Open enrollment begins for state health insurance marketplace

BeWellnm, began the open enrollment period for 2022 Nov. 1, the New Mexico health insurance exchange said in a news release. Open enrollment continues through Jan. 15, 2022. For those who enroll by Dec. 23, coverage will begin Jan. 1, 2022. Those who enroll by Jan. 15, 2022 will have coverage beginning Feb. 1.

With enrollment, thousands of New Mexicans are eligible to receive health insurance at little or no cost, the news release said. The open enrollment period also marks the transition from a federal marketplace (healthcare.gov) to a state-based exchange.

“BeWellnm now provides New Mexicans with a local solution to help them find a health plan

that best fits their needs,” said beWellnm CEO Jeffery Bustamante. “We will be able to set

our own enrollment dates, provide the most comprehensive and affordable plans available and

create a more intuitive enrollment experience.”

BeWellnm is offering dozens of plan options across multiple carriers, including dental insurance.

Free local enrollment assistance and financial assistance continue to be available so New

Mexicans can select a plan to fit their health and budget for 2022.

All plans will continue to cover the 10 essential benefits such as doctor visits, hospital stays,

maternity care, emergency room care, prescriptions and more, beWellnm said. Federal law and regulations provide protections against preexisting condition exclusions in health insurance coverage.

Health plans must permit New Mexicans to enroll regardless of health status, age, gender or

other factors that may predict the use of health services.

“Health insurance purchased through beWellnm during the open enrollment period will allow

for steep discounts and may completely eliminate premiums for low-income individuals and

families,” said beWellnm Director of Communication and Outreach Maureen Manring, The New Mexico health insurance companies participating in the beWellnm state-based marketplace include Ambetter from Western Sky Community Care, Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Mexico, Friday Health Plans, Molina Healthcare, Presbyterian Health Plan and True Health New Mexico.

BeWellnm was created by state law in 2013 and is governed by a 13-member board. You can get coverage through the exchange if you live in New Mexico and do not have a health plan where you work and are not covered by Medicare or Medicaid.

Call 833-862-3935 to discuss health insurance options. Visit beWellnm.com.