- Retiree health coverage comes from the New Mexico Retiree Health Care Authority (NMRHCA), not from NMERB. NMRHCA subsidizes premiums for pre-Medicare and Medicare retirees who retired from a participating employer. UNM, NMSU, New Mexico Tech, San Juan College and Clovis Community College do not participate.Member Handbook 2025, p. 24, NM Retiree Health Care Authority
- Check with NMERBUnder NMRHCA's rule, the subsidy grows with years of credited service. It starts at 5 years and reaches 100% at 25 years for most retirees who became eligible from 2021 on (20 years for earlier groups). There is also a minimum age of 55 for many retirees who became eligible on or after July 31, 2021.From the NMRHCA rule only; which table applies to a given NMERB retiree is not confirmed by NMERB or NMRHCA guidance.2.81.11.8, 2.81.11.10 NMAC
What NMERB's handbook says
Many NMERB members can get health, dental, vision, long-term care and life insurance through NMRHCA, which subsidizes premiums for Medicare and pre-Medicare retirees. You must have retired from a participating NMRHCA employer. UNM, NMSU, New Mexico Tech, San Juan College and Clovis Community College are not NMRHCA contributing employers; their retirees should ask the employer. NMERB does not administer health insurance. Member Handbook 2025, p. 24, NM Retiree Health Care Authority; NMERB web page FAQ Flip Cards
Call NMRHCA at 1-800-233-2576. Member Handbook 2025, p. 24
Retiree and employer must make retiree health care (NMRHCA) contributions while working under any RTW program. NMERB web page RTW Comparison Table; NMSA 1978, §22-11-25.1(G) (See working after retirement.)
NMRHCA's subsidy rule Check with NMERB
NMRHCA pays a percentage of its subsidy by full years of credited service with participating employers: from 5 years, rising to 100% at 20 years (earlier eligibility groups) or at 25 years (most retirees eligible from 2021 on). For retirees not in an 'enhanced retirement plan' who become eligible on or after July 31, 2021, the minimum age for a subsidy is 55. 2.81.11.8, 2.81.11.10 NMAC
The share of NMRHCA's subsidy by full years of credited service, from NMRHCA's rule:
| Years | Full at 25 years | Full at 20 years |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 4.76% | 6.25% |
| 6 | 9.52% | 12.5% |
| 7 | 14.29% | 18.75% |
| 8 | 19.05% | 25% |
| 9 | 23.81% | 31.25% |
| 10 | 28.57% | 37.5% |
| 11 | 33.33% | 43.75% |
| 12 | 38.1% | 50% |
| 13 | 42.86% | 56.25% |
| 14 | 47.62% | 62.5% |
| 15 | 52.38% | 68.75% |
| 16 | 57.14% | 75% |
| 17 | 61.9% | 81.25% |
| 18 | 66.67% | 87.5% |
| 19 | 71.43% | 93.75% |
| 20 | 76.19% | 100% |
| 21 | 80.95% | — |
| 22 | 85.71% | — |
| 23 | 90.48% | — |
| 24 | 95.24% | — |
| 25 | 100% | — |
Minimum age 55 for retirees not in an "enhanced retirement plan" who become eligible on or after July 31, 2021. 2.81.11.8, 2.81.11.10 NMAC
The subsidy percentages come from NMRHCA's own rule, not from NMERB. Which table applies to you, and today's premiums and subsidy amounts, are for NMRHCA to confirm.
What would settle it: NMRHCA's current eligibility guide and rate sheet (nmrhca.org).
This site doesn't work out NMRHCA premiums or subsidies. For Medicare and Social Security, see Social Security. For the pension itself, use the calculator.
Questions
Does NMERB provide retiree health insurance?
No. Many NMERB members can get health, dental, vision, long-term care and life insurance through NMRHCA, which subsidizes premiums for Medicare and pre-Medicare retirees. You must have retired from a participating NMRHCA employer. UNM, NMSU, New Mexico Tech, San Juan College and Clovis Community College are not NMRHCA contributing employers; their retirees should ask the employer. NMERB does not administer health insurance.
How do I reach NMRHCA?
The handbook gives NMRHCA's number as 1-800-233-2576.
Source: NMERB Member Handbook, 2025 edition, p. 24. Also: NMERB web pages 'FAQ Flip Cards', 'RTW Comparison Table'; NMSA 1978 § 22-11-25.1; 2.81.11 NMAC. Last reviewed .