Enrollment Gains Seen in Nevada’s Health Insurance Exchange
By: Jennifer Robison (Las Vegas Review Journal) January 2015
New federal numbers show steady gains in sign-ups through Nevada’s health insurance exchange.
The federal Department of Health and Human Services said Wednesday that 47,784 Nevadans had enrolled between Nov. 15 and Jan. 9 in Nevada Health Link coverage through healthcare.gov. That was up from 40,285 people on Dec. 15, which was the deadline to apply for a plan that would have taken effect Jan. 1.
In Nevada Health Link’s first enrollment session, which ran from Oct. 1, 2013 to May 30, about 36,000 people signed up.
The state exchange does not track how many enrollees are renewing prior marketplace-based coverage.
Open enrollment runs through Feb. 15. Consumers who want coverage that begins Feb. 1 must sign up by the end of the day Thursday. Sign up after Thursday, and coverage won’t kick in until March 1.
To enroll, visit nevadahealthlink.com, which will direct you to the online marketplace for buying a plan. You can also enroll directly through insurers who offer exchange plans. Carriers selling marketplace plans to locals are UnitedHealthcare, Anthem, Nevada Health CO-OP and Time Insurance Co.
After Feb. 15, Nevadans won’t be able to buy a subsidized exchange plan that offers a premium tax credit until December, unless they have a life-changing event such as a marriage, divorce, new baby, job loss or relocation.
Health and Human Services said 90 percent of Nevadans who enrolled through healthcare.gov in the first month were eligible for a premium tax credit.
