Albuquerque, NM – The BeWellNM, New Mexico’s Health Insurance Exchange, Board of Directors has announced a public comment period pertaining to the organization’s proposed plans for long-term financial sustainability.BeWellNM will need to be fully financially self-sustainable starting on January 1, 2016 when federal grants to fund our operations will no longer be available. Since the BeWellNM Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) Exchange has already been operational for a year, BeWellNM will need to fund SHOP operations starting January 1, 2015.
Over the last year, BeWellNM is committed to a collaborative and transparent process to develop a financial sustainability plan. The financial sustainability approach, which is outlined in draft amendments to the BeWellNM Plan of Operations, will follow the New Mexico Health Insurance Exchange Act and is designed to have minimal impact to New Mexico citizens and issuers. The revenue raised through assessments will be used to support the operations of a consumer-friendly Exchange where eligible New Mexicans can shop, compare and buy affordable health insurance.
BeWellNM encourages public comment on the proposed amendments to the Plan of Operation that will operationalize a financial sustainability plan. The proposed amendments to the Plan of Operation can be found online at: http://www.nmhix.com/public-comment-period-proposed-changes-to-nmhix-plan-of-operation/
Written comments regarding the draft amendments to the Plan of Operation may be submitted to the New Mexico Health Insurance Exchange (NMHIX) at any time in person or by mail to the administrative offices of the NMHIX: 6301 Indian School Road NE #100, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87110; or by email to lgarcia@nmhix.combetween November 26-December 19, 2014. Members of the public and all interested parties are also encouraged to attend the upcoming NMHIX Board meeting on December 19, 2014 at the Santa Fe Courtyard Marriott: 3347 Cerrillos Rd, Santa Fe, NM 87507, at which time the Board will hold a hearing and consider taking final action on the proposed amendments. More details about that meeting will be made available on www.nmhix.com.
The 2015 Open Enrollment period on BeWellNM runs from now through February 15, 2015. New Mexicans that are looking for affordable coverage can go to www.BeWellNM.com to shop, compare and buy a plan that is right for them. Agents, Brokers and Enrollment Counselors who can be located on BeWellNM.com are available across the state to help New Mexicans understand their options at no cost to them. The BeWellNM contact center is also open 7 days a week at 1-855-99-NMHIX (1-855-996-6449).
About New Mexico Health Insurance Exchange
BeWellNM, New Mexico’s Health Insurance Exchange,was created to help individuals and small businesses get access to affordable health insurance plans. BeWellNM helps consumers compare health insurance plans and choose the plan that works best for their health needs and budget. BeWellNM 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. Enrollment Counselors and insurance Agents and Brokers are available throughout the state to help with signing up for 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.