New insurer to offer health exchange plans in rural Nevada

Aug. 15--A health plan will be offered on Nevada's exchange in 14 rural counties that had lost their only carrier for the coming year.

Carriers Prominence and Anthem previously announced they would pull out of Nevada's exchange, creating what Gov. Brian Sandoval called a health care crisis in the rural counties.

Officials announced today that Missouri-based Centene Corp., also known as SilverSummit in Nevada, would offer an exchange plan in those counties.

"We can be proud that we have provided for everybody, regardless of where you live," Sandoval said during a news conference today.

More than 8,000 people previously covered would not have had an option on Nevada's exchange had Centene not stepped in.

Heather Korbulic, executive director of the Silver State Health Insurance Exchange, said both of the state's carriers, SilverSummit and Health Plan of Nevada, have shown commitment to Nevada.

"Despite the tumultuous several months at the exchange, we're focused on making our upcoming fifth enrollment period a success," she said.

Plan rates will be posted on Oct. 2, Korbulic said.

The more than 8,000 enrollees in the 14 rural counties will stay on their current plans until Dec. 31. They will be able to enroll in a SilverSummit plan between Nov. 1 and Dec. 15, during open enrollment.

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