Contact: Yeraldin
Deavila, Public Information Officer
Phone: (775)
687-0772
E-mail: ydeavila@doi.nv.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE– October 31, 2017
AS HEALTH INSURANCE OPEN ENROLLMENT PERIOD BEGINS,
NEVADA DIVISION OF INSURANCE ENCOURAGES CONSUMERS TO CUT THROUGH THE
CLUTTER
Understanding
important changes in health insurance may reduce frustration and costly
mistakes
CARSON CITY, NV – Open Enrollment begins tomorrow and many Nevadans
must make 2018 health insurance choices amid a barrage of news and opinions
regarding healthcare. To help make the most informed decisions possible, the
Nevada Division of Insurance encourages consumers to streamline their health
insurance research process. First, determine which coverage option best fits
their financial and health situation. Then, focus on information and updates
specific to that category.
“Given the changes with our healthcare system consumers
want to pick the product that best covers their medical and pharmaceutical
needs. Losing their focus may cause consumers to pay more than intended overall
for their health insurance coverage,” said Insurance Commissioner Barbara
Richardson “As the open enrollment season begins, Nevada residents should
thoroughly research coverage options to determine the best plan for themselves
and their family members.”
Consumers are encouraged to visit
the Division’s NV Insurance 101 website at
http://insurance101.nv.gov/ to
learn more about what health insurance options are available for open
enrollment, how to shop for health insurance, and other important topics such
as:
- The
2018 open enrollment period is now, Nov. 1 through Dec. 15, 2017. Coverage
begins Jan. 1, 2018.
- If you
currently have coverage through the exchange and do not choose a plan for
2018, you will be re-enrolled in the same or a similar plan.
Nevada Health Link will be
hosting an Open Enrollment Kick-Off event on November 1 to get Nevadans
connected with in-person assistance to enroll in a 2018 health insurance plan.
The event will take place at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center in Reno and at
St. Rose Dominican Hospital, San Martin Campus in Las Vegas from noon to 7 p.m.
To avoid getting lost in the plethora of information about
health insurance, the Division offers the following recommendations to help
consumers rethink their research process:
1. Start early. The more information you gather, the smarter
your decisions.
2. Stay abreast. The health insurance
landscape is evolving rapidly. What is true today may be false tomorrow.
3. Shop around. What made sense this year
may not be the best solution next year, particularly if your employment
situation has changed. Take time to shop around.
About the Nevada Division of Insurance
The State of Nevada Division of
Insurance, a Division of the Nevada Department of Business and Industry,
protects the rights of Nevada consumers and regulates Nevada’s $14 billion
insurance industry. The Division of Insurance has offices in Carson City and
Las Vegas. In 2016, the Division investigated more than 3,200 consumer
complaints and recovered nearly $5 million on behalf of consumers. For more
information about the Division of Insurance, visit DOI.NV.GOV or download the
Division’s smartphone app NDOI Connect today in the Apple App Store and Google
Play.
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