2018 Health insurance open enrollment 15-day deadline countdown begins

Category: Non-Local News Releases Non-Local News Releases
Published: 01 December 2017 01 December 2017

Albuquerque, NM - There are only 15 days left to enroll in a 2018 health insurance plan through beWellnm, New Mexico's Health Insurance Exchange. Consumers have only through Dec. 15 to enroll in, make changes to or renew a health care plan.

BeWellnm allows New Mexicans to choose from a variety of affordable plans; and many qualify for low to $0 premium-plans, when qualifying for Advance Premium Tax Subsidies also known as Premium Assistance. Users are given the convenience to shop, compare and choose a monthly premium and deductible limit that best fits their health needs and budget.

Enrolling in a qualified health insurance plan not only helps to avoid tax penalties, but provides an abundance of personal benefits. Foremost, it helps avert costly visits to the doctor's office and emergency room. Emergency care, whether it concerns aid for an accident or a less extreme concern such as getting sick, can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars. However, health insurance alleviates the financial burden and limits the out-of-pocket pay per visit.

Additionally, health insurance promotes the use of preventive care, which is included in every exchange plan with no out-of-pocket costs. Options such as yearly check-ups grant the potential to find problematic health issues early, when they can be easier to treat. Other benefits such as access to various cancer screenings and blood tests can uncover complications or test the progress of a current treatment, often without a copay.

Health care insurance also allows for management of chronic diseases such as asthma and diabetes. With more affordable primary care and specialist visits, individuals are able to stay on top of diseases and manage them more effectively.

Individuals searching for coverage can utilize various online and FREE in-person resources to help answer questions. Resources include:

• Certified Agents and Brokers, available free of charge. To locate an agent or broker, visit: http://www.bewellnm.com/Find-Broker or call 833-ToBeWell (833-862-3935).

• Enrollment centers, located in Albuquerque, Gallup, Las Cruces and Santa Fe administer in-person assistance.

• Enrollment Counselors offer in-person assistance. Locations and details can be found at https://www.bewellnm.com/Find-Counselor.

• The New Mexico Office of Superintendent of Insurance (OSI) plan comparison tool is an easy-to-use 5-step tool available to compare coverage plans. To access this tool, please visit OSIcomparehealthplans.org.

About beWellnm, New Mexico's Health Insurance Exchange

BeWellnm was created to help individuals, families and small businesses get access to affordable health insurance plans. BeWellnm helps consumers compare health insurance plans and choose the plan that works best for their health needs and budget. BeWellnm also helps individuals determine whether they are eligible for premium assistance and if so, at what level. Through beWellnm for Small Business, small businesses are able to purchase competitively priced health insurance plans and offer their employees the ability to choose from an array of plans. Enrollment Counselors and insurance agents are available throughout the state to help with signing up for health insurance.

To find more information on beWellnm, New Mexico's Health Insurance Exchange, visit www.beWellnm.com or call us at 1-833-ToBeWell.

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