Nevada Health Link reminds those who lose jobs of special enrollment to retain health insurance
Nevadans who have recently lost their job or had a change in income that threatens being able to pay for coverage may be eligible to receive subsidy assistance for their health plans, the Silver State Health Insurance Exchange noted Monday as a reminder to those who may become uninsured.
The Silver State Health Insurance Exchange, Nevada’s state agency that helps individuals secure budget-appropriate health coverage through the online State Based Exchange platform, Nevada Health Link, said in a news release that it wishes to remind uninsured Nevadans they may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period if they have a qualifying life event allowing them to enroll anytime during the year outside of the normal Open Enrollment window.
Consumers who recently lost their job or had a change in income may also be eligible to receive more subsidy assistance to help pay for their health plans, and therefore they should contact Nevada Health Link rather than canceling their health insurance plans, the release states.
“As Nevada begins to re-open businesses and amenities statewide, we want to remind consumers who are uninsured they may still be able to enroll in a health insurance plan on Nevada Health Link,” said Communications Officer, Janel Davis, Silver State Health Insurance Exchange in a news release. “We urge Nevadans to remember there is no such thing as immunity to illness or injury, and if the pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that anyone, regardless of age, income or circumstance, can be affected. If you find yourself without health insurance, please know you have options with Nevada Health Link. As we continue to navigate the COVID-19 crisis, health insurance is now more important than ever.”
Examples of QLEs include loss of a job resulting in the loss of employer-based coverage, changes in income and changes in family size through marriage, divorce, or the birth or adoption of a child, change in residence and turning 26 years of age.
Other qualifying events and circumstances include moving; gaining U.S. citizenship; denial from Medicaid; spousal abandonment; and more. If you experience a QLE, you usually have up to 60 days following the life event to enroll in a plan. Certain restrictions apply for QLEs and circumstances vary between individuals and families.
To find out if you’re eligible for a SEP see https://www.nevadahealthlink.com/sep or in Spanish: https://www.nevadahealthlink.com/sepes.
All plans sold by the Exchange cover COVID-19 diagnosis and treatment and are considered Qualified Health Plans (QHPs) that also cover the 10 essential health benefits mandated by the Affordable Care Act, including pre-existing conditions, maternity and newborn care, mental health, preventive care, and pediatric dental care. Nevada Health Link is also the only place consumers can qualify for subsidies to help offset the costs of health insurance premiums.
Nevada Health Link wants to clarify that insurance is NOT required to be tested for COVID-19; and the emergency regulation signed by the Governor provides that there is no cost to consumers for medical services related to testing for COVID-19.
Nevada Health Link recently enrolled 6,017 Nevadans during its limited-time Exceptional Circumstance Special Enrollment Period, March 17 – May 15, including 5,479 new consumer enrollments related to the Exceptional Circumstance Special Enrollment Period and 538 enrollments due to loss of Minimum Essential Coverage (MEC). The SEP was made available to consumers, in response to Governor Sisolak’s March 12 Emergency Declaration.
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