Nevada Residents: COVID-19 and Your Health Insurance Options
Due to concerns caused by the coronavirus (COVID-19), Nevada has just announced that there will be a Special Enrollment Period for uninsured residents who haven’t had health coverage in 2020 to sign up for health insurance through Nevada Health Link. You’ll be able to apply through May 15, 2020 so be sure to take advantage and enroll as soon as you can.
How Do I Sign Up?
You can begin the enrollment process online here and finish on the phone, or do the entire process over the phone by calling in at 1-800-547-2927 TTY 711.
Online
Complete a self-attestation document and upload to your documents section. You’ll then need to call the Customer Service Assistance Center to verbally complete the process at 1-800-547-2927 TTY 711. Call center representatives will verify and validate that there has been no prior enrollment during 2020, and review the approved document for approval. Keep in mind that Nevada Health Link processes documents at the end of each day, so you’ll be able to choose your plan the day after you upload your attestation doc.
Call In
If you do not upload your documents online, you can do things over the phone at 1-800-547-2927 TTY 711 and have your documents approved instantly.
Just note, since this Special Enrollment Period is only for people who are uninsured and haven’t had health insurance in 2020, you won’t be able to switch plans if you are already enrolled in a health plan. If you had signed up for an off exchange plan (one that was not purchased through Nevada Health Link) and you no longer have coverage, you’ll be able to sign up.
What is a Special Enrollment Period?
Each year you’re able to sign up for insurance for the coming year during a specific time called Open Enrollment Period, typically November 1st to mid-December. If you’re looking to sign up for insurance this is the only time you’re able to, unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.
To be eligible for a Special Enrollment Period, you’ll need proof of a qualifying life event, which is a major change to your lifestyle or household. Most eligible events cause you to lose your current health coverage.
Examples of regular qualifying life events include:
Losing job-based coverage
Having a baby
Getting married or divorced
Moving to a new zip code or county
Getting released from prison
Get the full list of common qualifying events here.
The COVID-19 Special Enrollment is different from a regular Special Enrollment Period because you do not need a qualifying event, you just need to be uninsured this year.
Coronavirus Coverage Information
Nevada Health Link has created a helpful hub with information on COVID-19 here.
It is also helpful to know that the Department of Health and Human Services announced that COVID-19 (Coronavirus) testing is covered as an essential health benefit. This means that if you have a qualified health insurance plan, Medicaid, or Medicare, the test is applied to your copays or deductible.
Want to learn more about coronavirus? Check out our COVID-19 Resource Guide for Independent Workers.