Nevada's health insurance marketplace sees growth since inception and new public plan

Nevada Health Link, the state's insurance marketplace under the Affordable Care Act, saw 104,286 people sign up during the enrollment period ending Jan. 15, with 10 percent of those enrolled in a new public option known as Battle Born State Plans, according to a news release from the organization.

"Of the 104,286, there were 63,563 Nevadans who actively shopped, showing a 32 percent increase in engagement of active enrollments from last year's open enrollment," the release said. "104,286 Nevadans enrolled in health insurance plans through NevadaHealthLink.com, with nearly 20 percent also enrolling in a dental plan. Additionally, 2,930 individuals enrolled in a dental plan only, bringing a grand total of 107,216 enrolling in coverage through the marketplace."

Nevada's new public option was offered for the first time this year.

"These plans are required to be available statewide and must meet specific premium reduction targets to help lower costs," according to the release. "In total, 10,762 Nevadans enrolled in a BBSP. Like all health plans offered through Nevada Health Link, BBSPs cover all 10 essential health benefits, including hospitalization, doctor visits, emergency care, prescription drugs and more."

2026 enrollment represented an approximately 5.8 percent drop from 2025. That year was the exchange's "most successful to date, with 110,687 Nevadans enrolling in health coverage," according to a June 17 report from Silver State Health Insurance Exchange.

2026 enrollment is still significantly above enrollment when the marketplace started in 2013, according to Katie Charleson, communications officer for the Nevada Health Authority Division of Consumer Health Services.

A Q&A with Charleson is below.

Can you provide a brief history of Nevada Health Link, its genesis in what's known as Obamacare and how many people enrolled when it first started?

Nevada Health Link is Nevada's official health insurance marketplace, offering qualified and affordable health plans to residents across the state. Operated by the Division of Consumer Health Services under the Nevada Health Authority, NevadaHealthLink.com is the only platform where eligible Nevadans can access federal tax credits that help lower the cost of monthly premiums.

Nevada Health Link was established in 2013 after the Affordable Care Act was signed into law in 2010. Nevada Health Link became a fully operational state-based marketplace in 2019 and has since played a key role in providing Nevadans with comprehensive and cost-effective insurance options.

In its first year of operation, the marketplace had just 50 plans and enrolled 36,800 Nevadans.

What does the data for the 2026 enrollment period tell you about changing healthcare needs in the state?

Data from the 2026 open enrollment period highlights evolving health care needs in Nevada and underscores the continued importance of marketplace coverage for residents statewide. More than 107,000 Nevadans enrolled in qualified health and dental plans, marking the second-highest enrollment period in the marketplace's history and demonstrating strong demand for accessible health insurance options.

The figures reflect that Nevadans are actively prioritizing their health and taking greater ownership of their coverage decisions, even amid ongoing affordability challenges. While premiums can feel costly, the financial risks of going uninsured remain significantly higher, as a single illness or injury can result in substantial medical debt, whereas coverage offers both protection and peace of mind.

Despite the reduction in available subsidies, 8 in 10 Nevadans still qualified for financial assistance during this enrollment cycle, reinforcing the marketplace's role as a critical support system for affordable care. There was also a 32 percent increase this year in Nevadans who actively shopped for health insurance, rather than just auto-reenrolling. And those that did saw significant savings, an average of over $280 a month. This tells us that Nevadans want and need to stay insured.

A debate about subsidy extensions occurred during last year's government shutdown. Could you explain the importance of these subsidies? Has the issue been resolved?

The Enhanced Premium Tax Credits (EPTC) that were passed by the federal government in 2021 expired on Dec. 31. These tax credits were made available by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and extended through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which were meant to provide relief in the wake of the public health emergency. Since their expiration, they have returned to their pre-pandemic thresholds. Even without these tax credits, Nevada Health Link still offers competitive pricing from trusted carriers, consumer protections, such as guaranteed coverage for pre-existing conditions (and) all ACA essential health benefits (like ER visits, prescriptions and mental health).

The temporary enhancements expired, but premium tax credits are not going away. It is estimated that about 8 in 10 consumers qualified for tax credits for plan year 2026 to help lower monthly premiums based on income, household size and plan selection.

Could you provide a brief history of the BBSPs and your expectations for them going forward, especially how they can help rural Nevadans?

Established during the 2021 legislative session, Battle Born State Plans (BBSPs) were introduced as a new health insurance option for Nevadans this open enrollment period, designed to lower premiums over time while maintaining full compliance with Affordable Care Act requirements and consumer protections. These plans include the same essential health benefits as other qualified health plans and adhere to all applicable state and federal regulations, while remaining available to all residents regardless of income.

Thanks to Gov. Lombardo's Market Stabilization Program, the federal savings from the BBSPs support a new market-wide reinsurance program beginning in 2026 that will also support lower premium costs for Nevadans. Combined, both programs represent a state-level approach to increasing affordability and competition within the marketplace.

By requiring availability across every region of the state, BBSPs have expanded access to affordable insurance choices, particularly for rural communities that have historically faced limited plan options. For many enrollees, BBSPs emerged as the lowest-cost coverage option, and looking ahead, they are expected to continue strengthening competition, broadening access and supporting more stable and affordable coverage for Nevadans statewide, with especially meaningful impact for those living in rural areas.

Anything you'd like to add?

For those who are still in need of health and dental insurance, Nevada Health Link offers special enrollment periods year-round. If you have recently experienced a qualifying life event, such as losing health insurance, getting married, having a child or moving to a new service area, you may qualify for enrollment. For information, go to NevadaHealthLink.com or call 1-800-547-2927.