Knowing why New Mexicans purchase health care coverage can help brokers guide their clients to good insurance decisions.
A poll of NMHIX website visitors shed light on reasons for enrolling or re-enrolling in a health plan through the health insurance exchange by Jan. 31, 2016:
| Reasons for enrolling/re-enrolling |
|
| It's required by law |
46% |
| Peace of mind |
31% |
| Was dropped by previous plan |
30% |
| Affordable |
22% |
| To avoid penalty/fine |
21% |
| Better/more coverage |
12% |
| Pre-existing conditions now covered |
7% |
| New personal situation |
3% |
| Other |
1% |
Where the role of a broker can truly come into play is by helping clients who enroll or re-enroll. These individuals need education and guidance to help them find solutions to their health care questions.
Enrollment challenges (and how to help)
Too expensive/can’t afford it: Explain how subsidies work. Use the subsidy calculator to estimate what an individual or household can expect to pay for premiums if eligible for a subsidy.
Benefits not worth the cost: Explain the importance of having health insurance and how a catastrophic health event can wipe out family finances.
Didn’t qualify: Work with the individual to find out why he or she was unable to enroll in a plan through the Exchange.
Too complicated/confusing: Walk through the process step-by-step. Some individuals may need more explanation than others. Avoid jargon.
Poor coverage: Use the Plan Finder to help them find the right coverage for their situation.
Remember, education is the key to helping clients make wise health care coverage decisions.
Source: NMHIX-Website Visitor Survey, December 2015.