As an insurance broker certified to sell beWellnm plans on the New Mexico Health Insurance Exchange, I can personally attest to the importance of the existence of the Exchange in our state. Many people may not realize that the Exchange is far more than a website, it is an extensive organization of counselors, navigators, agents and brokers, community leaders, insurance carriers, and more, who are working together to reduce the uninsured rate and make sure that nobody is denied access to care because they don’t have adequate coverage.

When the Exchange was first launched, there were many hurdles to overcome and the ride was bumpy for every state across the country. Those challenges have been repeatedly discussed and learned from. Some states adapted and adjusted more quickly than others, including New Mexico.

New Mexico, along with every other state in the country, continues to evolve as we work toward our one common goal of making sure that every American is covered by some form of insurance.

Where we are now, in 2019, is very different from where we were in 2015. The Exchange has announced that it will remove itself from the federal website platform by plan year 2022, and this will be a very good thing for New Mexico. There is an upfront investment, but there should be savings within the first few years.

The move to a state-based exchange will allow us to chart the best course for New Mexicans, allow us better control, and save money. The move should be supported by each individual who struggles to find affordable health coverage and the business community which is so often asked to provide it.

Carol Holt, Silver City, Tom Blanchard Insurance
Gabe Rodriguez, Las Cruces, Roadrunner Insurance Group
Gayla Cowart, Carlsbad, Cowart Insurance Agency
Ryan Jaramillo, Albuquerque, Apex Insurance Agency
Michael Olguin, Socorro, Michael Olguin Insurance Associates LLC
Barbara Lardner, Los Lunas, Lardner Insurance