BeWell NM open enrollment returns next month

Oct. 20--People without health insurance in New Mexico have one last chance to sign up before year's end.

A tax bill signed last year by President Donald Trump eliminated the individual mandate from the Affordable Care Act.

Individuals without health insurance next year won't have to pay a penalty.

But this year, the penalty still applies.

"You are still required to have some sort of health coverage for 2018," said Juliet Yazzie of BeWellnm.

Yazzie is the Native American Liaison Manager with the New Mexico health insurance exchange.

"If you do want to apply for a health plan through the health insurance market place and get premium tax credits, which are only available through the health insurance market place, you need to enroll during this time," Yazzie said.

Open enrollment begins Nov. 1 and ends Dec. 15.

"If you do not enroll during this time you would not be eligible to enroll until the next open enrollment period. So, if you're without coverage and something crazy happens, you're going to be stuck with all of those bills out of your own pocket," she said.

Yazzie said health insurance puts a cap on what people would have to spend in an emergency.

How do people sign up?

"We use the federally facilitated market place, which is healthcare.gov," Yazzie said.

"We can also assist by visiting our website beWellnm.com, they can get enrolled or speak directly with an enrollment counselor or they can phone us at 1-833-862-3935 and they get enrolled and ask questions. If an individual calls that number, they will speak with an enrollment counselor."

Yazzie said enrollment is also possible through face-to-face contact through agents and brokers across the state.

"We have enrollment counselors housed at many clinics across the state as well," she said.

Enrollment events coming to Carlsbad

Those who don't want to make a phone call or enroll through a computer can stop by the Cowart Insurance Agency, 409 N. Canyon, Nov. 8 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., or Nov. 13 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Roy Willis Insurance Agency, 704 N. Canal St.

"Our agents are all certified and licensed and they're able to give some one-on-one advice," said Katrina Smith, broker relations liaison with BeWellnm.

Those enrolling between Nov. 1 and Dec. 15 and paying the first premium by the due date specified on their plan will have health coverage start on Jan. 1, 2019.

Mike Smith can be reached at 575-628-5546 or by email at MSmith@currentargus.com or @ArgusMichae on Twitter.

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