Best Health Insurance Agencies in Santa Fe

Frequently Asked Questions

• Introduction

  If you're looking for health insurance for yourself or your family, an agent can help you save time, understand your options, and manage your costs. Insurance agents must be licensed in the state where they operate. They can provide information about on- and off-exchange plans to help you weigh all of your options, and they can see if you qualify for tax credits that can lower your monthly premiums. There's no cost to work with an agent, and they can help you save quite a bit by recommending the best plan for your needs. Here's what you should know before you get started.
  

• Who is eligible to purchase Marketplace health insurance in Santa Fe?

  If you legally reside in Santa Fe or anywhere in New Mexico, are not in jail, and are not enrolled in Medicare, you are eligible to enroll in private health insurance. Furthermore, you must be eligible for income-based federal Advance Premium Tax Credits, New Mexico Premium Assistance, federal cost-sharing reductions, or SOPA. These are available if you are unable to afford employer-sponsored coverage or are not eligible for New Mexico Centennial Care or Medicaid.

• When is the Santa Fe open enrollment period for ACA-compliant plans?

  In Santa Fe, open enrollment runs from November 1 to January 15. Even after this period, enrollment or plan changes are possible with a qualifying life event, like childbirth or loss of health coverage. New Mexico residents can use the Easy Enrollment Program via state tax returns to start their health insurance process. Additionally, a low-income special enrollment period is available for those with family incomes below 200% of the New Mexico poverty threshold. This flexibility ensures access to health coverage throughout the year.

• Is there health insurance available at Santa Fe College for international students?

  Yes, Santa Fe College provides international students with F-1 visas with an annual health and accident insurance plan. The plan is available for purchase at insuranceforstudents.com/santafe. Alternatively, students with comparable health insurance can submit an Alternate Insurance Waiver Form, which is available on the IFS website and allows them to obtain an annual exemption from participation in the IFS plan.

• How does a Santa Fe College student request a health insurance premium refund?

  Yes, graduates and students who transfer or leave Santa Fe College permanently may be eligible for refunds. Students who are studying abroad, on summer vacation, or taking fewer courses will not be refunded. To request a refund, send an email to Santa Fe College's IFS and International Student Services with your name and SF Student ID and a brief explanation of your situation. If necessary, you can also contact International Student Services.

• Does health insurance in Santa Fe provide coverage for preventive care?

  Insurance companies in Santa Fe and throughout New Mexico should provide patients with the necessary preventive care mandated by the Affordable Care Act. U.S. District Judge Reed O'Connor, who previously declared the entire Affordable Care Act unconstitutional in a decision that was later reversed, has now determined that the law's mandate for insurers to provide preventive care is also unconstitutional. The 2019 legislation included Obamacare consumer protections in the state Office of Superintendent of Insurance's regulations for large medical plans. These precautions include mandatory preventative care.

• How can you find affordable health insurance? 

  Affordable insurance is available through employers, Medicare, Medicaid, and the federal Health Insurance Marketplace, which offers subsidies in the form of tax credits. You can also purchase coverage through private insurance companies and independent agents. Nearly half of all Americans have employer-sponsored health insurance, and about 10% of the population is uninsured.