Las Cruces >> The last day to apply for health coverage this year through the Health Insurance Marketplace is right around the corner — Feb. 15. Those who miss the final enrollment deadline will have to wait to sign up for a plan until the next open enrollment season, with coverage starting in 2016.
Families and individuals who do not have minimal essential coverage (government and job-based insurance and most private insurance) in 2015, will face penalties when they file their federal income tax return. The fee for not having coverage in 2015 is two percent of household income or $325 per person for the year — whichever is higher.
"As of Jan. 26, there have been 43,054 people enrolling or renewing on BeWellnm.com," said Linda Wedeen, director of communication and outreach for the New Mexico Health Insurance Exchange.
Last year, about 32,000 people signed up for health insurance through NMHIX, Wedeen said.
"Our goal was to make sure all New Mexicans are aware of the affordability and benefits of having health insurance for themselves and their families," she said. "The increase in enrollments is a good sign that we are reaching a broader audience."
This year, enrolling in coverage on HealthCare.gov should go a little faster, compared to last year, which was riddled with glitches. According to a news release, the number of screens people need to click through to apply has gone from 76 to 16. People searching the Marketplace can also apply on their smartphones.
Different insurance carriers are also available, offering more than 30 different plans to choose from, Wedeen said.
"Some plans this year are lower than last year," she said. "We encourage people to go onto (the exchange) and update their enrollment, if cheaper."
The five health insurance providers in New Mexico are: Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico, Molina Healthcare, Presbyterian Health Insurance, New Mexico Health Connections and CHRISTUS Health.
Finding the right plan
The first step in getting enrolled is to search the Marketplace.
Wedeen said one of the biggest misconceptions people have about health insurance is that they think it's too expensive. But several plans exist to make health insurance affordable, Wedeen said.
"The value of the exchange is they can shop around without having to commit, and find a plan that works for their family," she said.
Plans range from Catastrophic, in which members generally pay all of their medical costs up to a certain amount, to Platinum plans, which have higher monthly payments and lower out-of-pocket costs when visiting the doctor, according to the BeWellNM website.
Individuals and families can also find out if they are eligible for a tax credit, which can reduce the monthly cost of their insurance plan, Wedeen said.
Eligibility depends on income and family size. Those who might qualify for a tax credit include individuals who make $11,670 to $46,680, a family of two making $15,730 to $62,920 or a family of three making $19,790 to $79,160, according to HealthCare.gov.
According to a news release on the NMHIX, "85 percent of New Mexicans can find coverage for $100 or less a month with tax credits through the Marketplace."
Individuals with a yearly income below $16,105 may qualify for Medicaid. Families with children can also apply for the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), which provides low-cost health coverage for children in families that do not qualify for Medicaid, according to HealthCare.gov.
Wedeen said her advice to people looking for health coverage through the Marketplace is to take their time and make sure the plan they choose meets their specific needs.
Getting enrolled
Need help selecting a plan? Enrollment counseling is available at several locations throughout town, including La Clinica de Familia.
La Clinica de Familia locations throughout Doña Ana County will have extended hours from 8 a.m to 7 p.m. two days out of the week (days vary at different locations) and will be open from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturdays to accommodate those who need help getting enrolled, said Patricia Monreal, outreach and enrollment coordinator for La Clinica.
"Come in as soon as you can," Monreal said. "If you're not enrolled ... we can assist you."
Monreal said people who have set up an appointment at La Clinica should bring their income tax return, or prior one, proof of their current annual income, medical and utility bills and a picture I.D., birth certificate or permanent resident card.
"We can screen them to see what they might qualify for," she said.
Monreal said while some people may not search the Marketplace because they think they can't afford it, "it's better to be informed as to the choices they have."
To set up a counseling appointment at one of the La Clinica sites, call La Clinica Administration at 575-526-1105, or for a list of La Clinica locations, visit www.lcdfnm.org.
United Healthcare and the New Mexico Primary Care Association will also host an Affordable Care Act and Medicaid Expansion enrollment event at Thomas Branigan Memorial Library, 200 E. Picacho Ave., in the Roadrunner Room from 1 to 5 p.m. this Friday and Friday, Feb. 13. For more information about this event call 505-288-2360.
BeWellNM will host two free Health Insurance Exchange events in Las Cruces. The first event will be held on Monday, Feb. 9 at 6 p.m. at the Lions Club Community Center, 1501 N. Solano Drive. The second event is on Tuesday, Feb. 10 at 6 p.m. at the Community Resource Center, 5745 Ledesma Drive.
For more information on NMHIX or to find other counseling sites and certified agents and brokers at no cost, visit BeWellNM.com.
2014 Penalty Fees: Those who weren't covered in 2014 will pay the higher of 1 percent of yearly household income, or $95 per person ($47.50 per child), when they file their 2014 federal tax return. Maximum penalty per family using this method: $285.
2015 Penalty Fees: 2 percent of yearly household income or $325 per person ($162.50 per child), whichever is higher. Maximum penalty per family using this method: $975.
After 2015: The penalty increases every year. In 2016, it will be 2.5 percent of income or $695 per person.