Seasonal jobs are a major part of New Mexico’s economy and a source of much-needed income for thousands of New Mexicans. But seasonal work can also make health insurance harder to plan for.
As a seasonal worker, your hours may change from month-to month. You may move for work, switch employers, or go several months without job-based benefits.
But seasonal work should not mean you have to go without health coverage.
Your coverage options may depend on your income, household, current coverage, immigration status, and the time of year. No matter your circumstances, there are many good reasons to prioritize getting health coverage as a seasonal worker.
Why Should Seasonal Workers Get Health Coverage?
New Mexico employs thousands of seasonal employees and local farmworkers annually. And many more New Mexicans work jobs that are affected by summertime changes, including jobs in construction, education, outdoor tourism activities, and more.
Unfortunately, seasonal workers, especially farm workers and outdoor laborers, are at risk for illness and workplace accidents:
- Exposure to the sun and pesticides used to treat crops can cause heat stroke and nausea.
- Repetitive motions and hard labor can lead to muscle strains and joint pain.
- Fatigue can lead to workplace accidents that can cause serious injuries.
With health insurance, seasonal workers can avoid paying big bills for preventative care like regular check-ups, vaccinations, and health screenings to help reduce the risk of illness or injury. If an accident occurs, health insurance can help pay for emergency treatment and medication.
H-2A and Migrant Workers May Have Options
Some seasonal workers come to New Mexico from other states or countries for agricultural jobs. Health insurance rules for non-citizens and immigrants can be different based on a person’s immigration status, income, and household.
Migrant workers with H-2A visa status may apply for a health insurance plan through BeWell if their primary residence is in New Mexico. If this sounds like your situation, you may be eligible to apply during a Special Enrollment Period.
Workers who move frequently within New Mexico for their job may still be eligible for health insurance coverage. You should update your BeWell application when your address changes. A change in address can affect your monthly premium and your eligibility for financial assistance.
Not sure if you qualify? Schedule a free help session with a Certified Assister. We can answer your questions and help you enroll if you are eligible. Interpreters are available in multiple languages.
Check Whether You Can Enroll Now
Open Enrollment is the yearly time when eligible New Mexicans can enroll in a health plan through BeWell. A Special Enrollment Period (SEP) is a time outside of Open Enrollment when you can apply for health insurance coverage.
You must either be Native American or have a qualifying life event to apply during an SEP. Some qualifying life events can include:
- Working a seasonal job
- Losing job-based health insurance
- Losing Medicaid
- Moving to New Mexico
- Getting married
- Having a baby or adopting a child.
Being a seasonal worker does not automatically guarantee that you qualify for an SEP. You only have a limited time to apply after a qualifying life event. Contact a BeWell Certified Assister if you think you may have a qualifying life event and want help understanding your options.
Estimating Your Income for the Year
When you apply for coverage, BeWell asks for your estimated household income for the year in which you need coverage. Make your best estimate based on what you have already earned and what you expect to earn later in the year. We also will ask for your previous year’s income.
No matter what kind of job you have, be sure to update your application when your income, household, address, or health coverage changes. Keep records that can help you estimate your income, such as pay stubs, work agreements, and a simple record of self-employment income and expenses. This can help BeWell calculate the right amount of financial help.
Compare Plans That Fit Your Life
Health insurance plans with the lowest monthly premium may not always have the lowest total costs. Before you choose a plan, think about the care you might need during the year and the costs involved with each plan. Lower cost plans may mean a larger out-of-pocket cost, or deductible, before your benefits take effect.
When you browse and compare health insurance plans, add information about your doctors, clinics and prescriptions in the browsing tool. You can check which plans cover them.
BeWell is New Mexico’s health insurance marketplace. That means that we help New Mexicans find the best available health plan for them. When you are ready, create a BeWell account and submit an application to see whether you may qualify for health insurance coverage.
Have questions? Call 833-862-3935 to talk with a BeWell team member. Need a hand? Get free help to set up your account!
