Easy Enrollment Program Launches Today Creating a New Health Insurance Enrollment Opportunity

New State Program Removes Barriers to Receiving Affordable Health Care

ALBUQUERQUE, NM – The New Mexico Human Services Department (HSD), beWellnm (New Mexico’s Official Health Insurance Marketplace), the New Mexico Office of the Superintendent of Insurance (OSI), and the New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department (TRD), announced the launch of Easy Enrollment. The new program allows New Mexicans to check a box on their state income tax form to see if they qualify for low-cost or no-cost health care coverage through Medicaid or be-Wellnm.

“Easy Enrollment will allow us to reach New Mexicans who are eligible for health coverage and help them receive their benefits,” said the state’s Medicaid Director Nicole Comeaux.

Recent estimates show that about half of the 214,000 New Mexicans who don’t have health coverage qualifying for Medicaid or reduced-cost coverage on be Wellnm. BeWellnm typically covers people who make too much to qualify for Medicaid and don’t have access to other types of major medical coverage, such as health insurance through a job. New federal and state programs have significantly lower premiums and out-of-pocket costs on beWellnm.

“Many New Mexicans may not know that they can get affordable health coverage through Medicaid or beWellnm,” beWellnm CEO Bruce Gilbert and OSI Affordability Director Colin Baillio said in a joint statement. “Easy Enrollment gives people a new way to sign up for coverage to protect their health and wallet.”

By checking the box on their tax form, tax filers can give consent to share information that will help HSD and be Wellman to assess their eligibility for coverage. They will then receive an assessment of their eligibility for financial assistance and information about how to enroll.

“We are proud to play a role in connecting New Mexicans with the health coverage they need to stay healthy and financially secure,” said TRD Secretary Stephanie Schardin Clarke.

People eligible for Medicaid can sign up at any time during the year. Those who qualify for be Wellnm will have a Special Enrollment Period if they check the box.

About be Wellnm, New Mexico’s Official Health Insurance Exchange

BeWellnm was created to help individuals and small businesses get access to affordable health insurance plans. BeWellnm helps consumers compare health insurance plans and choose the plan that works best for their health needs and budget. BeWellnm also helps individuals determine whether they are eligible for premium assistance and if so, at what level. Enrollment counselors and insurance agents are available throughout the state to help with signing up for health insurance. To find more information, visit www.be-Wellnm.com or call us at 1-833-ToBeWell.

About the New Mexico Human Services Department

The Human Services Department provides services and benefits to 1,076,746 New Mexicans through several programs including: the Medicaid Program, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Program, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Child Support Program, and several Behavioral Health Services.

About the New Mexico Office of the Superintendent of Insurance

The Office of Superintendent of Insurance (OSI) is New Mexico’s agency for oversight and regulation of insurance. OSI oversees private health and life insurance, auto insurance, business insurance, home insurance, and title insurance. The agency reviews premium rates and other plan details to ensure insurance is reliable, the company is financially solvent, and rates are fair and reasonable. The OSI strives to ensure that these companies have a proven history of fair and reasonable rates and are represented by trustworthy and qualified agents. OSI also manages programs under the Health Care Affordability Fund. The OSI is committed to consumer protection and to the deterrence and prosecution of insurance fraud.

About the New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department

The Taxation and Revenue Department serves the State of New Mexico by providing fair and efficient tax and motor vehicle services. It administers more than 35 tax programs and distributes revenue to the State and to local and tribal governments throughout New Mexico. The Department strives to reduce taxpayer burden through clearer communication, statute, regulations, forms, correspondence and instructions. Connect with us on tax.newmexico.gov, LinkedIn, YouTube and Twitter @NM_MVD.