As the executive director of the Silver State Health Insurance Exchange, Nevada’s state agency that helps connect Nevadans to budget-appropriate health coverage through the online marketplace, Nevada Health Link, I am familiar with the inner workings of state and federal health care systems. While the health care insurance landscape is complex and continually evolving, one thing remains constant: No one, regardless of age, circumstance or budget, can afford to be without health insurance.
A recent study by the Guinn Center finds that there are more than 400,000 Nevadans statewide without health insurance, placing Nevada sixth-highest in the nation for uninsured residents and second-highest among states that have expanded Medicaid coverage. The report also states that approximately half of these individuals are eligible for Medicaid through Nevada’s state Medicaid program, or are eligible for qualified health plans through Nevada Health Link. This alarming statistic drives what the Exchange does every day as we work to connect uninsured Nevadans to affordable, quality coverage to protect individuals and their families. Illness and injury can occur at any time, and health insurance not only offers financial protection, it ensures access to a higher quality of care when it’s needed most.
Despite many attempts to dismantle the Affordable Care Act, Nevada Health Link has remained steadily focused on ensuring Nevadans who are not covered by their employer health insurance, Medicaid or Medicare have access to budget-friendly and comprehensive care for themselves and their families.
The Exchange’s commitment to advancing the gains the state has made under the ACA by connecting Nevadans to qualified health and dental plans has led to the decision to transition away from HealthCare.gov to become a fully operational State Based Exchange in time for plan year 2020. This transition will not only save our state nearly $4 million in the first fiscal year alone, it will also provide a simplified consumer experience and allow the Exchange full control over Nevada’s marketplace.
On Sept. 4, Nevada Health Link soft-launched SBE platform functionality by inviting returning consumers to claim their migrated accounts from HealthCare.gov. Existing consumers received an email with a unique activation code and instructions on how to claim their account. We encourage our returning consumers to claim their accounts and designate a licensed agent/broker or certified enrollment counselor to work with for the upcoming open enrollment period if they have not already done so. Consumers can also take this opportunity to opt in to auto renewal in time for plan year 2020.
Beginning Oct. 3, consumers can “window shop” for health insurance plans — nearly one month ahead of the Nov. 1 through Dec. 15 open enrollment period. This allows consumers the opportunity to preview all of the Exchange’s plan year 2020 health and dental plans, while exploring details about monthly premiums, deductibles, out-of-pocket costs, co-payments and coinsurance amounts. Most importantly, consumers can get a general idea of how much financial assistance they may be eligible to receive once enrollment begins.
It’s also important to know that not all health insurance plans are equal. There are plans sold off of the Exchange that don’t cover pre-existing conditions or essential health benefits such as prenatal or mental health care. At Nevada Health Link, all plans must cover the 10 essential health benefits and cannot discriminate based on health status or a pre-existing condition.
Purchasing insurance can be confusing, and that’s why the Exchange always recommends you work with our trained and certified agents/brokers or certified enrollment counselors to find plans that are right for your individual needs. We can connect you with free enrollment assistance in a variety of different languages by visiting NevadaHealthLink.com or by calling our consumer assistance center at 1-800-547-2927.
Open enrollment begins on Nov. 1 and runs through Dec. 15. The staff at Nevada Health Link are ready to help connect you and your loved ones to the peace of mind that comprehensive health insurance can provide.