The Indian Health Service (IHS) and Tribal/Urban Health Centers are the heart of health care for pueblos and tribal nations across New Mexico. Local providers offer primary care services close to home, but limited resources can create long wait times to see specialists or get long-term care.
While many Native Americans rely on Medicaid as additional insurance, some individuals are learning they’re no longer eligible or must re-certify for coverage. Other families find their household income is too high for Medicaid but not high enough to find affordable plans.
If you’re a Native American with questions about your health insurance, there’s a network of experts ready to help. BeWell partners with local health centers, tribal benefits coordinators, and insurance professionals to help Native Americans find reliable and affordable coverage. Native Americans have the coverage they need at a price they can afford.
Working closely with BeWell, brokers help Native Americans across New Mexico get access to affordable, high-quality health insurance that works both at IHS and Tribal/Urban Health Centers and in community clinics and hospital care settings.
Get a Choice and a Voice in Your Health Coverage
BeWell Certified Assisters partner with brokers to help Native American families understand their current coverage and find affordable health insurance plans. Together, they meet with people in local pueblo clinics and community centers to answer questions about:
- Preventive care coverage
- No-cost and shared-cost coverage
- Staying covered when federal funding runs low
- Referrals to providers outside IHS and Tribal/Urban Health Centers
- Emergency care
- Mental illness or substance use treatment
- Rehabilitation services and equipment
Sharing information and answering questions shows people options for coverage—and how to afford it—that they might not have known were available.
“I met with a family whose son needed specialized care right away for a serious illness,” Lorraine Y. Chavez, an independent insurance broker said. “BeWell connected him with an affordable health insurance plan, and he was able to get the treatment he needed. BeWell’s leadership and partnership makes this kind of success possible.”
Miranda Tso, Native American Liaison Manager for BeWell, works closely with brokers to identify plans that fit an individual’s health needs, budget, and cultural traditions. For example, we are the only health insurance marketplace in New Mexico that offers financial subsidies that can help Native Americans lower the cost of health insurance. Plus, Native Americans can enroll at any time—no waiting until Open Enrollment to sign up.
Healthier people, healthier communities
Plans offered through BeWell don’t replace IHS or Tribal/Urban Indian Health Centers coverage, they complement that coverage. In fact, it benefits local clinics! When insurance pays for your care, IHS and Tribal Centers use that money to take care of people in the community.
“BeWell has opened the doors, and now Certified Assisters are embedded at the point of care,” Chavez said. “We can help our neighbors get coverage in real time.”
With health insurance, preventative care like well-child exams, health screenings, and vaccines are covered. Better coverage means healthier communities—and fewer emergencies, freeing up time and resources to take care of more patients.
Related reading: How Native Americans Can Get No-Cost to Low-Cost Health Insurance in 2024
Meet BeWell & Partners in Your Community
BeWell is here to help you year-round. It’s easier than ever to learn more about supplemental health coverage for your family:
- Call, email or chat with a BeWell certified assister or schedule a one-on-one appointment. Contact us.
- Meet with the BeWell outreach team at your local health clinic or community center. Check our events calendar for details!
- Visit our booth at community events. We’ll have plan information and registration materials to help you get covered.
If you work for a local clinic or help Native Americans manage health benefits, BeWell can facilitate a workshop with your team to share the latest updates on program and policy changes.
BeWell is spreading the word about no-cost or low-cost health insurance for Native Americans. Together, we’ll keep everyone covered! To talk with a Native American coverage specialist, call, email, or chat with us today.
