While the pandemic has challenged New Mexicans, federal law has brought financial support in the form of lower health care costs.
“It’s one such opportunity,” said Ernie C’deBaca, president of the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce. “New Mexico is the kind of state that can really take advantage of that.”
BeWellnm, the state’s health care market, partnered with the Hispano Chamber this year to help spread the word about health care opportunities for individuals, families and businesses in New Mexico.
Additional financial aid is available this year through the American Rescue Plan, which was passed by federal legislature in March.
Attendees browse vendor booths at an open October 13 registration event hosted by Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Mexico. (ADOLPHE PIERRE-LOUIS / JOURNAL)
Individuals who were not eligible for financial assistance in the past can now be eligible. Those who have previously qualified may be able to receive even more financial grants due to the legislation, according to Maureen Manring, director of communications and public relations at beWellnm.
According to Manring, there are currently more than 56,000 uninsured New Mexicans who are eligible for financial support in the form of premium reductions.
In fact, four out of five New Mexicans can get a plan for less than $ 10 a month, says Jeffery Bustamante, CEO of beWellnm. Some people even have free health insurance.
“We saw significant savings, over $ 70 a month for some people and sometimes even more,” said Bustamante.
The open registration period for beWellnm begins on November 1 and ends on January 15, 2022. Existing participants can log into their account at beWellnm.com to update their application or call 1-833-862-3935. People who are new to beWellnm, whether uninsured or interested in a cheaper option, can create an account on the website.
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The Hispano Chamber and beWellnm have planned 13 face-to-face events to bring information and assistance to the areas of the state with the highest percentage of uninsured. From November to January, they will cover the “four corners of the state,” from Farmington to Artesia and Las Cruces to Taos, C’deBaca said.
Teresa and Romine Aubrey dance to the music of the Roger Burns Band October 13 during an open enrollment event for the Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Mexico. ADOLPHE PIERRE-LOUIS / JOURNAL
Live, online or by phone, beWellnm is available to assist you with the application process and provide details on the grants available.
“Things that have happened in the last 18 months – we know a lot of people need help,” said C’deBaca. “And there are a lot of people who make different decisions, as we know
Ernie C’deBaca
don’t go back to work, so they need cover. “
The Hispano Chamber, a non-profit organization focused on improving economic development and professional training, has been working with beWellnm since January to educate New Mexicans about their health insurance options.
“You are, so to speak, the brain and we are the muscle strength,” said C’deBaca, referring to the expertise of beWellnm in relation to the support provided by the federal government.
The chamber uses its experience and reach in the New Mexico communities to convey the beWellnm message.
“New Mexico is 48% Hispanic and 12% Native American,” said C’deBaca. “It fits perfectly into (the) Hispano Chamber, that’s exactly what we do here with our small business community and the people we serve.”
The chamber’s “power” is supported by a team of local talent with experience in marketing, web design and healthcare, including K2MD Health, New Mexico Primary Care Association, Real Time Solutions, Research & Polling Inc. and James Korenchen Public Relations.
Together they are working to reduce the number of uninsured New Mexicans.
“Most of our counties have free local help, and that can be an agent, broker, or enrollment advisor,” said Bustamante. “These are certified, trained professionals ready to help people along the way. It doesn’t cost anything, but it can help you find out what works best for you. “
Rahemet Rahim, left, views materials at an open enrollment event in Albuquerque on October 13th. ADOLPHE PIERRE-LOUIS / JOURNAL
The beWellnm marketplace offers New Mexicans 48 different health insurances to choose from for 2022.
“All plans cover the 10 essential services, such as doctor visits, hospital stays, obstetrics, emergency room, prescriptions and more,” says a press release from beWellnm. New Mexicans can enroll regardless of their health, age, or gender.
The exchange added a sixth insurance company to the five airlines that provided plans for the 33 counties of New Mexico last year. Presbyterian Health Plan joins Ambetter of Western Sky Community Care, Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Mexico, Friday Health Plans, Molina HealthCare and True Health New Mexico for 2022.
“These are more options for New Mexico,” said Bustamante. “So this is the ultimate win for all of us.”
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