Many New Mexicans make the decision to live without health insurance not realizing that one medical emergency may lead to thousands of dollars of debt and medical bills.

Healthcare.gov reports that a broken leg can cost $7,500, and a three-day hospital stay could cost $30,000 or more. Unfortunately, it can be much worse. If the unthinkable happens and comprehensive treatments for major diseases or illnesses are required, medical bills can be hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Unfortunately, despite focused efforts to reduce healthcare costs, we are not seeing improvements fast enough! It’s not getting cheaper any time soon.

If you don’t have insurance, whether it’s because you don’t qualify for Medicare or Medicaid or don’t have access to an employer-subsidized plan, don’t panic. There are good options.

BeWellnm, New Mexico’s Health Insurance Exchange, exists to ensure that every New Mexican has access to affordable healthcare. As a doctor and a member of the beWellnm Board of Directors, I am passionate about helping New Mexicans get insured and avoid costly medical debt. Along with my colleagues on the Board, we want New Mexicans to experience the peace of mind that health insurance provides.

Not only does having health insurance offer peace of mind in the event of an emergency, but it also allows for seemingly small things, like regular doctor visits, that can prevent serious health issues (like stroke or heart disease) and save you money in the long run. Getting health insurance through beWellnm helps cover those kinds of preventative check-ups to keep New Mexicans and their families healthy.

Many New Mexicans are unaware that beWellnm takes measures to ensure that everyone has access to the health insurance they need. In many cases, subsidies are available to help pay monthly premiums. Although open enrollment for health insurance isn’t until later this year, those that have experienced a major life event may be able to enroll now.

The best way to find out what options you have is to talk to an expert at beWellnm. There is free help available through beWellnm advisors at 833-862-3935 or visiting beWellnm.com. There is no reason that a New Mexican should face crippling debt because of medical bills.

The fact is, none of us knows what is around the corner and that is why it’s so important to enroll in health insurance.

For more information from Healthcare.gov on Protection from High Medical Costs, visit
https://www.healthcare.gov/why-coverage-is-important/protection-from-high-medical-costs/ .

Dr. David Leachman, MD
beWellnm Board of Directors
Las Cruces