Proponents believe so
SANTA FE — Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed House Bill 95 March 2, which makes finding and enrolling in quality affordable health coverage easier for New Mexicans. “The Easy Enrollment Act,” sponsored by Representative Liz Thomson, Senator Liz Stefanics, and Senator Brenna McKenna, gives uninsured New Mexicans an easy on-ramp to health coverage through the state income tax system.
“This legislation will result in more New Mexicans enrolling in affordable health insurance – a win for families and communities around the state,” Lujan Grisham said. “Many New Mexicans are unaware that they qualify for quality coverage, and streamlining the enrollment process means a healthier New Mexico.”
New Mexico residents would be able to start the enrollment process by checking a box on their state income tax return. Starting next year, taxpayers will have the option to give the state tax agency permission to share information used to assess eligibility for low-cost or no-cost coverage with agencies that oversee health coverage programs, like Medicaid and the Health Insurance Marketplace, beWellnm.com.
The Human Services Department will assess eligibility and contact uninsured individuals to provide information about their coverage options, increasing accessibility for all participants.
“Easy Enrollment is good government in action,” said Stephanie Schardin Clarke, Secretary of New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department. “It will remove obstacles for health insurance coverage for vulnerable New Mexicans.”
New Mexico Superintendent of Insurance Russell Toal said many uninsured New Mexicans simply don’t know that they qualify for no-cost or low-cost health coverage.
“Thanks to the Easy Enrollment Act, connecting with enrollment assistance could now be as easy as checking a box on the state income tax form,” Toal said. “I commend Governor Lujan Grisham, Representative Liz Thomson, and the State Legislature for prioritizing this important coverage initiative.”
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