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INDIVIDUAL & FAMILY

Open Enrollment Tips

Open Enrollment happens every year from Nov. 1 until Jan. 15. Find key tips for New Mexico's 2026 Open Enrollment Period, from understanding Affordable Care Act (ACA) coverage and premium tax credits to exploring your Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico's options. Still need 2025 coverage? You may be able to enroll if you've recently gone through a big life change.

Check If You Qualify
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Importance of Coverage

Why Is It Important to Get Health Insurance?

Open Enrollment is the only time each year anyone can update or pick a new plan. Having health insurance:

  • Helps cover costs when you get health care, from check-ups and vaccines to illnesses, injuries and emergencies
  • Lets you stay up-to-date on preventive care for a healthier future, sometimes for as low as $0 for annual exams
  • Keeps your children and spouse covered if you add them to your plan

If you miss the Open Enrollment deadline, you may have to wait until Nov. 1, 2026 to get health care coverage.

If you miss the Open Enrollment deadline, you'll have to wait until the next year to enroll unless you go through a life change that lets you enroll through Special Enrollment.

How To Enroll

How to Get a BCBSNM Plan During Open Enrollment

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RESEARCH

Research Available Health Plans

BCBSNM offers the below plans depending on where you live:

  • Health Maintenance Organization (HMO )

Plus, each plan is offered at a Gold, Silver or Bronze metallic level. Metallic levels don't change the services, prescriptions or networks covered by a plan, but they will change the plan's costs:

UNDERSTAND BENEFITS

Assess Your Health Insurance Needs and Compare Plans

NEXT STEPS

What To Do After Applying

Make your first payment and set up Auto Bill Pay: Your coverage won't begin until your first premium's paid. Make your premium payment online and set up Auto Bill Pay to pay your monthly bills easily and on-time.

Make a payment.

Start using your member resources: Review your benefits, understand when you'll start receiving your member materials and sign up for your member account.

Find out what's next after applying.

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SPECIAL ENROLLMENT

Need 2025 coverage before Open Enrollment?

If you've gone through a big life change, you might be able to enroll through the Special Enrollment Period.

Learn if your life event qualifies, how long you have to apply and what your next steps are during Special Enrollment.

Learn More