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Let's Talk waiving behavioral health copays in New Mexico

Nash Jones
/
91°µÍø

Let’s Talk New Mexico 5/12, 8 a.m.: While you may have heard that the state did away with out-of-pocket costs for behavioral health care this year, the new law doesn’t apply to most insurance plans New Mexicans have.

This week on Let’s Talk New Mexico, we’ll discuss why that is, and help clarify who and what is covered under this new policy, and why waiving these kinds of copays is so important. We’ll also hear about how employers not subject to the law are working to support employee mental health.

We want to hear from you! Send questions or comments to LetsTalk@91°µÍø.org, tweet with #LetsTalkNM, or call-in live Thursday morning from 8-9 a.m. at 505-277-5866.

GUESTS:

  • Julie Weinberg, Director of Life and Health Products Division,
  • Arlaina Ash, insured New Mexico resident accessing behavioral healthcare and trained peer specialist
  • Alex Ross-Reed, Executive Director,
  • Mark Saiz, Insurance & Benefits Manager,

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

  • 91°µÍø story: Behavioral health copays waived for only fraction of New Mexicans
  • notifying insurers of the new law's requirements, June 2021
  • , Office of the Superintendent of Insurance
  • , Office of the Superintendent of Insurance. Or call 855-427-5674. From OSI: "If an insurance carrier fails to comply with the requirements of SB 317 and the resulting state laws, other than plans through state government (RMD, NMPSIA, NMRHCA or APS), a complaint may be filed with the OSI."
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Nash Jones (they/them) is a general assignment reporter in the 91°µÍø newsroom and the local host of NPR's All Things Considered (weekdays on 91°µÍø, 5-7 p.m. MT). You can reach them at nashjones@kunm.org or on Twitter @nashjonesradio.