Special Enrollment Period for Tax Season Available to New Mexicans

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., March 16, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- beWellnm has announced a special enrollment period (SEP) for individuals and families who become aware of the penalty for not having health insurance when they file their tax returns this year.  This special enrollment period will run from March 15 through April 30. During this time, New Mexicans who did not have insurance in 2014 and were unaware of the penalty will have an opportunity to purchase health insurance coverage for 2015.

"We understand that this is the first tax filing season where New Mexicans may have to pay a fee or claim an exemption for not having health insurance coverage," said Amy Dowd, beWellnm's CEO. "This special enrollment period will allow those individuals that were unaware of the penalty to enroll in affordable coverage through beWellnm."

To be eligible for this special enrollment period, New Mexicans must:

• Not be currently enrolled in 2015 coverage,
• Attest that when they filed their 2014 tax return they paid the penalty, known as the Individual Shared Responsibility Payment for not having health coverage in 2014, and
• Attest that they first became aware of, or understood the implications of, the Shared Responsibility Payment after the end of open enrollment (February 15, 2015) in connection with preparing their 2014 taxes.

Through beWellnm, consumers can find free help online through our locator tool (www.beWellnm.com/were-here-to-help/) or by phone (1-855-996-6449) to begin the application process for coverage during this Special Enrollment Period.

New Mexicans who do not qualify for an exemption and went without health coverage in 2014 will have to pay a fee – $95 per adult or 1 percent of their income, whichever is greater – when they file their taxes this year. The fee increases to $325 per adult or 2 percent of income for 2015. Individuals taking advantage of this special enrollment period will still owe a fee for the months they were uninsured and did not receive an exemption in 2014 and 2015. This special enrollment period is designed to allow such individuals the opportunity to get covered for the remainder of the year and avoid additional fees for 2015.  

If a consumer enrolls in coverage before the 15th of the month, coverage will be effective on the first day of the following month. 

*In order for coverage to begin, consumer must make payment to insurance company. Please refer to each insurance company policy for payment deadlines.

Throughout the year, Special Enrollment is also available to New Mexicans with qualifying life events, to members of federally recognized tribes and to those who qualify for Medicaid/CHIP. Learn more here: http://www.bewellnm.com/special-enrollment/. 

For New Mexicans that have questions about their taxes, need to download forms, or want to learn more about the fee for not having insurance, they can find information and resources at www.HealthCare.gov/Taxes or www.IRS.gov. Consumers can also call the Marketplace Call Center at 1-800-318-2596. Consumers who need assistance filing their taxes can visit IRS.gov/VITA or IRS.gov/freefile.

To access this release online and additional beWellnm news visit: http://www.bewellnm.com/special-enrollment-period-for-tax-season-available-to-new-mexicans/.

About New Mexico Health Insurance Exchange
New Mexico Health Insurance Exchange (NMHIX) was created to help individuals and small businesses get access to affordable health insurance plans. NMHIX helps consumers compare health insurance plans and choose the plan that works best for their health needs and budget. NMHIX also helps individuals determine whether they are eligible for premium assistance and if so, at what level. Through SHOP, small businesses are able to purchase competitively priced health insurance plans and offer their employees the ability to choose from an array of plans. Health Care Guides and insurance brokers/agents are available throughout the state to help with signing up for NMHIX coverage.

For more information on New Mexico Health Insurance Exchange, please visit www.beWellnm.com or www.NMHIX.com, call 1-855-99NMHIX (1-855-996-6449) or text beWellnm to 311411.

SOURCE New Mexico Health Insurance Exchange

Related Links

http://www.NMHIX.com