: Special Enrollment Period Available for Victims of Domestic Abuse or Spousal Abandonment Announced

Category: Non-Local News Releases Non-Local News Releases
Published: 30 July 2015 30 July 2015

Albuquerque, NM -Following new guidance just released by Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), spouses who have been victims of domestic violence and their dependents will now be able to enroll in health coverage apart from their abuser or abandoner at any time of year through beWellnm, New Mexico's Health Insurance Exchange.

"Ensuring that all New Mexicans have access to affordable, qualified health insurance, including victims of domestic abuse, is the priority of the Exchange," said Amy Dowd, beWellnm's CEO. "We are pleased to follow CMS' guidance which recognizes the importance of this issue and provides an opportunity for individuals affected by domestic violence to get the health coverage they need."

CMS will provide this special enrollment period permanently to include any member of a household who is a victim of domestic abuse, including unmarried and dependent victims within the household, as well as victims of spousal abandonment, including their dependents. Accordingly, the special enrollment period will be available for 60 days following the individual's request, during which an eligible individual who is a victim of domestic abuse or spousal abandonment may apply for and enroll in current year coverage for him or herself and his or her dependents.

Advance Payments of the Premium Tax Credit and Cost-Sharing Reductions Victims of domestic abuse or spousal abandonment, who are married to their abuser or abandoner and are applying for coverage separately, may be determined eligible for advance payments of the premium tax credit (APTC) and cost-sharing reductions (CSRs). These individuals can also indicate on the application that they are unmarried without fear of penalty for misreporting marital status, and be determined eligible for APTC and CSRs on that basis.

Furthermore, the Internal Revenue Service has clarified that certain victims of domestic abuse and spousal abandonment can claim the premium tax credit on their federal income tax return using the Married Filing Separately filing status.

Individuals interested in pursuing this option can contact an agent, broker or enrollment counselor who can confidentially assist with this process at no charge. To find free help online through our locator tool, visit www.beWellnm.com/were-here-to-help/.

Beyond this new Special Enrollment Period, other life changes can qualify individuals for a Special Enrollment Period including:

  • Loss of Essential Health Coverage: You lose, or one of your dependents loses, health coverage that meets minimum government standards.
  • Change in Family Size: Becoming a dependent or gaining a dependent as a result or birth, adoption, or placement in foster care.
  • Change in Marital Status: Marriage or divorce.
  • Change Citizenship Status: You become a U.S. citizen, national, or gain lawful status in the U.S.
  • Move to a New Coverage Area: A permanent move to an area where different qualified health plans are available.
  • Government Enrollment Error: Error in enrollment that was the fault of the exchange, Health and Human Services (HHS), or an enrollment counselor.
  • Change in employer-sponsored health insurance: Employer-sponsored coverage reducing benefits such that it no longer provides minimum value, or becomes unaffordable.

Learn more about qualifying life events and how to apply for coverage during a Special Enrollment Period here: http://www.bewellnm.com/special-enrollment/.

About New Mexico Health Insurance Exchange New Mexico Health Insurance Exchange (NMHIX) was created to help individuals and small businesses get access to affordable health insurance plans. NMHIX helps consumers compare health insurance plans and choose the plan that works best for their health needs and budget. NMHIX also helps individuals determine whether they are eligible for premium assistance and if so, at what level. Through SHOP, small businesses are able to purchase competitively priced health insurance plans and offer their employees the ability to choose from an array of plans. Health Care Guides and insurance brokers/agents are available throughout the state to help with signing up for NMHIX coverage.

For more information on New Mexico Health Insurance Exchange, please visit www.BeWellNM.com or www.NMHIX.com, call 1-855-99NMHIX (1-855-996-6449) or text beWellnm to 311411 or contact: Linda Wedeen, beWellnm, 505-314-5217 or lwedeen@nmhix.com

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