Albuquerque, NM – beWellnm, New Mexico’s Health Insurance Exchange, is pleased to announce that 40,972 New Mexicans selected a plan or were automatically re-enrolled in the Federally Facilitated Marketplace (FFM) as of Jan. 9, 2015, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
“We are very encouraged by the number of New Mexicans that have signed up for health coverage through beWellnm,” said Amy Dowd, beWellnm’s CEO. “We have been working hard with our enrollment and outreach partners across the state to educate consumers on the health coverage options available to them and are excited that more than 40,000 New Mexicans will have access to quality, affordable health coverage for 2015.”
Open Enrollment began Nov. 15, 2014, and this Thursday, Jan. 15, marks the second Open Enrollment deadline for the 2015. Individuals and families that sign up by tomorrow and make their first payment will begin receiving coverage starting Feb. 1, 2015. The final Open Enrollment deadline is Feb. 15.
“There are just over four weeks before the Feb. 15 deadline and the end of Open Enrollment,” said Dowd. “New Mexicans who are looking for health coverage should get started today before it’s too late.”
Five facts for New Mexicans as we near the second open enrollment deadline:
- Deadline is fast approaching. Open enrollment is ending soon. The deadline to apply for coverage starting on Feb. 1, 2015 is this Thursday, Jan. 15. The final Open Enrollment deadline to sign up for 2015 coverage isFeb. 15. If people miss that deadline, they will likely have to wait to sign up for coverage until the next open enrollment season, with coverage starting in 2016.
- Enrolling in coverage is easier than ever. This year, the consumer experience at HealthCare.gov is simpler, faster, and more intuitive. It is easy to shop; no log-in or application is required to see the plans in your area and find out how much financial help may be available. HHS streamlined this year’s application, reducing the number of screens people need to click through from 76 to 16. And you can even apply on your smartphone.
- More choices are available this year. There are five insurance carriers in New Mexico offering more than 30 different plans to consumers. Plans are available across medal levels so New Mexicans can find coverage that works for them.
- Financial assistance is available. 73 percent of New Mexicans who selected 2015 plans throughHealthCare.gov in the first month of open enrollment are getting financial assistance to lower their premiums. 85 percent of New Mexicans can find coverage for $100 or less a month with tax credits through the Marketplace. That is less than some people pay for a cell phone or cable bill.
- Help is available. We are working to meet consumers where they are, whether that is online, over the phone or in person.
- Online: Learn more at www.BeWellNM.com
- By Phone: Call our customer contact center at 1-855-996-6449
- In person: Consumers can find enrollment counselors, agents or brokers in their area atwww.BeWellNM.com/were-here-to-help or by calling the customer contact center
About New Mexico Health Insurance Exchange
New Mexico Health Insurance Exchange (NMHIX) was created to help individuals and small businesses get access to affordable health insurance plans. NMHIX helps consumers compare health insurance plans and choose the plan that works best for their health needs and budget. NMHIX also helps individuals determine whether they are eligible for premium assistance and if so, at what level. Through SHOP, small businesses are able to purchase competitively priced health insurance plans and offer their employees the ability to choose from an array of plans. Health Care Guides and insurance brokers/agents are available throughout the state to help with signing up for NMHIX coverage.
For more information on New Mexico Health Insurance Exchange, please visit www.BeWellNM.com orwww.NMHIX.com, call 1-855-99NMHIX (1-855-996-6449) or text BeWellNM to 311411.