What the Affordable Care Act will mean for Nevada residents

By Andrew Doughman

Monday, Sept. 30, 2013 | 2 a.m.

President Barack Obama’s health care pitch to the nation pivots on the idea that affordable health insurance for all will make Nevadans healthier in the future.

Opponents decry the law as federal overreach that forces people to buy a private product, health insurance, and expands the size and scope of government.

The law could have a considerable impact in Nevada, which is No. 2 in the nation for the percent of its population that lacks health insurance. About 22 percent of Nevadans don’t have health insurance, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation.

Texas is No. 1 with 24 percent of its population lacking health insurance.

The Census Bureau says about 1 in 4 Nevadans lacks health insurance, an increase of 2 percent since 2008, when the economic recession hit Nevada.

About half will be eligible for Medicaid in Nevada, and an additional 36 percent will be eligible for subsidies on the Silver State Exchange, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation.

Individuals who earn less than $45,960 a year will be eligible to receive a subsidy from the government. (Here’s a tool you can use to see if you or your family would qualify.)

Consumers also can learn more about subsidies, requirements under the law and enrollment at nevadahealthlink.com or by calling 855-7-NVLINK (855-768-5465)