Carson City, NV -
September 02, 2015The Nevada Division of Insurance has reviewed and approved 2016 health insurance rates for the individual and small group markets. Each carrier must receive approval from the Division of Insurance before marketing rates for an upcoming year.
The Division of Insurance is pleased to announce that there are notably lower percentage rate changes for 2016 health plans, and has observed a significant growth of covered lives in the individual insurance market since January 2014.
For 2016, small employers and their employees will experience a low 5 percent average increase, while consumers on the Nevada individual section of the Nevada Health Link (Exchange) will see an average increase of 8.7 percent. Those who purchase off the Exchange in the individual market will see a 9.6 percent increase.
“Nevadans benefit from a very competitive market with 18 different carriers competing annually.” said Acting Insurance Commissioner Amy Parks. “This market competition has served to keep rate increases low in the small group market, and has moderated rate changes in the individual market to below 10% for the last two years.”
The Division of Insurance along with nationally recognized actuarial consulting firms reviews each Nevada rate change for compliance with state and federal laws, ensuring that the rate is not excessive yet still adequate for the insurer’s ability to meet its financial obligations to the policyholder.
The Division of Insurance encourages every Nevada consumer to take advantage of the tools available to help them in selecting a health insurance plan. Consumers may view the rate filings with documentation supplied by the carrier on the Division of Insurance website at http://doi.nv.gov/Rate-Filings/. On October 2nd the Division of Insurance will be releasing the approved premium by plan to further assist consumers in making their 2016 coverage decisions. These approved rates will be posted on the Division of Insurance website at http://healthrates.doi.nv.gov/Wizard.aspx.
About the Nevada Division of Insurance
The State of Nevada Division of Insurance, a division of the Nevada Department of Business and Industry, protects the rights of Nevada consumers and regulates Nevada’s $11.9 billion insurance industry. The Division of Insurance has offices in Carson City and Las Vegas. In 2014, the Division investigated more than 2,800 consumer complaints and recovered nearly $4 million on behalf of consumers. For more information about the Division of Insurance, visit DOI.NV.GOV or download the Division’s smartphone app NDOI Connect today in the Apple App Store and Google Play.
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