Residents of Grant County and nearby areas who have no health insurance or who may be underinsured may be eligible for affordable or even free health insurance through beWellnm.com, the New Mexico health insurance exchange, during the Special Enrollment Period for health insurance that lasts until August 15, 2021. This opportunity will be explained on the program Coronavirus Update at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, July 24, 2021, when host Jamie Newton interviews Katrina Smith, the Community Engagement Specialist for beWellnm who works with Southwestern New Mexico and people living in Grant County, and Carol Holt, a Medicare & health insurance specialist with Tom Blanchard Insurance in Silver City. According to Smith and Holt, pandemic relief legislation has designated premium financial assistance for New Mexicans, so many can now receive health insurance for little or no cost. 

The interview will explain how people wishing to explore possible improvements and cost savings for their health insurance can learn about plans offered through beWellnm.com, what benefits are included in the coverage of available plans, who is eligible for free or reduced-cost insurance, and how to apply. 

In addition to the regular broadcasts on KURU 89.1 FM and streaming on the Internet at GMCR.org, Coronavirus Update can be heard as a podcast at the listener’s convenience on GMCR.org. Coronavirus Update is coordinated with a comprehensive resource website, https://grantcountycoronavirusupdate.org/, created by a partnership of ten local organizations.