Nevada’s health insurance exchange is focusing on enrollee retention this year as it starts its first enrollment period following its split from Healthcare.gov.
With enrollment set to start on Nov. 1, the Silver State Health Insurance Exchange — which runs the Nevada Health Link site — is leaving the federal site it has called home for the last five years as a hybrid exchange. Instead, Nevada is switching back to being a state-based exchange by contracting with third-party vendor GetInsured.
Need more information about using Nevada’s health exchange? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about the program.
Who is eligible to use the exchange?
Anyone who is lawfully present in the United States and a resident of Nevada can use the exchange. Getting a plan on the exchange will not make you a public charge.
What if I have a pre-existing condition?
One of the tenets of the Affordable Care Act is that insurance companies are not allowed to refuse coverage or increase premium costs due to pre-existing conditions. Women also can’t be charged more than men for the same coverage.
How much will it cost?
The cost of insurance depends on the plan you choose as well as your income level. Depending on how much you make, you could qualify for federal subsidies or a premium tax credit to lower your costs. There are also zero-dollar plans for people at lower income levels. You can find out whether you qualify and how much your insurance will cost by going to this page: https://www.nevadahealthlink.com/qualify/
Who is eligible to use the exchange?
Anyone who is lawfully present in the United States and a resident of Nevada can use the exchange. Getting a plan on the exchange will not make you a public charge.
What if I have a pre-existing condition?
One of the tenets of the Affordable Care Act is that insurance companies are not allowed to refuse coverage or increase premium costs due to pre-existing conditions. Women also can’t be charged more than men for the same coverage.
How much will it cost?
The cost of insurance depends on the plan you choose as well as your income level. Depending on how much you make, you could qualify for federal subsidies or a premium tax credit to lower your costs. There are also zero-dollar plans for people at lower income levels. You can find out whether you qualify and how much your insurance will cost by going to this page: https://www.nevadahealthlink.com/qualify/
Who qualifies for subsidies or tax credits?
Households whose incomes fall between 100% to 400% of the federal poverty level are eligible for a premium tax credit. Here are the latest federal poverty levels based on household size:
- * $12,490 for individuals
- * $16,910 for a family of 2
- * $21,330 for a family of 3
- * $25,750 for a family of 4
- * $30,170 for a family of 5
- * $34,590 for a family of 6
- * $39,010 for a family of 7
- * $43,430 for a family of 8
These numbers are considered to be at 100% of the federal poverty level. To get the number for 400%, just multiply it by four.
Can I talk to an actual person for guidance?
Folks who need more assistance can talk to navigators such as certified enrollment counselors, navigators and in-person assister organizations for more help. You can get a list of them throughout the state here: https://www.nevadahealthlink.com/get-help/navigator-organizations/
Enrollment in Nevada’s health exchange starts on Nov. 1. Prior to that, people can claim their account and also window shop for coverage at https://www.nevadahealthlink.com/. For more questions about qualified health plans or open enrollment, call 1-800-547-2927 or e-mail CustomerserviceNVHL@exchange.nv.gov.