As Health Insurance Open Enrollment Period Begins, Nevada Division of Insurance Encourages Consumers to Cut Through the Clutter

Open Enrollment begins tomorrow and many Nevadans must make 2018 health insurance choices amid a barrage of news and opinions regarding healthcare. To help make the most informed decisions possible, the Nevada Division of Insurance encourages consumers to streamline their health insurance research process. First, determine which coverage option best fits their financial and health situation. Then, focus on information and updates specific to that category.

“Given the changes with our healthcare system consumers want to pick the product that best covers their medical and pharmaceutical needs. Losing their focus may cause consumers to pay more than intended overall for their health insurance coverage,” said Insurance Commissioner Barbara Richardson “As the open enrollment season begins, Nevada residents should thoroughly research coverage options to determine the best plan for themselves and their family members.”

Consumers are encouraged to visit the Division’s NV Insurance 101 website at  http://insurance101.nv.gov/ to learn more about what health insurance options are available for open enrollment, how to shop for health insurance, and other important topics such as:

•  The 2018 open enrollment period is now, Nov. 1 through Dec. 15, 2017. Coverage begins Jan. 1, 2018.
•  If you currently have coverage through the exchange and do not choose a plan for 2018, you will be re-enrolled in the same or a similar plan.

Nevada Health Link will be hosting an Open Enrollment Kick-Off event on November 1 to get Nevadans connected with in-person assistance to enroll in a 2018 health insurance plan. The event will take place at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center in Reno and at St. Rose Dominican Hospital, San Martin Campus in Las Vegas from noon to 7 p.m.

To avoid getting lost in the plethora of information about health insurance, the Division offers the following recommendations to help consumers rethink their research process:

1. Start early. The more information you gather, the smarter your decisions.

2.Stay abreast. The health insurance landscape is evolving rapidly. What is true today may be false tomorrow.

3. Shop around. What made sense this year may not be the best solution next year, particularly if your employment situation has changed. Take time to shop around.

 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 $14 billion insurance industry. The Division of Insurance has offices in Carson City and Las Vegas. In 2016, the Division investigated more than 3,200 consumer complaints and recovered nearly $5 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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