Nevadans encouraged to explore healthcare plans following report highlighting uninsured
Submitted by Jeff Munson on Sun, 09/08/2019 - 1:36pm
CARSON CITY — In light of a recent report released by the Guinn Center for Policy Priorities surrounding Nevada's uninsured populations, the State of Nevada and the Silver State Health Insurance Exchange, Nevada’s state agency that helps connect individuals to budget-appropriate health coverage through the online marketplace, Nevada Health Link, remind Nevadans of the importance of having health insurance and encourages them to explore insurance coverage available to them through Nevada Health Link.
Detailing eligibility and demographics of Nevada’s uninsured population, the report finds nearly 400,000 Nevadans remain uninsured, placing Nevada sixth highest in the nation for uninsured residents and second highest among states that have expanded Medicaid coverage. The report also highlights areas of opportunity for health insurance coverage through state-based insurance programs.
According to the report, just over half of the remaining uninsured Nevadans are eligible for Medicaid or Qualified Health Plans through Nevada Health Link, providing access to financial assistance to help pay for monthly premium costs.
“The information provided in this report offers the Exchange valuable insight as we work with our outreach partners throughout the state to help Nevada families get the affordable healthcare they need and determine if they are eligible for subsidies,” said Heather Korbulic, executive director of the Silver State Health Insurance Exchange.
Governor Sisolak has been highly supportive of the Exchange’s efforts to tackle this issue head-on. “I appreciate the leadership that Heather Korbulic has taken in addressing the needs of our vulnerable uninsured populations through the Exchange,” said Gov. Sisolak. “While the overall uninsured rate in Nevada has decreased since the Affordable Care Act (ACA) was implemented, our state still has uninsured rates that exceed the national average. With the Exchange, Nevada is leading the country on state-based efforts to reduce our uninsured populations, and I hope to continue working together with community and legislative leaders alike to help close the gap.”
Nevada Health Link was established by the ACA for individuals who are not insured through their employer, Medicaid, or Medicare, so they can purchase a health plan, and subsidies are available based on income qualifications.
Medicaid provides health coverage to qualifying low-income Nevadans and enrollment into Medicaid coverage is available at any time throughout the year. Additional information on Medicaid eligibility is available from the Department of Health and Human Services.
Open Enrollment through Nevada Health Link for Plan Year 2020 starts on November 1 and runs through December 15, 2019. Consumers who plan on shopping or re-enrolling on Nevada Health Link are encouraged to start their research and planning process early by visiting www.NevadaHealthLink.com or calling 1-800-547-2927. For more information on Nevada Medicaid, or to complete an application, go to https://dwss.nv.gov/, call 775-684-7200, or go to any welfare office.
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