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You may qualify to buy a Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico (BCBSNM) health plan outside of the annual Open Enrollment Period (OEP) during the Special Enrollment Period (SEP). To be eligible, you must have had a qualifying life event within the past 60 days.
If you qualify for SEP, take a look at the health plans in your area.
You have two set times each year to buy a health plan. One is the Open Enrollment Period (OEP). This is most often November 1 – December 15 and is the time when everyone can buy a health plan. The other is called the Special Enrollment Period (SEP). The SEP runs from the time OEP ends and starts again the next year.
You must qualify for SEP with a qualifying life event, such as losing your current health care coverage due to job loss or getting married. You’ll just need to send in proof showing that you had a qualifying life event and your event’s date. Based on your income and family size, you may also be able to get financial help.
If you have a BCBSNM health plan, you may be able to change your plan during a SEP as well.
There are many kinds of life events that qualify for a special enrollment.
View a full list of qualifying events .
You can always call us at 1-866-236-1702 or use the form below if you have questions.
If your life event qualifies you to get health care coverage in a special enrollment, you have three ways to buy your plan:
While your application is being reviewed, we’ll send you a letter if more documentation is needed. You’ll have 30 days from this letter’s date to reply.
In most cases, you have 60 days (including weekends and holidays) from the date of your qualifying life event to buy a new health plan.
Some qualifying events, like losing health care coverage due to job loss, may let you buy a plan up to 60 days before your event happens. Call us at 1-866-236-1702 with any questions.
You can check to see if you qualify for a subsidy, also known as a premium tax credit, while applying during SEP. This credit may help you lower the amount you’ll pay for your monthly premium bill.
You'll need to send in documents, or proof, showing you had a qualifying life event and your life event date, such as a marriage or adoption certificate. View a full list of required documents .
When you buy or change your health plan during the SEP, your health care coverage may not start right away. Your coverage start date is most often based on:
If you can’t get health care coverage during SEP, you may still have options.
You may qualify for Medicaid Centennial Care coverage or other assistance based on your income. This health care coverage is provided by the government. There’s no SEP, so you can apply at any time. You may also qualify for financial help.
Note: Members of American Indian and Alaska Native tribes can apply for health care coverage any month of the year.
If you qualify for SEP, take a look at the health care plans in your area.
1Please note that the following are not considered loss of coverage: voluntarily canceling your health insurance plan, having your plan canceled because you did not pay your premiums or because your plan did not meet the requirements set by the Affordable Care Act for Minimum Essential Coverage.
2Only for health plans bought on the Marketplace.
3BCBSNM does not offer temporary or short-term plans. These plans may not provide the full benefits of a BCBSNM health plan, including essential health benefits.
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Sales Questions and Additional Plan Information:
1-888-809-1135
Calls may or may not be answered inside the United States.
Monday – Friday: 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. MT
Saturday: 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. MT
Sunday: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. MT
Customer Service:
1-866-236-1702
Calls may or may not be answered inside the United States.
Monday – Friday: 6 a.m. – 8 p.m. MT
Saturday: 7 a.m. – 4 p.m. MT
Sunday: Closed
Already a member?
Call the Customer Service number on the back of your member ID card.
P1768