Two health-plan options available for low-income Nevadans

CARSON CITY -- Low-income families that have signed up for a new state low-cost health insurance program for children will have the choice of two managed care plans in Clark County.

The state Division of Health Care Financing and Policy said Monday there are 1,941 children so far in Clark County approved for the program which starts Oct. 1. The families will be able to select Nevada Care or Health Plan of Nevada.

Division Administrator Chris Thompson said enrollment packages will be sent in the second week of September to the approved families. They must complete them, name their managed care organization and return them with the premiums.

Premiums will be anywhere from $10 to $50 per quarter depending on a family's income. Health care benefits include physician care, hospitalization, prescription drugs, vision and hearing care, X-rays and dental as well as other medically necessary services.

Thompson said an initial proposal to charge a co-payment for dental and vision services and prescription drugs has been dropped.

Families must return their packets by Sept. 25 to be eligible for the coverage by Oct. 1. Those who enroll after Sept. 25 will have to wait until Nov. 1.

Statewide there are an estimated 3,400 children approved for the program.

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