Silver State Health Insurance Exchange enrollment open

Open enrollment through the Silver State Health Insurance Exchange for 2017 is now open.

Residents have until January 31 to obtain budget-appropriate coverage by logging on to the Nevada Health Link at www.nevadahealthlink.com. The link is an online marketplace that offers Nevadans access to convenient, free health care coverage assistance.

Residents who are not covered are urged to do so by the cut-off date, even with the program’s uncertainty after the change of presidency goes into effect.

“While there are discussions about our new president-elect’s motives regarding the Affordable Care Act, we want to remind Nevadans that the importance of being properly covered by health insurance remains the same,” said Heather Korbulic, executive director of the Silver State Health Insurance Exchange. “Not only is it far too early to tell what will happen to state-based exchanges, but such substantive change will require legislative action and approval. We are prepared to work with state and federal lawmakers as the future of affordable health care insurance is re-examined, and in the meantime, are at the ready to assist Nevadans with their health coverage needs.”

If applicants want to be covered before that start of the new year, they must sign up by Dec. 15.

“In order to have health coverage starting on January 1, 2017, Nevadans must complete their enrollment application by December 15,” Korbulic said. “Open enrollment is also an opportunity for residents who currently have Exchange-based health insurance to shop for new plans that might better fit their circumstances and their families’ needs, which could result in a decrease in their average monthly insurance costs.”

Last year’s open enrollment campaign saw record-breaking numbers, increasing the number of enrolled residents by nearly 20 percent compared to 2015.