New Special Enrollment Period
Every year, individuals and families enroll in or renew their coverage during the Open Enrollment period. The deadline to enroll was between November 1st and December 15th. Due to special circumstances, some Nevadans qualify for a new Special Enrollment Period to enroll in coverage starting February 1st or March 1st. The Nevada Division of Insurance recently approved a new Special Enrollment Period for qualifying consumers. If your insurance carrier left Nevada’s insurance market after 2017, you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. At the end of 2017, 5 insurance carriers left the Individual and Family Market. These 5 insurance carriers are Prominence, Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Golden Rule, and Sierra Health and Life. Because Sierra Health and Life members in Clark County still have available plan options, they do not qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.
Insurance Company Availability
Washoe County has 3 total insurance companies available for individuals and families, while other counties vary. Insured residents in Carson City have 2 insurance companies available in 2018. Clark County consumers have the option of 4 total insurance companies. In 2018, the Rural Counties of Nevada will have only 1 option in the Individual and Family Market. As a result, Nevadans are left with limited options in 2018.
Enrollment Process
Consumers will need to satisfy a few requirements to enroll. To prove your loss of coverage, the application requires special documentation from your previous insurance carrier. To satisfy this requirement, consumers will submit their termination letter or Certificate of Creditable Coverage from their previous insurance plan. In addition to this requirement, the initial premium needs to be paid timely. The deadline to enroll in coverage starting February 1st is at the end of January on the 31st. The deadline to enroll in coverage starting March 1st is at the end of February on the 28th. Some insurance carriers will accept electronic applications whereas some require paper enrollment forms. Due to these complicated enrollment procedures, we recommend you consult one of our local brokers.
Find out more about a health insurance broker.
This new Special Enrollment period does not apply to consumers enrolled in Medicare or employer coverages. In addition, this Special Enrollment Period does not affect consumers enrolled in Medicaid. If you want to asses your health insurance options, please give us a call at (775) 828-1216. One of our licensed brokers will assist you with your eligibility at no cost to you. Our office also does group health insurance quotes for health insurance small business plans.
