Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities
Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities
The pair visited with area residents about the state’s Exchange.
CLOVIS — Armed with the goal of helping New Mexicans find affordable health insurance that fits their needs, a pair of beWellnm officials visited Curry and Roosevelt counties Thursday as a means of spreading the word about plans at consumers’ disposal.
“We’re the official health insurance marketplace for New Mexicans,” said beWellnm Outreach Manager Veronica Reyes, who is joining Broker Relations Liaison Maureen Manring in making stops in each of the state’s 33 counties to promote the initiative. “We’re now in the open enrollment period, which will conclude January 31 — so we’re visiting different communities to make sure they are aware of the deadline and the resources that are available in order to gain access to health insurance.”
Officials said beWellnm is New Mexico’s Health Insurance Exchange — a marketplace where New Mexicans can learn about health insurance, compare plans and get ready to enroll. Additionally, officials said consumers may be able to get a health plan through the Exchange if they:
• Live in New Mexico
• Are not covered by an affordable health plan through work
• Are not covered by Medicare or Medicaid
Meanwhile, beWellnm for small business helps small businesses and nonprofit organizations provide health coverage to their employees. Officials said 51,000 New Mexicans have enrolled as of Dec. 3, 2016, with that figure being ahead of last year’s number at the same juncture. There are four health insurance carriers within the beWellnm system: Molina, Christus, Blue Cross Blue Shield and New Mexico Health Connections. Reyes and Manring are encouraging consumers to visit beWellnm.com or call 1-855-996-6449 to initiate research and the enrollment process prior to the Jan. 31 deadline.
“Our website provides an opportunity for folks to take a look at the various health care plans that are available using a side-by-side comparison while also offering information about subsidies,” said Reyes, who noted 48 percent of uninsured New Mexicans are under age 34 — making it a targeted demographic. “We don’t sell health insurance, but we are a resource that helps consumers find out what plans are available. If people don’t have access to health insurance through their workplace, their parents or spouses, the marketplace is the place to go. We’re here to guide the community.”
Officials said last year 68 percent of New Mexicans were able to find a health insurance plan that was less than $100 per month and 41 percent of uninsured individuals are eligible for subsidies.
“We have certified insurance agents available to help people get enrolled in the marketplace,” Manring said. “We have about 57 plan designs, so there are a variety of options available. Pre-existing conditions are not an issue and you will not be denied coverage because you have a pre-existing condition. It’s just a matter of choosing a carrier, selecting the desired health care plan design and gaining insight about the subsidy. The plans that are on the marketplace are comprehensive, offering emergency care, pre and post-natal care, preventative care, colonoscopies and mammograms, among other features.”
