Following the second Open Enrollment deadline, 43,054 New Mexicans selected a plan or were automatically re-enrolled in the Federally Facilitated Marketplace (FFM) as of Jan. 16, 2015, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
“We’ve made great progress thus far with this year’s Open Enrollment and are working to reach as many New Mexicans as possible before February 15, ” said Amy Dowd, BeWellNM’s CEO. “We encourage anyone who is interested in exploring their health coverage options to call our customer contact center or visit our website to find nearby in-person assistance.”
Five facts about Open Enrollment in New Mexico:
- The end of Open Enrollment is fast approaching. The final Open Enrollment deadline to sign up for 2015 coverage is Feb. 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 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. In New Mexico, consumers can choose from 5 issuers in the Marketplace in 2015 – up from 4 in 2014.Consumers can also choose from an average of 43 health plans in their area for 2015 coverage – up from 36 in 2014.
- New Mexicans are receiving financial aid. 73 percent of New Mexicans who selected health insurance plans were determined eligible for financial assistance to lower their monthly premiums. 70 percent of New Mexico Marketplace enrollees as of December 2014 could obtain coverage for $100 or less after any applicable tax credits in 2015.
- 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 at www.BeWellNM.com/were-here-to-helpor by calling the customer contact center
Open Enrollment began Nov. 15, 2014 and goes through the final deadline on Feb. 15. New Mexicans interested in their health coverage options are encouraged to get started today to ensure they have health coverage beginning March 1. After Open Enrollment ends, special enrollment will only be available to those who qualify with certain life events that involve a change in family status for the 60 days following.
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 or www.NMHIX.com, call 1-855-99NMHIX(1-855-996-6449) or text BeWellNM to 311411.