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The Silver State Health Insurance Exchange, also known as Nevada Health Link, is a health insurance marketplace where individuals and families in Nevada can shop for and enroll in health insurance plans.
The exchange is open to Nevada residents who do not have health insurance through their employer or another source, and it offers a range of plans from different insurance companies.
These plans are categorized into four levels: platinum, gold, silver, and bronze, with the main difference being the level of cost sharing - the lower the level, the lower the premium, but the higher the deductible and copays.
The exchange also offers financial assistance to eligible individuals and families, including subsidies to lower their premium costs and cost-sharing reductions to lower their out-of-pocket costs.
What is the Silver State Health Insurance Exchange?
The Silver State Health Insurance Exchange is an organization created by the State of Nevada to help you find a health insurance plan that fits your needs and your budget. It's an online marketplace where individuals can shop for, compare and purchase health insurance plans that are income-based.
Nevada Health Link is the online insurance marketplace operated by the Silver State Health Insurance Exchange, and it connects eligible Nevada residents to budget-appropriate health and dental coverage. This is the only place where qualifying consumers can receive federal tax credits to help cover premium costs.
The Silver State Health Insurance Exchange was established per Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) in 2011 by the State of Nevada and began operations in 2013. This was on the belief that all Nevadans deserve access to health insurance.
Nevada is a State Based Exchange, which means it runs its own "Marketplace". This means the state has more control over its own health insurance system and can tailor it to the specific needs of its residents.
Benefits and Enrollment
Nine out of 10 consumers on the Silver State Health Insurance Exchange receive financial assistance to lower the cost of insurance, including subsidies and tax credits.
More than half of these consumers spend less than $100 on their premiums per month, making health insurance more affordable than ever.
The Affordable Care Act lowered premiums for people with incomes as high as 400 percent of the federal poverty level, which translates to $51,040 a year for an individual, and $104,800 for a family of four.
Consumers can take a quick anonymous survey on the website to find out if they are eligible and get an estimated cost of their premiums.
A network of licensed enrollment specialists is available to assist consumers at no cost, and in multiple languages, with the application and enrollment process.
Open Enrollment Starts
Open enrollment starts for Nevada's health insurance exchange, offering more individuals and families the opportunity to purchase affordable health insurance.
Higher federal subsidies are making health insurance through Nevada's exchange more affordable than ever. Officials say this is especially helpful for those who would otherwise have to take a big bite out of their paychecks.
Independent contractors, gig workers, and those whose employers don't offer insurance are now eligible to purchase insurance through the Silver State Health Insurance Exchange.
Nine out of 10 consumers on the exchange currently receive financial assistance, including subsidies and tax credits, to lower the cost of insurance. More than half spend less than $100 on their premiums per month.
The Affordable Care Act lowered premiums for people with incomes as high as 400 percent of the federal poverty level. This translates to $51,040 a year for an individual, and $104,800 for a family of four.
The American Rescue Plan now allows those with higher earnings who would be paying more than 8.5 percent of their income for premiums to enroll.
A rule recently finalized by the Treasury Department aims to end what's been termed the "family glitch." This means many more families are eligible to purchase insurance on the exchange.
Silver State Exchange Offers Fewer Insurance Benefits in 2022
The Silver State Health Exchange is offering fewer benefits for health insurance in 2022. This change may lead to people leaving the public exchanges and going uninsured.
Several cost-saving measures that Nevadans have relied on since the passage of the federal American Rescue Plan in March 2021 won't be carried over into the new year. This includes access to $0 premium plans for those who claimed unemployment for at least one week in 2020 and 2021.
Nevadans who are eligible for federal tax credits against premium cost can receive these credits through the end of 2022. This means many people will be eligible to pay $0 for premiums if they make less than 400% of the federal poverty level.
Around $51,000 for an individual and $104,000 for a family of four is the threshold for this eligibility. This is a significant change that may affect many Nevadans who have relied on these benefits.
Nevada's uninsured rate has lowered since the beginning of the pandemic, but 11% of Nevadans are still without health insurance. This is a reminder of the importance of health insurance and the need to stay informed about changes to benefits.
About Nevada
NevadaHealthLink.com is the online insurance marketplace operated by the Silver State Health Insurance Exchange, established in 2011 by the State of Nevada.
The Exchange began operations in 2013, with the goal of providing access to health insurance for all Nevadans.
In 2019, the Exchange transitioned away from the federal marketplace, HealthCare.gov, and became a fully operational State Based Exchange (SBE).
NevadaHealthLink.com connects eligible Nevada residents to budget-appropriate health and dental coverage.
It's the only place where qualifying consumers can receive federal tax credits to help cover premium costs.
Open Enrollment will begin November 1, so mark your calendars.
For more information or to see if you’re eligible for a Special Enrollment Period, visit NevadaHealthLink.com.
You can also get free assistance from a licensed enrollment professional by calling 1-800-547-2927 or visiting the website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is silver health insurance worth it?
Silver health insurance offers moderate premiums and costs, but may save you a lot of money on deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance if you qualify for cost sharing reductions. Consider a Silver plan if you're looking for a balance between affordability and coverage.
How does the health insurance exchange work?
The health insurance exchange is an online platform where you can compare and purchase individual health insurance plans from various private insurance companies. It also offers financial assistance based on your income, making healthcare more affordable.
Is an exchange plan a Medicaid plan?
No, exchange plans are not Medicaid plans, as they are designed for individuals who don't qualify for Medicaid or have employer-based coverage. If you're unsure about your eligibility, explore exchange plans as an alternative.
Do all states have health insurance exchanges?
Yes, all states have health insurance exchanges, but they may be run by the state, the federal government, or a partnership between the two. Each state's exchange offers marketplace coverage options for residents.
How much is health insurance a month for a single person in Nevada?
In Nevada, the average monthly cost of health insurance for a single person is $592 at full price or $103 with discounts. However, costs vary depending on plan tier, with Silver plans being $88 more than Bronze and Gold plans being $163 more than Silver.
Sources
- https://www.nevadahealthlink.com/sshix/
- https://www.reviewjournal.com/news/politics-and-government/nevada/open-enrollment-starts-for-nevadas-health-insurance-exchange-2668297/
- https://www.ktnv.com/news/the-silver-state-health-exchange-is-offering-fewer-benefits-for-health-insurance-in-2022
- https://www.nevadainsuranceenrollment.com/health-insurance/nevada-health-link/
- https://thisisreno.com/2021/10/silver-state-health-insurance-exchange-announces-approved-health-insurance-rates/
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