26,412 New Mexicans enrolled as of March 31, representing 76 percent growth over February 2014.
Albuquerque, New Mexico— The New Mexico Health Insurance Exchange (NMHIX) reported a total of 26,412 New Mexicans had enrolled in qualified health plans as of March 31, 2014, according to the Office of the Superintendent of Insurance. This figure represents a 76 percent growth rate from the 15,012 enrollments confirmed at the end of February 2014.
The growth in enrollments reflects a surge of New Mexicans who waited until the last few weeks to enroll prior to March 31, 2014 deadline for the first open enrollment period and mirrors what was happening throughout the United States.
In addition to those individuals who completed their enrollments, NMHIX estimates that more than 10,000 are “in-line” for enrollment, having begun but not completed the enrollment process.
“Anyone who experienced any problems with the federal website, www.healthcare.gov, or the federal call center during the open enrollment period of October 1, 2013-March 31, 2014, or who filled out an electronic post card on our website or participated in an appointment or enrollment event with insurance agent or a health care guide may receive coverage effective May 1, 2014 if they complete the enrollment process by April 15, 2014,” said Mike Nuñez, Interim CEO of the NMHIX.
Nuñez said that during the final week of open enrollment, the Exchange recorded an unparalleled level of interest including:
- A record 73,985 visitors to its website, www.BeWellNM.com , with more than 12,075 visitors during the final day of enrollment;
- Receipt of 2,990 calls at its bilingual call center, 1-855-99-NMHIX (1-855-996-6449), during the final 24 hours of enrollment, which was 12 times the average daily call volume;
- Approximately 10,500 electronic post cards filled out between noon Friday, March 28 and 10 p.m. Monday, March 31, 2014.
- From mid-January through March, the NMHIX engaged individuals through approximately 200 events statewide, working with partner organizations, supporting businesses, college campuses, and insurance agents and health care guides certified with the Federal Facilitated Marketplace (FFM).
The Exchange is now focusing on contacting everyone who filled out an electronic post card or began the enrollment process as soon as possible to ensure they can meet with an insurance agent or health care guide to complete the enrollment process by mid-April.
“ We want everyone who is ‘in line’ to know that they should log onto www.healthcare.gov to set up an account if they have not already done so, and call us at 1-855-99NMHIX (1-855-996-6449) if they have not heard from us so that we can connect them to someone who can help,” Nuñez said.
He added, “If you do receive a call or email from an NMHIX-certified agent or healthcare guide, please email or call us back as quickly as you can. The bottom line is if you miss this short window of opportunity, unless you qualify for a ‘special enrollment period,’ you will not be able to get health insurance coverage until January 2015.”
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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 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, or text BeWellNM to 311411.
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This press release is supported by Funding Opportunity Number IE-HBE-12-001 from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. The contents provided are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of HHS or any of its agencies.
Contacts:
Annie Holschuh
(575) 737-8564
Monica Griego
(575) 779-9462