — turnover in direct support professional positions is a persistent problem in New Mexico, and Mi Via eliminates dependence on a single agency's workforce

The tradeoff is real: payroll management, budget tracking, and employer responsibilities add work. The FMA handles tax filings and payment processing, but the hiring, scheduling, and oversight remain with the family.

The New Mexico SSI at 18 & Adult Disability Benefits Guide covers the complete waiver application process, budget management worksheets, and a side-by-side comparison to help families decide between Mi Via and the traditional DD waiver.

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