Superintendent of Insurance Russell Toal encourages New Mexicans to see if they can get low-cost or no-cost health insurance and warns consumers about unlicensed health plans.

Santa Fe, NM – Open enrollment for health insurance is right around the corner – and New Mexicans can check out their options now. Yesterday, Healthcare.gov launched its Window Shopping tool, where consumers preview their plans, see if they may qualify for financial help to reduce costs, and see if their doctor and prescription medications are covered by plans on the Marketplace.

“During COVID-19, New Mexicans understandably want the security of health insurance,” said Superintendent Russell Toal. “According to our data, 56,000 middle-income New Mexicans can get financial help to reduce their premiums but are still uninsured. Every uninsured New Mexican should visit Healthcare.gov to see if they can find a plan that meets their budget.”

The Superintendent also warned consumers about the proliferation of unlicensed and unauthorized health plans that are being illegally sold to New Mexicans. The Superintendent called on insurance producers, brokers, and agents to avoid selling unauthorized products and promised enforcement action if needed.

“OSI is aware of salespeople who are contacting New Mexicans about health plans that sound too good to be true – and that’s because they often are. The plans they are selling do not offer the protections that New Mexicans have a right to expect. If you are buying comprehensive insurance on your own, you can trust Healthcare.gov, beWellnm.com, or one of New Mexico’s Qualified Health Plans sold by Blue Cross Blue Shield, Friday Health Plan, Presbyterian Health Plan, Molina, True Health New Mexico, and Western Sky.”

The health insurance Open Enrollment Period runs from November 1 to December 15. Coverage purchased during the Open Enrollment Period will begin on January 1, 2021. For help signing up, call beWellnm at 1-833-862-3935 or visit bewellnm.com.