There are important purchases that millions of Americans make this holiday shopping season. Health insurance. In most states, including Nevada, the Open Enrollment Period (OEP) is from November 1st to January 15th. Last year, more than 100,000 Nevadaans enrolled in a Nevada Health Link health insurance plan. This is a record number of registrations in the state.
Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) subsidies that have made health insurance more affordable have boosted enrollment, but Nevada Health Link, a Nevada-based exchange (SBE), is similarly affected. There is power. States with SBEs offer distinct advantages to both states and consumers. This includes flexibility, affordability, autonomy, and access to critical data that makes your marketing campaigns more effective. Nevada made his switch in 2019. As Executive Director of Nevada Health Link at the time, he was proud to be a part of this transition.
States that operate their own SBEs have much more flexibility in implementing policy and program goals than federal markets. For example, SBE states can create programs that address the unique needs of their residents rather than being strictly bound by federal policy. SBE states may also set their own user fees and rules regarding special and annual registration periods. This flexibility allows SBE to be more responsive and agile when implementing policies that respond to federal changes (such as ARPA subsidies).
SBE states can also operate at a lower cost than Healthcare.gov, which charges operating costs to the state. These charges are inevitably passed on to consumers in the federal market in the form of higher premiums. States with SBEs can set their own rates for insurance companies, thus lowering insurance premiums. Additionally, healthcare marketplace technology and software have evolved over the years and become less expensive. This allowed the state to spend more efficiently.
Look at Nevada as an example.The move to a new website for consumers to shop and compare plans has largely saved the state $4 million Only in 2021.
In addition, by accessing and utilizing data provided only through state-based exchange platforms, Nevada will be able to reach populations that are difficult to reach with targeted messages, partner with navigator entities, and register We were able to raise awareness of both the duration and the availability of grants. Kaiser Family FoundationStates operating on federal platforms run targeted marketing campaigns due to a lack of meaningful and time-sensitive data from FFM, which is often the backbone of impactful campaigns. I find it difficult, if not impossible, to do so.
Nevada will continue to leverage enrollment and market data this year to reach 10.6% of Nevada residents in Nevada. uninsured, backed by the many benefits SBE brings to the table. Enabling people to get and maintain health insurance is good for the economy and good for the health and well-being of families, friends and communities.
Since the beginning of the pandemic, the health policy landscape has changed significantly. But one thing about him during this open registration period is certain. The state knows its constituents best, and SBE helps ensure that residents have access to affordable health insurance.
Heather Korbulic is Senior Policy and Strategy Leader at GetInsured, working with local, state, and federal healthcare policy leaders to develop strategies for technology-driven improvements in healthcare and other public benefit delivery. is being formulated. She was previously Executive Director of She Silver State Health Insurance Exchange, the health insurance marketplace in Nevada.
