The community outreach team at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico has been working across the state in 2023 to spread the message about Medicaid re-enrollment.
During community events — some of which are sponsored or hosted by BCBSNM — such as conferences, health fairs, community baby showers, expos, festivals and vaccine clinics, the outreach team informs attendees of the need to re-enroll in Medicaid or transition to a plan purchased through BeWellnm.
“We post flyers about re-enrollment wherever we can,” says Julia Platero, a BCBSNM outreach specialist and tribal liaison, “and we make sure to visit rural areas of the state.”
The end of the public health emergency
As the public health emergency ends, health coverage continuity for thousands of New Mexicans remains a priority for BCBSNM.
When Congress enacted the Families First Coronavirus Response Act in 2020, the act included a requirement that Medicaid programs keep people continuously enrolled through the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency. This requirement ended May 11. As a result, many New Mexicans risk losing their Medicaid coverage.
The New Mexico Human Services Department began sending renewal packets in April. This process is ongoing until March 2024.
“It is important for the us to inform community members about the public health emergency unwinding by visiting each quadrant of the state,” Platero says.
A multilingual approach
Many BCBSNM outreach specialists are multilingual and can assist people whose first language is not English. By communicating with people in their native languages, outreach specialists build trust and rapport, making it easier to connect those in need with resources.
“Because I speak Diné Bizaad (Navajo language), many times when I’ve met with other Diné speaking individuals, they are happy I was able to explain the benefits in the language they understand. It makes me happy to know I was able to help someone.”
— Julia Platero, BCBSNM outreach specialist and tribal liaison
Value-added services
During various events around the state, the outreach team will also help BCBSNM members understand their standard Medicaid benefits and educate people on many no-cost services they receive from BCBSNM. These value-added services include home meal deliveries, Native American traditional healing practice reimbursements, assistance with social determinants of health, infant car seats and portable cribs for pregnant members, and transitional living assistance for chemically dependent individuals.
“During my travels as an outreach specialist, I’ve met with many Medicaid recipients who do not know or understand their benefits, especially the additional VAS benefits provided by BCBSNM,” says Platero. “I am happy to provide them with an overview of Medicaid benefits and help them with local resource information when needed.”
Response is crucial
Amy Fisher, BCBSNM community relations manager, encourages Medicaid members to respond to the Medicaid renewal form when it comes in the mail. If you don't, you may lose your coverage even if you are eligible. Fisher says the community outreach team is available year-round to provide re-enrollment education.
“It is essential that our Medicaid members look for the turquoise envelope from the New Mexico Human Services Department regarding the renewal application and respond accordingly,” Fisher says.
In 2024, BCBSNM's community outreach team will continue their efforts and are available year-round to provide education and assistance on Medicaid enrollment and re-enrollment.