Guides · Health insurance

Health insurance in New Mexico: BeWell, state premium help and Turquoise Care

New Mexicans buy individual health plans through BeWell, the state's own Marketplace, and Open Enrollment for 2027 coverage runs November 1, 2026 to January 15, 2027. Plans bought there are the only ones that get federal tax credits and New Mexico's state help.

New Mexico's biggest difference: for 2027, New Mexico Premium Assistance caps the benchmark silver premium at 0% to 8.5% of income, including for households above 400% of the federal poverty level, who get no federal tax credit at all.

Updated · Facts checked against the sources listed below

BeWell dates for 2027 coverage

From the Office of Superintendent of Insurance (OSI) September 1, 2026 rates release and BeWell's enrollment page, checked October 17, 2026.
DateWhat happens
November 1, 2026Open Enrollment starts for 2027 plans.
January 1, 20272027 rates and plans take effect.
Last day for January 1 coverageNot stated on the BeWell and OSI pages we checked; enroll early or call BeWell at 833-862-3935.
January 15, 2027Open Enrollment ends.

OSI approved an average 24.4% increase for 2027 individual plans, with four insurers: Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Mexico, Presbyterian, UnitedHealthcare and Molina. OSI says 92% of BeWell enrollees qualify for state and federal premium help based on income, so most people pay far less than the list price. Outside Open Enrollment you need a qualifying life event; see special enrollment periods.

New Mexico Premium Assistance in 2027

New Mexico Premium Assistance is state money from the Health Care Affordability Fund, added on top of any federal tax credit. It caps what you pay for the second-lowest-cost silver plan as a share of household income. It only applies to plans bought on BeWell, and you don't have to reconcile it at the end of the year the way you do federal advance credits.

From the New Mexico Health Care Authority's 2027 Plan Year Marketplace Affordability Program Policy and Procedures Manual, checked October 17, 2026. For people under 200% of the poverty level, the state also raises the benchmark used for its payment by 10%.
Income (% of federal poverty level)Most you pay for the benchmark silver plan, 2027
Under 150%0% of income
150% to under 200%0% of income
200% to under 250%0% to 2%
250% to under 300%2% to 5%
300% to under 400%5% to 8.5%
400% and above8.5%

Enhanced federal credits ended December 31, 2025, and federal credits stop at 400% of the poverty level. New Mexico's scale fills much of that gap. See premium tax credit.

Turquoise plans and other state help

  • Turquoise plans: state out-of-pocket help that lowers deductibles, copays and coinsurance. Turquoise 1 (under 150% of the poverty level) is a silver plan raised to 99% actuarial value, Turquoise 2 (150% to under 200%) is 95%, and Turquoise 3 (200% to 400%) is a gold plan raised to 90%.
  • Puente Health: state-funded help for lawfully present immigrants who lose federal tax credits under the 2025 federal law. It began in 2026 for those under 100% of the poverty level; for 2027 it adds those from 100% to 400%, who also qualify for Turquoise 3.
  • Native American Premium Assistance: extra premium help for members of federally recognized tribes under 300% of the poverty level, on top of federal and state help.
  • Medicaid Transition Premium Relief: pays the first month's premium for the household when someone who lost Medicaid enrolls in a BeWell plan within 120 days, with income at or below 400% of the poverty level.

The Health Care Affordability Fund is paid for by the state's tax on health insurance premiums. BeWell says the 2026 Legislature strengthened it, and House Bill 4 phases in a larger share of that tax to the fund by 2029. An August 2026 Legislative Finance Committee evaluation warned the subsidy programs may be unsustainable at projected fund revenues, so later years could change.

Turquoise Care (Medicaid)

Turquoise Care is New Mexico's Medicaid managed care program, started July 1, 2024, with four health plans to choose from. New Mexico has expanded Medicaid to adults ages 19 to 64 with income under 133% of the federal poverty level. With the standard 5% income disregard, the Health Care Authority's July 2026 chart puts the working limit (138%) at $1,836 a month for one person, $2,489 for two and $3,795 for four. Apply at yes.nm.gov or call 1-800-283-4465. See Medicaid income limits.

Under the 2025 federal law, people who lose Medicaid because they don't meet the new community engagement requirements can still buy a BeWell plan, but BeWell says they won't be eligible for financial assistance.

How to enroll, and where Gabriel fits

  1. Gather your details: everyone in your household, expected 2027 income, current coverage, tribal membership or immigration documents if they apply, and your doctors and prescriptions.
  2. Apply online at bewellnm.com, by phone at 833-862-3935 (833-ToBeWell, TTY 711), Monday to Saturday, 8 am to 5 pm, or with free help from BeWell or a licensed agent.
  3. Pick a plan so state premium help can be calculated and applied, then compare the premium after help, the deductible and the network. Look for the Turquoise label if your income is 400% of the poverty level or less.
  4. Enroll early for January 1 coverage, then pay the first premium.

Gabriel can quote Marketplace plans for your ZIP code and household, show the price after any tax credit, and open your own application with a licensed agent in most states. You choose the plan and finish the application. Separate from insurance, Gabriel Core is $49 per adult a month (kids under 18 included) with member prices close to cost on lab tests, supplements, prescriptions and bioregulators, plus unlimited virtual urgent care and virtual primary care.

Gabriel is not an insurer. Health insurance quotes and enrollment are handled by Gabriel Labs, Gabriel's separately licensed insurance agency. Gabriel membership is not health insurance, doesn't count as minimum essential coverage, and doesn't replace a health plan's protection against large medical bills.

Common questions

When is open enrollment in New Mexico for 2027?

BeWell's Open Enrollment runs November 1, 2026 to January 15, 2027, and 2027 plans take effect January 1, 2027.

Does New Mexico help people above 400% of the poverty level pay premiums?

Yes, for 2027. New Mexico Premium Assistance caps the benchmark silver plan at 8.5% of income for households at or above 400% of the poverty level, who get no federal tax credit.

What are Turquoise plans on BeWell?

Turquoise plans are BeWell plans with state help that lowers deductibles and copays, for incomes up to 400% of the poverty level. They range from 99% actuarial value under 150% of the poverty level to a 90% gold plan from 200% to 400%.

What is the Health Care Affordability Fund?

It's the state fund, paid for by New Mexico's tax on health insurance premiums, that pays for New Mexico Premium Assistance, Turquoise plans and other BeWell help.

How much did BeWell premiums go up for 2027?

OSI approved an average 24.4% increase for 2027 individual plans, but OSI says 92% of BeWell enrollees qualify for state and federal premium help, so what you pay depends on your income.

Sources

  1. New Mexico announces rates for 2027 ACA plans, state premium support will continue to help enrollees with costs New Mexico Office of Superintendent of Insurance
  2. 2027 Plan Year Health Insurance Marketplace Affordability Program Policy and Procedures Manual New Mexico Health Care Authority
  3. Federal and State Policy Changes BeWell
  4. Enrollment BeWell
  5. Progress Report: New Mexico Health Insurance Exchange New Mexico Legislative Finance Committee
  6. Turquoise Care Overview New Mexico Health Care Authority
  7. New Mexico Medical Assistance Programs: Eligibility Categories (July 2026) New Mexico Health Care Authority

This guide is general information, not medical advice. It does not replace a visit with a licensed clinician. Gabriel membership is not health insurance.