- Gregory Allen
Community Health Improvement Council's January Wellness Campaign: Health Care in New Mexico
San Juan Safe Communities Initiative participates in San Juan County’s Community Health Improvement Council (CHIC). The initiative would like to acknowledge the other participants, their agencies, and their efforts at making San Juan County a better place to live. CHIC's monthly wellness campaign raises public awareness about a variety of topics that affect health in our community. The campaign also promotes well-being through a collective effort of shared information by local agencies. To learn more about Community Health Councils in New Mexico, click here.
CHIC has designated January as health care in New Mexico, highlighting the Medicaid Salud program transition to Centennial Care. Centennial Care was implemented in New Mexico in compliance with the Affordable Care Act and has four Managed Care Organizations (MCO) that cover services for those who qualify: Blue Cross Community Centennial, Molina Healthcare, Presbyterian Health Plan, and the United Health Care Community Plan. A list of contact information for Centennial Care and the four MCO's can be found here, courtesy of the Human Services Department (NM HSD).
Branda Parker, Director of San Juan Center for Independence is the author of this month's article titled, "Health Care in New Mexico." Branda has a vast understanding of recent changes with the new healthcare law, how it affects New Mexicans receiving Medicaid services, but more importantly, how it affects our local citizens. Branda is truly a champion for her clients at San Juan Center for Independence.
Learn more about "Health Care in New Mexico” by Branda Parker, Director of San Juan Center for Inependence.
There are many more questions that San Juan County residents might have about individual or employee access if insurance has not been previously offered through their company. The New Mexico Health Insurance Exchange (NMHIX) is for:
People without health insurance
People who cannot afford health insurance through their employer
Small businesses with 50 or fewer employees
People currently buying health insurance on their own but are interested in other options or affordability
All plans offered through NMHIX cover doctor visits, prescriptions, hospitalization, and maternity care - just to name a few. Coverage cannot be denied for pre-existing health conditions and financial support may be available for qualified candidates requiring coverage assistance. NMHIX is available at anytime by calling 1-855-99-NMHIX.
Currently there are 11 local agents that provide a variety of health insurance products. Employers can find that list here (click on "Get Asstance" in the upper right hand corner of the ShopNMHX website and click on "Find an Agent.") San Juan County agents are the first 11 of 347 regional agents available. Questions can be answered by navigating through the New Mexico Health Insurance Exchange website at www.nmhix.com. Below you will find links to employer and employee frequently asked questions regarding the NM Health Insurance Exchange.
By: Greg Allen
Executive Director
San Juan Safe Communities Initiative
