More than 17,000 New Mexicans Select a Health Plan through the State's Health Insurance Exchange

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., Dec. 30, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- In a report issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services today, BeWellNM learned that 17,556 New Mexicans selected a health plan through New Mexico's health insurance exchange between November 15 and December 15, 2014. Once these individuals pay their first premium, they will have coverage starting January 1, 2015.

Of the New Mexicans that selected a health plan through BeWellNM, 59 percent, or approximately 10,000 individuals, are customers new to BeWellNM. Forty-one percent of those who selected a plan are renewal customers that were enrolled in coverage through BeWellNM in 2014, but made a change in their household or plan selection prior to December 15, 2014. New Mexicans that were enrolled in coverage in 2014 that didn't make a change in their plan selection before December 15 will be automatically reenrolled – a process that began on December 16, after this reporting period was closed. These figures do not include people who were automatically re-enrolled.  

Of New Mexicans who have selected a plan, 73 percent have received financial assistance to reduce the cost of their coverage.

"We are very excited that these numbers show how the exchange is working for New Mexico. We are happy to see these positive results of our efforts to reach New Mexicans across the state and that New Mexicans are finding plans that work for them," said Amy Dowd, BeWellNM's CEO.

"We thank our 600 Agents, Brokers and Enrollment Counselors around the state that have worked very hard over the past few months to ensure that every New Mexican that wants coverage has the resources they need to apply and enroll in a plan. We still have a lot of work to do until open enrollment closes on February 15, but I am confident that our continued efforts will pay off," Dowd added.

Open enrollment closes on February 15, 2015. Individuals and families that sign up before January 15, 2015 and make their first payment will begin receiving coverage starting February 1, 2015. There are resources available through BeWellNM's website, so that New Mexicans can find helpful information about health coverage, can anonymously browse the plans from five health insurance companies, fill out an application, sign up and make a payment. Agents, Brokers and Enrollment Counselors across the state can be found through our website at www.BeWellNM.com or by calling the customer contact center at 1-855-99-NMHIX. 

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.

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/more-than-17000-new-mexicans-select-a-health-plan-through-the-states-health-insurance-exchange-300014671.html

SOURCE New Mexico Health Insurance Exchange

Related Links

http://www.NMHIX.com