Health Care Resources

Get Covered

Under the health reform law, more than 150,000 uninsured New Mexicans, including 16,500 Native Americans enrolled in free health care through the expanded Medicaid program, and more than 30,000 New Mexicans selected low-cost health care coverage through the Health Insurance Exchange.

The following steps can help ensure you and your family get quality health care coverage that fits your budget. Enrollment begins November 15, 2014 and ends February 15, 2014. However, the deadline to enroll without a lapse between your 2014 coverage and 2015 coverage is December 15, 2014.

Step 1: Become a health care champion for your family and learn about coverage opportunities under Medicaid or the Health Insurance Exchange. 

Step 2: Connect with a live, well-trained enrollment specialist who can help with both Medicaid and Health Insurance Exchange enrollments. 

Step 3: Make sure all members of your family get covered.  If you are unable to enroll in person, you can enroll online or get assistance by phone. 

Step 4: If you experience difficulties, ask for help. 

  • Health Action New Mexico: (877) 867-1095 or (505) 867-1095
  • Center on Law and Poverty:  (505) 255-2840
  • Southwest Women's Law Center:  (505) 244-0502

Stay Covered

If you purchased coverage through the health insurance marketplace last year, you will need to update your coverage and decide if changes need to be made for 2015. Below are the steps to help you stay covered. All 2014 Marketplace coverage ends on December 31, 2014. The deadline to enroll is December 15, 2014.

Step 1: Review your current plan's coverage and costs.

  • Your current provider will send a letter explaining any changes to premiums or benefits for the coming year.
  • Contact your health plan provider if you have any questions.

Step 2: Update and submit your Marketplace applicaiton. 

  • Update any changes to your income, household, or personal information.
  • Submit your application at www.HealthCare.Gov or review and make changes over the phone at 1-800-318-2596

Step 3: Compare health plans that are available in 2015. 

  • Consider all the benefits you will need in the coming year, changes to your current plan, more affordable options, and whether your doctor is in the plan's network.

Step 4: Choose a plan that best meets your needs.

  • You can select any plan not matter what kind of coverage you had over the past year.
  • If your health plan from last year is still offered, you can select to stay enrolled in your 2014 plan. 

Step 5: Enroll in the 2015 plan you want by December 15, 2014.

  • Your new coverage will begin January 1, 2015. 

Because of the Affordable Care Act

  • Most uninsured New Mexicans could get tax credits to help pay for insurance in the marketplace.
  • 26,000 more young adults in New Mexico now have coverage through their parents’ plan.
  • More than 160,000 women in New Mexico will now have guaranteed access to additional preventive services at no cost to them.
  • New Mexicans who were overcharged have already received $68,528 in rebates from insurers—an average of $158 per family.
  • In New Mexico, seniors on Medicare saved nearly $56 million on prescription drugs.
  • More than 400,000 New Mexicans will have increased access to mental and behavioral health services. 
  • New Mexico health centers were awarded $127,182,988 in funds to expand primary care services, extend hours of operation, hire more providers, and renovate or build new clinics.

Benefits of the Affordable Care Act

  • Receive tax credits to help afford quality coverage
  • Won’t be denied coverage due to pre-existing conditions
  • Won’t be charged more because of health status or gender
  • Get preventive care with no out-of-pocket costs
  • Young adults under 26 can join parents’ plans
  • Pay less for prescription drugs
  • Guaranteed access for all to preventive services
  • No lifetime limits on coverage

Behavioral Health Servies through the Affordable Care Act

  • Insurance companies can no longer discriminate against individuals with a mental illness.
  • Health insurance plans must include coverage for mental health and substance abuse services.
  • Depression screening for adults and behavioral assessments for children at no cost.