Turning 26 likely means you won't be covered under your parent's health plan anymore.1 The good news? Turning 26 is a Special Enrollment life event. This means you can choose your own Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico plan after turning 26.
-
- Home
- Find Care
- Shop Plans
About Our Plans
Individual and Family
Medicaid
Dental & Vision
Life & Disability
Consumer-Directed Health Accounts
Other Plans
- Prescription Drugs
Pharmacy and Prescription Plans
Pharmacy
- Insurance Basics
Understanding Health Insurance
How Health Insurance Works
Coverage Information
Importance of Health Insurance
- Member Services
Member Resources
Account Access
Quick Links
Policy Documents
Forms
New Member
- Employers
- Producers
- Providers
- Company Information
Special Enrollment: Turning 26
Why Get Health Care Coverage with BCBSNM?
- Accidents happen. Even if you’re in good health, you never know when you might have an accident or get sick. A trip to the hospital could cost more than you might expect. Learn more about the benefits of health care coverage.
- You may get financial assistance. BCBSNM has many health plan choices to fit your needs and budget. Plus, you may be able to get help paying your monthly health plan bills with a premium tax credit. Learn how to find out if you qualify.
Start Shopping for Health Insurance Today
Compare your plan options, find out if you qualify for savings and start enrolling through our shopping platform.
What to Know Before You Enroll
Before you start looking for plans, here are a few important things to keep in mind:
Deadline
Once you lose coverage, you’ll typically have 60 days after your 26th birthday to sign up.
If you're choosing a health plany through your job, check with your benefits or HR department. You may have a different timeline.
Documentation
Because turning 26 means losing health care coverage, you'll need to send in documentation before you can finish your enrollment.
How to Get Health Insurance for You or Your Family After Turning 26
-
I don't have health insurance. How do I enroll?
If you don't have a health plan, you're in the right place. BCBSNM has many plans to choose from to fit your family and budget. Let's get started. -
I already have a BCBSNM plan. How can I add my spouse to my plan?
You can add your spouse by updating your plan where you first enrolled:
- If you enrolled directly with us online, visit our shopping platform or call 1-888-809-1135.
- If you enrolled on the New Mexico Health Insurance Marketplace, beWellnm.com, log in to your account.
- If you have health care coverage through your job, call your benefits or HR department.
-
What if my spouse or I don't qualify for Special Enrollment?
If you don't qualify for Special Enrollment, or you missed your enrollment deadline, you're able to shop again during the Open Enrollment Period beginning November 1.1
Depending on your income, you may qualify for Medicaid or CHIP. There's no Special Enrollment period for those government offered coverage options – you can apply at any time.
If you're 65+ or have certain disabilities, you may be able to enroll in Medicare.
1Members of American Indian and Alaska Native tribes can enroll any month, not just during open enrollment. You can even apply for cost assistance.
BCBSNM policies have exclusions, limitations and terms under which the policy may be continued in force or discontinued. For costs and complete details of the coverage, call BCBSNM at 1-866-445-1396 or contact your independent, authorized broker.
1 Up to age 26 unless medically disabled. Up to age 30 for unmarried military veterans.
BCBSNM policies have exclusions, limitations and terms under which the policy may be continued in force or discontinued. For costs and complete details of the coverage, call BCBSNM at 1-866-445-1396 or contact your independent, authorized broker.
Last Updated: Jan. 17, 2025