Open enrollment for health insurance on beWellnm.com began Tuesday.

BeWellnm is a marketplace where New Mexicans can get low-cost or no-cost health insurance.

“This year beWellnm, with help from new state and federal financial assistance programs, will provide New Mexicans with better access to more affordable health care than ever before,” said Heather Korbulic, interim CEO for beWellnm. “Four-out-of-five New Mexicans who are eligible for health insurance through beWellnm can now receive premiums of less than $10 per month with financial assistance. Some people can even find no-cost health insurance options.”

The recent passage of the federal Inflation Reduction Act and the state’s Health Insurance Marketplace Affordability Program breaks down financial barriers and extends the length of financial assistance.

“BeWellnm and the State of New Mexico has taken great strides to create new pathways for affordable health care for New Mexicans across the state,” said Chairman of the Board of the beWellnm Board of Directors David Shaw. “Together we worked to pass the Health Care Affordability Fund, eliminated behavioral health copays, reduced the amount of premiums, lowered prescription drug prices, and decreased out-of-pocket costs for most New Mexicans making services more affordable and accessible.”

A brand-new type of plan will be offered on the Marketplace this year in New Mexico. Turquoise Plans are designed to reduce out-of-pocket costs for eligible shoppers.

“Our new Turquoise label will help shoppers identify the most robust plans with the best financial protection and greatest amount of financial assistance available on beWellnm.com,” said Maureen Manring, director communication and outreach for beWellnm.

BeWellnm.com is offering dozens of plan options across multiple participating health plan providers, including dental insurance during the Open Enrollment Period. All plans will continue to cover the 10 essential benefits such as doctor visits, hospital stays, maternity care, emergency room care, prescriptions and more. Federal law and regulations provide protections against preexisting condition exclusions in health insurance coverage.

beWellnm offers free local enrollment assistance from certified enrollment specialist throughout the state.

“It is important to shop and compare the insurance options during the Open Enrollment Period to be sure you find the plan right for your family’s needs,” said Korbulic.

New Mexico health insurance companies participating in the state-based marketplace covering all of its 33 counties include:

  • Ambetter from Western Sky Community Care
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Mexico
  • Molina Healthcare
  • Presbyterian Health Plan
  • BEST Life (dental insurance only)

The beWellnm Open Enrollment Period began Tuesday and will last until January 15, 2023, for Plan Year 2023. If New Mexicans enroll on beWellnm.com by December 23, 2022, their coverage begins on January 1, 2023. If they enroll by January 15, 2023, their coverage begins on February 1, 2023.

The beWellnm team of certified enrollment counselors, agents, and brokers are free. They are always available to help those in need to review and explain their health insurance options through telephone assistance or virtual appointments at (833) 862-3935, on online by visiting beWellnm.com or making an appointment with a certified assister.

El Defensor Chieftain