New Mexico authorities are issuing a warning to individuals who have relied on Medicaid throughout the pandemic. Lorelei Kellogg, the Director of New Mexico Medicaid, has noted that coverage is expiring due to the conclusion of the COVID-19 public health emergency. As of Thursday, over 104,000 residents of New Mexico have been disenrolled from Medicaid. However, there’s still options for those in need.
The main problem with this is that families with children, for example, are not going to have more coverage in terms of medicines and access to pharmaceutic products. If you’re among those 104,00 New Mexicans, keep reading and discover what are the available choices for you. Medicaid covers over 900,000 beneficiaries in New Mexico. Across the country, over 7 million disenrollments have taken place due to the same situation.
Medicaid Options for New Mexican Families Losing Their Benefits
New Mexico is one of the states that expanded Medicaid coverage under the Affordable Care Act. This means that some individuals who previously did not qualify for Medicaid may now be eligible due to their income level. To start filling the checklist, those who lost their Medicaid benefits to check whether they qualify under the expanded guidelines.
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace provides a platform where individuals can purchase private health insurance plans. Depending on their income, those who lost Medicaid coverage may qualify for subsidies that can significantly reduce the cost of these plans. It’s crucial for them to explore the options available through the ACA marketplace to find a plan that suits their needs and budget.
Furthermore, New Mexico offers various state-run programs that may provide assistance to individuals who lost Medicaid benefits. These programs are designed to help those with lower incomes access healthcare services, as explained in the official New Mexico Human Services Department website.
Community Health Centers and Employer-Sponsored Insurance
Community health centers across New Mexico offer affordable healthcare services on a sliding scale based on income. These centers are committed to providing care to everyone, regardless of insurance status. Patients can seek medical attention and preventive care at these centers without worrying about their Medicaid status.
For those who are employed, exploring whether their employer offers health insurance benefits could find some answers. Many employers provide healthcare coverage as part of their compensation packages. Even if it’s not offered immediately, employees can inquire about the possibility of enrolling in the future.
If you are unable to find a solution for now to replace the loss of your Medicaid help, you can get resources for your home in other programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), known as food stamps, or the Temporary Assistance for Needed Families (TANF), that provide help for around a million New Mexicans. Get all the information you might find useful in the official New Mexico HSD website.