Open Enrollment
Open Enrollment is the time of year when we encourage all New Mexicans to enroll in a health insurance plan with BeWell.
Open Enrollment starts November 1st and ends January 15th. In order to enroll in a health insurance plan with BeWell during Open Enrollment you:
- Must reside in New Mexico
- Do not have health insurance through your job or a parent’s job
- Are not eligible for Medicaid or Medicare
- Are not incarcerated
Special Enrollment Periods
Some people qualify for a special enrollment period that allows them to enroll in a health insurance plan through BeWell outside of the Open Enrollment period. This includes:
Native Americans – Members of federally recognized tribes can enroll in coverage any time of year. Members can also change plans as often as once a month. Learn more about coverage for Native Americans.
People with a low household income – People with a household income below 200% of the federal poverty level who aren’t eligible for Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program, you can enroll at any time. Learn more about coverage for people with low incomes.
People who are turning 26 – If you are turning 26 and are aging out of a parent’s health insurance plan, you can enroll in a plan through BeWell. You have two options:
- You can take your special enrollment period with BeWell either 60 days before you turn 26 or 60 days after. Enrolling by the end of the month before you turn 26 will ensure there is no gap in coverage.
If you are already enrolled in a parent’s plan when you turn 26, you can keep their plan through the end of the coverage year. If you want to start your own plan when you turn 26, contact us to request a special enrollment period between 60 days before you turn 26 or within 60 days into the renewal year. To make sure you do not have gap in coverage, shop and enroll in new BeWell coverage by December 31.
Note: If a change is reported to your parent’s BeWell account before September 2024, you may need to start your coverage through BeWell the first of the following month.
People who have experienced a qualifying life event – Certain life changes may allow you to enroll in coverage outside of the Open Enrollment period. If you have a qualifying life event, you may be able to enroll in a health plan during a 60-day special enrollment period. Qualifying life events include:
- Getting married or divorced
- Having a baby or adopting a child
- Moving to a new area
- Loss of job-based health insurance for any reason
- Loss of eligibility for Medicaid
- Loss of COBRA coverage
- Loss of health insurance because you have aged out of a parent’s plan (see above for more details)
- Gaining citizenship or lawful presence in the United States
- A change in your income or household members may qualify you
If you’re not sure if you qualify for a special enrollment period contact us or schedule a free appointment with a certified assister.
Quick Find
Topics
Enrolling for the First Time?
If you’re enrolling in health insurance coverage for the first time, here are a few things you should know.
Who are the Insurance Carriers?
BeWell offers health insurance through the following carriers.
What Is Covered?
All health plans offered through BeWell provide all 10 of the essential health benefits, which include:
- Ambulatory patient services
- Emergency Services
- Hospitalization
- Maternity and newborn care
- Mental health and substance use disorder services, including behavioral health treatment
- Prescription drugs
- Rehabilitative and habilitative services and devices
- Laboratory services
Preventive and wellness services and chronic disease management - Pediatric services, including oral and vision care
What About Dental Insurance?
While not all health insurance plans cover dental care, you can get an affordable standalone dental plan through BeWell marketplace carriers. You can enroll in an individual or a family standalone dental plan through the BeWell marketplace, even if you have Medicare.
Enroll any time throughout the year—there are no open or special enrollment periods like with health insurance.
What Are the Levels of Coverage?
Health plans are grouped into levels on the BeWell Marketplace. These levels include Bronze, Silver, Gold, Turquoise and Clear Cost. Learn more about the plans that are available.
Do I Qualify for Financial Help?
BeWell is the only place where you can qualify for subsidies that can significantly reduce the cost of health insurance. More than 50 percent of uninsured New Mexicans qualify for a free or low-cost health insurance plan. Learn more about the financial assistance available.
I Need Help Enrolling
If you need help enrolling in a plan or understanding the financial assistance that is available, schedule an appointment with a certified assister or enrollment counselor. This free help is available to all New Mexicans.
Where Do I Start?
Browse and Compare
Insurance Plans
Before you apply for coverage, you can see the health and/or dental insurance plans available and the estimated cost you will pay plus any subsidies you may qualify for to reduce the cost.
Schedule an Appointment
with a Certified Assister
or Enrollment Counselor
Certified assisters and enrollment counselors can help you understand your options and enroll in a health insurance plan. Their help is free!
Submit
Your Application
When you’re ready to enroll, you can apply online in about an hour. You can also save your application and come back to it, so you can go at your own pace. Create your BeWell log in to get started.
