Health coverage deadline looming

By Thomas Garcia

QCS Senior Writer

[email protected]

Getting health insurance coverage is not as expensive and difficult as some New Mexico residents might think, according to Veronica Reyes, a beWellnm outreach spokesperson.

“Residents still have time to sign up for health insurance before the Jan. 31 deadline,” Reyes said. “By signing up for the insurance, residents can avoid the penalties on not being covered.”

Reyes said one of the biggest reasons so many people have not signed up for health insurance is people still think that health insurance is expensive and not affordable. She said people do not realize that they could qualify for subsidies that would help to reduce or offset the cost of the plan.

“The beWellnm website is a tool for the people to use to gain access to a network of providers,” Reyes said. “It helps the resident seek out the best plan for their needs and also can help check to see if they qualify for a subsidy.”

Reyes said in areas including Quay, Curry, Roosevelt and Union counties, 41 percent of the people who are not insured are eligible for subsidies, and 48 percent of those who are uninsured are 26-34 years old.

Reyes said this age group might have the thought that they are young and healthy and don’t need health insurance. She said young people need to be educated about the importance of having health insurance.

“It’s not just about avoiding the penalty for not having insurance,” Reyes said. “They are beginning to start their lives and have families. It is important that they look into a health plan.”

Reyes said the cost of a health insurance plan might seem like an unneeded cost to younger area residents, and they would rather have that money for the monthly cost in their pocket.

“Think about the insurance plan as a way to avoid higher costs,” Reyes said. “You are healthy now, but what happens if you get hurt or sick. Without a health plan, the cost of treatment would be much higher than those covered.”

Reyes said the plan also helps them to lead a healthier lifestyle. She said annual check ups are covered by a majority of plans. The cost of seeing a specialist is also covered by most plans, Reyes added.

Another issue many people have expressed when trying to find health insurance coverage is the lack of help or understanding of the process, said Maureen Manring, broker relation liaison.

Manring said beWellnm.com has several tools available for the user to sign up for a health plan, and there is a glossary of terms and live support, including chat and phone — and it’s free.

Manring said the documents people would need to sign up for a health plan include pay stubs and social security information for themselves and their dependents. She said on average, a session on the website lasts from 45 minutes to an hour.

Manring said in Quay County, those residents who would rather talk to a person locally have two options: There are two insurance agency brokers in the area who will assist them at no cost.

“The brokers are paid by the carriers, so there is no out-of-pocket expense for the resident,” Reyes said, adding that beWellnm has a vast array of tools that can assist those still needing a health insurance plan.

“Think about it like this, it’s an additional cost but you’ll be happy you have it when you need it,” Manring said.

If people have any questions about health insurance plan or the services offered by beWellnm, they can call 855-996-6449 to speak with a representative or visit http://www.bewellnm.com.

Local brokers offering assistance with acquiring health insurance:

Steve Morgan: Conchas: 505-306-3750 (English)

James Lyssy: Fort Sumner: 505-355-2436 (English/Spanish)