ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. —New Mexicans will have access to cheaper health care than many others across the country when reform takes effect. It's less than a week until the health insurance marketplace opens, and a new federal report said New Mexicans will likely pay less than residents in several other states.
Barbara Webber is the executive director of Health Action New Mexico, a community engagement organization getting the word out about health care reform.
"Prices are lower than the national average," Webber said. "I think the news today was really exciting for New Mexico. Everyone wins in this scenario we saw today."
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services report said New Mexicans will, on average, pay $282 a month for a mid-range plan, which is nearly $500 less per person than the national average.
"For some people, that's going to make a big difference in whether or not they could afford coverage," Webber said. Webber said the coverage becomes more affordable when low-income families add in the government subsidies they'll receive. For example, a family of four that pulls in $50,000 a year will pay on average $672 a month for a family plan, but with their subsidies, that number drops to $282 a month.
"It means that they're actually going to be able to get coverage that is good," Webber said.
The marketplace opens Tuesday, and that's when residents can look at plans online.
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Link below includes full news story video, including interview with Health Action NM Executive Director, Barbara Webber.