Santa Fe, NM – New Mexico Superintendent of Insurance Russell Toal urged all who have lost health insurance coverage or suffered loss of income to take action to obtain coverage as soon as possible. Thanks to the effort of Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, there are options for coverage for New Mexicans who have lost insurance or income.
“The Governor’s determination that every New Mexican should have the security of health coverage to ensure they can get the medical care they need is a shared determination with our office and all the health-related agencies of the state,” said Superintendent Toal. “I want to thank the Governor for making sure that we have a coordinated approach to making coverage options available and known to all, and I call on the media and the health insurance community to assist us in making those options widely known.”
As shown on the attached flyer (in both English and Spanish), New Mexicans have three primary options beyond workplace coverage. The first option is coverage through the Medicaid program, which has no premiums or co-pays. Eligibility is tied to income. As the flyer indicates, New Mexicans can apply online at yes.state.nm.us or they can call 1-855-637-6574. Medicaid also has a COVID website: mmedicaid.portal.conduent.com/static/covid.
“Last month our office directed all health insurers in the state to cover the cost of COVID-19 testing and treatment without any patient cost-sharing,” noted Superintendent Toal. “I commend the state Medicaid program for using the federal financial funding recently made available to the
state to cover testing and testing-related services and the associated medical visit for all uninsured New Mexicans.” A copy of the Medicaid Supplement on COVID-19 testing is attached.
An individual who may not qualify for Medicaid can seek coverage from the state’s Health Insurance Exchange, known as beWellnm, by contacting their broker or agent or by calling 1-833-862-3935. The Exchange can also be reached online at www.beWellnm.com. Depending on your income, you may qualify for premium payment assistance through the Exchange. New
Mexicans who have lost insurance or have had a significant drop in income can apply for coverage within sixty (60) days after such events. Those needing coverage should not wait for the normal fall open enrollment period.
The third option for those who cannot get Medicaid or beWellnm coverage and who are uninsured is the New Mexico Medical Insurance Pool (NMMIP), whose board is chaired by the Superintendent. The NMMIP offers health coverage to all who reside in New Mexico, with discounts for low and middle income households. The NMMIP board recently approved a
reduction in premiums for the balance of the year and an expedited eligibility process for anyone who is uninsured and has tested positive for COVID-19. Those interested in NMMIP coverage should contact their broker or agent or call 1-844-728-7896. New Mexicans also can visit www.nmmip.org
“I hope all brokers, agents and producers will actively assist those businesses and individuals who have lost coverage to explore all options for low cost health insurance coverage,” said Superintendent Toal.
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