NMHSD announces the end of Medicaid continuous coverage federal requirement

The New Mexico Human Services Department provided a briefing about the Medicaid continuous coverage, a federal requirement, ending April 1. As the federal government ends the Medicaid continuous coverage requirement established during the COVID-19 pandemic, the end of this flexibility means all 978, 207 New Mexicans covered by Medicaid will have to renew their coverage when their renewal applications are due, according to a news release. HSD customers will receive their renewal application in a turquoise envelope by mail when it is time for them to renew.

To reach all Medicaid customers across the state, HSD is conducting a massive statewide public awareness and multimedia, multilingual campaign, called "Renew NM: It's time to Renew NM," which will run for the next 12 months, the time granted by the federal government to process all Medicaid renewals, the release stated. HSD began sending renewal packets in a turquoise envelope to those customers whose renewal applications are due in April.

"It is essential that Medicaid customers provide their most up-to-date contact information to HSD and look for the turquoise envelope from our department regarding the renewal application and respond accordingly," said Kari Armijo, acting Cabinet secretary for the New Mexico Human Services Department. "We are making every effort to ensure HSD customers renew their benefits to continue receiving Medicaid coverage, if they are eligible, or help them stay connected to health care coverage if they no longer qualify for Medicaid."

"We encourage all New Mexicans who will be losing their Medicaid coverage to contact us to see if they qualify for low-cost or nocost health insurance because being insured can save them thousands of dollars in the event of an emergency or serious diagnosis," said Bruce Gilbert, CEO for be-Wellnm. "In fact, beWellnm is so committed to improving the health of New Mexicans, individuals who are no longer eligible for Medicaid may qualify to have their first month's premium paid by us. That means they would owe nothing for the first month - residents should act quickly, though, to ensure there is not a gap in their coverage."

HSD is working closely with beWellnm, Medicaid managed care organizations, community organizations, and other state, tribal and local government agencies to provide the tools and information for HSD customers to know how and when to renew their bene-fits, according to the release. The department encourages community organizations to become a Renew NM partner and help reach out to New Mexicans on Medicaid and SNAP by distributing posters in their local communities.

To learn more, visit re new.hsd.nm.gov, or call HSD Customer Service at 1-800-283-4465 from 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.