You may have noticed: It’s November. And while we’re excited about the festivals, shows, and holiday cheer, the month also brings big decisions on health care enrollment and what a new service means for Nevada.
🖱️ When Is Open Enrollment?
People who live in Nevada can browse and purchase from among 140 health care plans through eight private carriers on Nevada Health Link between now and Jan. 15, 2026. You must enroll by Dec. 31 to have coverage effective Jan. 1, 2026. Otherwise, coverage starts Feb. 1, 2026.
This is separate from any insurance offered by your employer.
🩺 What are Battle Born Plans?
For the first time ever, Nevada is one of three states offering a public option to compete with private insurance. Battle Born State Plans meet the criteria for a “qualified” health plan, covering all 10 essential health benefits recognized by the Affordable Care Act, including hospitalization, doctor visits, emergency care, lab work, and prescription drugs.
🤔 How Are The Plans Different?
Sorry, it’s not free. But the Battle Born State Plans, established by lawmakers in 2021, requires premiums to reduce by 15 percent over the next four years. That’s comparable to other Nevada Health Link plans that could jump by more than 17 percent this year.
👍 Who Likes This?
The plans are a more affordable option for Nevadans who don’t have access to insurance through an employer or qualify for Medicaid or Medicare. This may include those who are self-employed, contract workers, or small business owners.
👎 Who Doesn’t Like This?
The health care industry resisted the idea from the beginning, especially brokers, who face lower fees and commissions. Some are even threatening to not offer the Battle Born plan altogether. (For the record, you don’t need a broker to sign up for a plan and you can ask questions to Insurance Navigators on Nevada Health Link who are not paid by commission.)
Gov. Lombardo isn’t a fan either, although he proposed and ushered in a reinsurance program (which is like insurance for insurance companies) that will ease the burden of high-cost claims and make the program more sustainable.
💰 What About Subsidies?
Like all plans under the Affordable Care Act umbrella, those offered by Nevada Health Link qualify for federal subsidies. Sounds great, but — some of those expire this year, prompting a political battle that’s led to the current government shutdown and confusion over exactly how much Washington will cover in 2026.
- As you can see, health care is confusing and complicated. So City Cast Las Vegas took a hard look at Nevada’s new public option to break down what Battle Born State Plans are all about. [City Cast Las Vegas 🎧]
