Find tips for getting Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico individual and family health insurance during the Open Enrollment Period. Get step-by-step details, from comparing your options to finishing enrollment.
Why Is It Important to Get Health Insurance During Open Enrollment?
The Open Enrollment Period happens once a year, every year. It begins Nov. 1 and ends Jan. 15. Anyone can update or pick a new plan during this time. Having health insurance:
- Helps cover the costs when you get health care, from annual appointments to emergencies
- Allows you to stay up-to-date on preventive care so you may avoid bigger concerns later on
- Keeps your children and spouse covered if you decide to add them to your plan
If you miss the Open Enrollment deadline, you'll have to wait until the next Open Enrollment Period to enroll unless you go through a big life change that allows you to apply during Special Enrollment.
Getting a BCBSNM Plan During Open Enrollment
Understand your needs. Compare BCBSNM plans.
We make it easy to compare the costs and coverage of plans you're eligible for.
Start shopping on the New Mexico Health Insurance Marketplace, beWellnm.com, to understand which plan and metallic level may best fit you and your family.
Save your progress. Check your application status.
When you're shopping, create an account. You'll be able to log in to pick your application up where you left off and, once your application's submitted, check its status.
You will be prompted you to create an account once you start shopping.
Get ready for BCBSNM coverage.
So you've found a plan that matches your needs and budget. Now there are just a few more steps you'll need to take when you submit your application:
- If you have an HMO plan, choose your primary care physician (PCP).
- Decide if you want to make your premium payment when you're submitting your application or later.
- Confirm the addresses of any dependents covered by your plan.
After you choose to enroll in your plan, you'll automatically be taken through these steps.
Make sure your coverage starts as soon as possible.
You probably know that your monthly premium is the cost you pay to keep your coverage active. But did you know you'll need to pay your first premium before you can use your new plan's benefits?
The sooner you pay your first premium, the sooner you'll be covered by the plan you want.
Assess Your Health Insurance Needs
Evaluate your coverage needs.
Do you have long-term prescriptions? Are there dependents that will be covered by your plan? Understanding your budget and the level of care you need is important to picking your right plan.
Know which plan to shop for. For example, an HMO plan might be right for you if you prefer to get care and referrals from your primary care provider.
Understand the terminology.
- Subsidy, or premium tax credit: a credit that could help lower your monthly bill
- Dependent: A spouse, partner or child who you're able to cover by your plan
- Premium: The monthly amount owed to keep your coverage active
- Deductible: The amount you pay before your plan begins to cover costs
- Copays and coinsurance: The percentage (like 20%) or dollar amount Llike $25) always owed for care costs
Check our glossary for other common terms.
Compare BCBSNM Plans' Costs and Coverage
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Check each plan's provider network and primary care providers (PCP).
Our Find Care tool lets you find in-network doctors specific to your ZIP code and care type. Search as a guest to explore doctors and hospitals covered by BCBSNM plan options or, if you're a BCBSNM member, log in for more personalized search results.
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Learn about premium tax credit savings.
Based on your income and family size, you might qualify for a premium tax credit, also known as a subsidy, to get financial help. You could pay less each month without changing your level of health care coverage. Learn more about premium tax credits and how to apply them with the New Mexico Health Insurance Marketplace.
What to Do After Applying
- Make your first payment and set up Auto Bill Pay. Your coverage won't begin until your first premium's paid. Make your premium payment online and set up Auto Bill Pay to pay your monthly bills easily and on-time. Make a payment.
- Start using your member resources. Review your benefits, understand when you'll start receiving your member materials and sign up for your member account. After you apply, find out what's next.
Need a Plan After Open Enrollment?
If you've gone through a big life change, you might be able to enroll through the Special Enrollment Period.
Learn if your life event qualifies, how long you have to apply and what your next steps are during Special Enrollment.