Health insurance is a primary concern to most residents in Cibola County, in the state of New Mexico, and the United States. Without health insurance, an individual could receive medical treatment and then end up in serious debt, and the stress of debt could land an individual right back in the hospital. There have been ongoing discussions over the years about whether to create a national health insurance program where all Americans are covered regardless of employment status or income. Until that day comes, all Cibola County residents can choose to participate in Obamacare. The Affordable Care Act is also known as Obamacare because former President Obama signed the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act into law in March of 2010. The goal of this piece of legislation was to reduce the number of uninsured Americans by creating a healthcare marketplace where subsidies were issued so that any American could afford to buy a health insurance plan provided by an insurance company. Obamacare should not be confused with Medicaid which is a federal program. Obamacare is a marketplace of private companies. In New Mexico the marketplace is called BeWellnm.
Currently, in New Mexico the companies that participate in the BeWellnm health insurance exchange include: Ambetter from Western Sky Community Care, Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Mexico, Molina Healthcare, Presbyterian Health plan, and for dental - Best Life. Open enrollment began in November, and the deadline to sign up for a plan is January 15, 2023. “All New Mexicans can receive health insurance through BeWellnm. They can receive premiums at low cost or no cost,” a spokesperson for BeWellnm said. He went on to say that when an individual contacts BeWellnm, a Certified Assister will work with the person to help locate the right plan that fits their specific needs.
This is an important time to consider joining the BeWellnm health insurance exchange because this coming April the federal government may decide to end the public health emergency that went into effect January 31, 2020. President Biden has stated that he will give the states 60 days advance notice. The original plan was for the public health emergency to end on January 11 of 2023, but the President failed to give the 60-day notice which would have been in November of 2022, so the deadline is now nearing April of this year. At that time, some expanded Medicaid programs may end. Why is this important?
New Mexico has the highest number of residents of any state in the US enrolled in Medicaid at 47%. The federal program has a specific set of guidelines for eligibility, but even before the pandemic, New Mexico opted into the expansion program allowing low-income adults with no dependents to participate. The Families First Coronavirus Response Act protects people enrolled in Medicaid with continuous coverage until the end of the public health emergency. The public health emergency will be declared officially over sometime this spring despite escalating winter COVID numbers. New Mexicans must be prepared because some individuals may be disenrolled and left without health coverage.
BeWellnm offers assistance to New Mexicans who are concerned about finding the right plan for themselves and their families. A Certified Assister can answer questions. To contact Be-Wellnm, call 1-833-8623935. They can be found online at www.beWellnm.com. January 15, 2023 is the deadline for open enrollment.