Updated: May 22, 2024
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Health insurance premiums and out-of-pocket costs differ per metal tier. Presbyterian Health Plan offers the most affordable Bronze, Expanded Bronze, Silver and Gold plans in New Mexico.
If you want to balance monthly premiums with quality claims and coverage, MoneyGeek analyzed the best health insurance in New Mexico.
CheapestHealth InsuranceNew MexicoMost Affordable Health Insurance in New Mexico
Why Trust MoneyGeek? We downloaded plan data for New Mexico directly from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
Plan data was updated with the CMS exchange data released in October, the latest available data for the 2024 enrollment period.
Health insurance premiums differ across metal tiers, balancing between higher monthly payments for lower out-of-pocket costs like deductibles and vice versa.
The most cost-effective plan within the popular Silver tier in New Mexico is the Silver Select 7000 w/ GYM - Limited Service Area offered by Presbyterian Health Plan, with a monthly cost of $437. Although Silver plans are typically the most popular due to a balance of monthly premiums and coverage, you could also consider Bronze plans if you are willing to accept higher out-of-pocket expenses for a lower monthly rate.
Here are the most affordable health insurance plans from each metal tier:
For more details on choosing cheap health insurance plans that fit your budget, explore further information to guide your selection.
| Expanded Bronze | PlanBronze Select 6800 w/ GYM - Limited Service Area | CompanyPresbyterian Health Plan | Monthly Cost$315 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,450 |
| Gold | PlanGold Select w/ GYM - Limited Service Area | CompanyPresbyterian Health Plan | Monthly Cost$382 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,450 |
| Silver | PlanSilver Select 7000 w/ GYM - Limited Service Area | CompanyPresbyterian Health Plan | Monthly Cost$437 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,450 |
| Bronze | PlanBronze 9450 w/ GYM | CompanyPresbyterian Health Plan | Monthly Cost$460 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,450 |
In the New Mexico health insurance marketplace, consumers can choose from different metal tiers — Bronze, Expanded Bronze, Silver and Gold. These tiers represent a range of cost-sharing options between health insurers and enrollees.
Although Bronze and Expanded Bronze plans have lower monthly premiums, they also have higher maximum out-of-pocket costs. Often, individuals who want to minimize monthly expenses and are willing to take on more cost when needing care choose these plans.
On the other hand, Gold plans feature lower out-of-pocket expenses and higher monthly premiums. This option might be suitable for those who require frequent medical care and wish to have more predictable costs.
Silver plans strike a balance between premiums and out-of-pocket costs. Notably, individuals with incomes below 250% of the Federal Poverty Line are eligible for cost-sharing reductions on Silver plans. This means they can benefit from lower deductibles, copayments and co-insurance, making health care more affordable without bearing the full cost of higher-tier plans.
The most cost-effective Silver plan in New Mexico is the Silver Select 7000 w/ GYM - Limited Service Area offered by Presbyterian Health Plan, with a monthly cost of $437. The three most affordable Silver plans in New Mexico include:
Silver plans are well-suited for individuals who desire a balance between monthly premium costs and out-of-pocket expenses when receiving health care. They are particularly beneficial for those who qualify for cost-sharing reductions, which can significantly lower the amount you pay for deductibles, copayments and co-insurance. These reductions can make health care much more accessible to those who qualify based on income.
| Presbyterian Health Plan | Monthly Cost$437 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,450 | PlanSilver Select 7000 w/ GYM - Limited Service Area |
| Presbyterian Health Plan | Monthly Cost$491 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$8,950 | PlanClear Cost Silver Plan - Limited Service Area On |
| Ambetter Plan of WSCC | Monthly Cost$494 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$8,300 | PlanFocused Silver |
| Molina Healthcare of New Mexico, Inc | Monthly Cost$500 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$8,950 | PlanClear Cost Silver On Exchange |
| UnitedHealthcare of New Mexico, Inc | Monthly Cost$519 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,450 | PlanUHC Silver Advantage On Exchange |
The most affordable Gold plan in New Mexico is the Gold Select w/ GYM - Limited Service Area offered by Presbyterian Health Plan, costing just $382 per month. The three least expensive Gold plans in New Mexico are:
Gold plans usually have higher monthly premiums compared to Silver or Bronze plans but lower deductibles and copays. Gold plans are well-suited for individuals who expect to need a moderate to high level of care and are willing to pay more monthly to cover more costs when they receive medical treatment.
| Presbyterian Health Plan | Monthly Cost$382 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,450 | PlanGold Select w/ GYM - Limited Service Area |
| Presbyterian Health Plan | Monthly Cost$408 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$5,300 | PlanClear Cost Gold Plan - Limited Service Area On |
| UnitedHealthcare of New Mexico, Inc | Monthly Cost$426 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,000 | PlanUHC Gold Value On Exchange |
| BlueCross BlueShield of New Mexico | Monthly Cost$426 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,450 | PlanBlue Community Gold HMO? 205 - On Exchange |
| Molina Healthcare of New Mexico, Inc | Monthly Cost$428 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$8,100 | PlanGold 1 On Exchange with Low Cost Generic Drugs |
The most affordable plan in the Bronze tier in New Mexico is the Bronze 9450 w/ GYM by Presbyterian Health Plan, with a monthly cost of $460. Notably, this is the only plan available in that metal tier for New Mexicans, simplifying the selection process for residents looking for basic coverage.
Bronze plans are ideal for individuals seeking coverage for catastrophic events and who are comfortable with paying lower monthly premiums in exchange for higher out-of-pocket costs when accessing health care. These plans generally work best for those who are relatively healthy and do not require frequent medical services. Additionally, Bronze plans may be a good choice for young adults looking to fulfill the requirement for health insurance coverage without significant financial burden.
| Presbyterian Health Plan | Monthly Cost$460 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,450 | PlanBronze 9450 w/ GYM |
The most affordable plan in the Expanded Bronze tier in New Mexico is the Bronze Select 6800 w/ GYM - Limited Service Area offered by Presbyterian Health Plan at a monthly cost of $315.
Expanded Bronze plans are well-suited for individuals who want to balance moderate premiums with comprehensive coverage. They are designed for people willing to pay lower monthly premiums while accepting higher out-of-pocket costs before full coverage kicks in. These plans can be a good option for those who do not expect to use many medical services but want the peace of mind of having protection against high-cost events.
| Presbyterian Health Plan | Monthly Cost$315 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,450 | PlanBronze Select 6800 w/ GYM - Limited Service Area |
For individuals with incomes between 100% and 250% of the Federal Poverty Level, cost-sharing reductions (CSRs) lower the amount paid for deductibles, copayments and co-insurance on Silver health insurance plans.
For example, without CSRs, the maximum out-of-pocket cost of a Silver plan might be $7,900. But with a high level of CSRs, the same plan's maximum out-of-pocket could drop to $2,500, illustrating significant potential savings on health care expenses for those who qualify.
The most popular plan type in New Mexico is HMO (Health Maintenance Organization). The most affordable HMO plan in New Mexico for a 40-year-old is Silver Select 7000 w/ GYM from Presbyterian Health Plan, which costs $437 per month.
Our review of plan types available in New Mexico did not include alternatives like PPO (Preferred Provider Organization), which can offer more provider flexibility, and EPO (Exclusive Provider Organization), which provides a balance between cost and provider choice without needing referrals.
| Presbyterian Health Plan | Monthly Cost$437 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,450 | PlanSilver Select 7000 w/ GYM - Limited Service Area |
| Presbyterian Health Plan | Monthly Cost$491 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$8,950 | PlanClear Cost Silver Plan - Limited Service Area On |
| Ambetter Plan of WSCC | Monthly Cost$494 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$8,300 | PlanFocused Silver |
| Molina Healthcare of New Mexico, Inc | Monthly Cost$500 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$8,950 | PlanClear Cost Silver On Exchange |
| UnitedHealthcare of New Mexico, Inc | Monthly Cost$519 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,450 | PlanUHC Silver Advantage On Exchange |
The most common plan type in New Mexico is the Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plan. HMO plans emphasize preventive care and generally have lower premiums and out-of-pocket costs. They require patients to select a primary care physician (PCP) and secure referrals to see specialists. Note that HMOs generally only cover in-network services, limiting provider options.
Health insurance rates and availability of certain plans vary by county in New Mexico. Comparing the most affordable plans in the largest and smallest counties by population shows this variation:
The following table details all available plans in each county in New Mexico.
| BlueCross BlueShield of New Mexico | Monthly Cost$399 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,450 | PlanBlue Community Silver HMO? 203 - On Exchange |
| BlueCross BlueShield of New Mexico | Monthly Cost$422 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,450 | PlanBlue Community Silver HMO? 308 - On Exchange |
In New Mexico, age impacts the cost of health insurance within metal tiers. For instance, an 18-year-old with a Silver plan pays $391 monthly, while a 60-year-old pays $1,163 for the same type of plan. The price difference is $772, showing how much more a 60-year-old pays compared to an 18-year-old.
Metal tiers reflect the percentage of costs covered by the insurance plan. A 40-year-old with a Bronze plan pays $460 monthly, while the same person pays $548 for a Silver plan. A Gold plan costs $454 monthly for the same individual. The chart below shows that a Silver plan is more expensive than Bronze and Gold plans.
MoneyGeek broke down all the health insurance options in New Mexico. We explain private insurance in the marketplace with the available metal levels, Medicaid and Medicare. We aim to help you understand your choices for health care and how it can work for you.
In New Mexico, the open enrollment period for health insurance typically runs from November 1 to December 15, mirroring the federal marketplace. This is the annual window when individuals and families can enroll in a new plan or make changes to their existing coverage through the state exchange known as beWellnm. If you miss the open enrollment deadline, you may still qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) if you experience certain life events, such as getting married, having a baby or losing other health coverage. Outside of open enrollment and SEPs, Medicaid enrollment is year-round for eligible individuals.
Medicaid is a joint federal and state program providing health care coverage to individuals and families with low income. In New Mexico, eligibility depends on several factors, including income, family size and special circumstances such as pregnancy or disability. Generally, it is available to residents who meet the financial requirements based on the Federal Poverty Level. Children, pregnant women, older adults and individuals with disabilities may also qualify for benefits under specific Medicaid categories. The New Mexico Human Services Department administers the program, ensuring that eligible citizens have access to necessary health care services.
Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people aged 65 or older, certain younger individuals with disabilities and people with End-Stage Renal Disease. In New Mexico, residents who meet these criteria are eligible. Medicare Part A covers hospital insurance, including inpatient care, hospice and some home health care services; Part B covers medical insurance, which entails doctors' services, outpatient care and other medical services; Part C, also known as Medicare Advantage, includes all benefits and services covered under Parts A and B and often offers additional benefits like dental, vision and hearing. Lastly, Medicare Part D covers prescription drug costs.
For those looking to enhance their Medicare coverage in New Mexico, MoneyGeek has researched and compiled resources identifying the best Medicare Advantage Plans in New Mexico and the best Medicare Supplement plans in New Mexico.
You may have questions about cost and availability when looking for health insurance. MoneyGeek responded to frequently asked questions about cheap private health insurance in Texas to help you learn more.
The cheapest Silver plan in New Mexico is the Silver Select 7000 w/ GYM - Limited Service Area from Presbyterian Health Plan, costing $437 per month. The cheapest Gold plan is the Gold Select w/ GYM - Limited Service Area by Presbyterian Health Plan at a monthly cost of $382.
Although you'll pay a lower monthly premium for a cheap health insurance plan, you may pay higher out-of-pocket costs when accessing health care services. More expensive plans cover more comprehensive services and considerably lower your out-of-pocket maximums.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick has analyzed the property and casualty insurance market for over five years, conducting original research and creating personalized content for every kind of buyer. Currently, he leads P&C insurance content production at MoneyGeek. Fitzpatrick has been quoted in several insurance-related publications, including CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick earned a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He is passionate about using his knowledge of economics and insurance to bring transparency around financial topics and help others feel confident in their money moves.
