ACA open enrollment begins next week

Families, individuals can sign up for 2019 health coverage

Beginning next Thursday, individuals and families will be able to buy health insurance on the state’s exchange for coverage in 2019.

The open enrollment period runs for 45 days, through Dec. 15. The exchange, known as beWellnm, was created in 2013 by state law in response to the Affordable Care Act, also called Obamacare.

There is no individual mandate in 2019, meaning individuals will not incur a penalty at tax time for being uninsured. Katrina Smith, beWellnm’s broker relations liaison, said she does not expect this change to affect enrollment numbers, as those who have received coverage in the past often choose to continue their coverage through the marketplace. Last year, nearly 50,000 New Mexicans selected a plan on the exchange.

“We’re happy with that number, but there’s always more work to do,” said Smith. “We have to push how important it is to have insurance. You never know what’s going to happen, when you’re going to be stuck with an enormous hospital bill.”

Juliet Yazzie, Native American liaison manager at beWellnm, said she believes consumers will be intrigued by various low-cost plans tied to income level and household size.

Rates overall have decreased about 4 percent from last year, according to the New Mexico Office of the Superintendent of Insurance. The carriers are the same as those participating in 2018: Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Mexico, Christus Health Plan, New Mexico Health Connections and Molina Healthcare.

Yazzie said members of a federally-registered tribe are able to enroll in exchange plans yearround, as are small businesses. In most other cases, enrollment must be completed by Dec. 15 for coverage in 2019.

“It’s a short window, and if they miss it, it’s over,” said Yazzie. “We’re trying to reach as many people as we can to tell them about the benefits of coverage.”

For more information, including details about enrollment events throughout the state, visit beWellnm.com or call 1-833-8623935. Certified brokers are also available to help individuals navigate the process at no extra charge in a variety of languages.