John Locher / Associated Press, File Photo
This Nov. 13, 2014, photo shows people near an insurance store for Nevada Health Link at the Boulevard Mall in Las Vegas.
Saturday, April 4, 2020 | 2 a.m.
The coronavirus pandemic has brought on a new level of vulnerability for Americans who lack health insurance. But fortunately for Nevadans who are uninsured or underinsured, coverage through the Affordable Care Act is still available.
The Silver State Health Exchange, which operates Nevada’s ACA marketplace, has established a special enrollment period through April 15 for Nevadans who missed the open enrollment period last fall.
Meanwhile, the exchange is open — as always — to individuals who lose their jobs and their employer-provided insurance benefits. Under federal law, those Americans are eligible for ACA coverage if they apply within 60 days of becoming unemployed.
That’s why state officials are encouraging anyone without insurance to visit the Silver State Health Exchange’s online marketplace, Nevada Health Link, to see if they’re qualified, regardless of whether they just lost their coverage or have been uninsured for some time. They also stress that the marketplace is open to individuals with so-called “skinny” coverage — short-term plans that don’t cover a broad range of services and often don’t provide for preexisting conditions.
As Nevada Health Link director Heather Korbulic wrote in a column for the Sun, the exchange’s plans provide 10 essential health benefits mandated by the ACA — hospitalization, prescription drugs, lab services and emergency services among them. Individuals with preexisting conditions are protected and cannot be denied coverage because of their medical circumstances.
Another plus: Over 80% of consumers who purchase plans through the exchange qualify for subsidies to offset the cost of their coverage.
Health experts say that when the uninsured rate falls, everyone benefits. One reason is that individuals with health insurance tend to obtain preventative care and early treatment for illnesses, which helps stop the spread of diseases.
That’s especially important right now.
For those wishing to apply for coverage or ask questions, visit nevadahealthlink.com or call 1-800-547-2927.
