SANTA FE – Every New Mexican should have health care during the COVID-19 emergency – to help expedite that process there is a new online screening tool to help New Mexicans determine what health insurance coverage they may qualify for by answering a few simple questions. It is available at: New Mexico Health Coverage Connector.
The New Mexico Office of Superintendent of Insurance partnered with the New Mexico Human Services Department, beWellnm, and the New Mexico Medical Insurance Pool to make the tool.
“Our top priority is to make sure people have quality health coverage during COVID-19,” said Superintendent of Insurance Russell Toal. “Sometimes it’s hard to know what type of coverage you qualify for, so we created a tool that asks a few simple questions to point you in the right direction.”
The Medicaid program provides health insurance to more than 840,000 New Mexicans, or 42 percent of the state’s population.
“Every New Mexican should have the security of health coverage to ensure they can get the medical care they need if they contract COVID-19,” said Abuko D. Estrada, Health Insurance Coverage Innovation Officer for the New Mexico Human Services Department, Medical Assistance Division. “If you are uninsured, apply for coverage. Medicaid and our partners will help you find the option that best meets your family’s needs during these unprecedented and challenging times.”
To apply for Medicaid coverage, New Mexicans should start at yes.state.nm.us or call 1-855-637-6574. New Mexicans who qualify for Medicaid coverage may sign up any time of the year.
New Mexico operates a state health insurance exchange, beWellnm. Individuals only have 60-days to sign up for health coverage on beWellnm after a job loss event where the individual’s health insurance was through their previous employer. The exchange enables people and small businesses to purchase health insurance with financial assistance to lower monthly premiums based on household income.
“If you don’t qualify for Medicaid and you recently experienced a qualifying special enrollment circumstance, like job loss or income change due to COVID-19, call us at 1-833-862-3935 immediately. Time is of the essence. Once you experience a qualifying life change, there is a limited time to enroll in a plan through beWellnm.” said Jeffery Bustamante, Chief Executive Officer of beWellnm. “There is also premium assistance available to those who qualify, so please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here for you and proud to be partnering with the state to help you and your family find health coverage during this time.”
If you don't qualify for Medicaid or coverage through beWellnm, everyone in New Mexico can get coverage through the New Mexico Medical Insurance Pool. To request an application call 1-844-728-7896.
“It has never been more important that New Mexicans have health coverage,” said Debbie Armstrong, Executive Director of the NM Medical Insurance Pool. “The Pool is there for anyone who falls through the cracks. If you don’t qualify for other forms of coverage, we can make sure you are covered.”