Open enrollment for the state-run health exchange is underway, and Tuesday, Dec. 15 is the last day to register for people who want coverage beginning January 1st. Reno Public Radio's Julia Ritchey has more details.
So far this year, more than 23,000 Nevadans have chosen insurance plans through Nevada Health Link.
"And over 8,000 of those are new consumers, who are people who did not choose exchange plans last year."
That's Bruce Gilbert, executive director of the Silver State Health Insurance Exchange, which runs the marketplace set up after the passage of the Affordable Care Act, also called Obamacare.
He says nearly 90 percent of those shopping for plans qualify for some subsidies to offset premiums.
Gilbert says the number of carriers on the exchange has dropped from five to three — mirroring a national consolidation trend in the industry.
Nevada still ranks high nationally for its number of uninsured residents. But, according to a Gallup poll last year, the rate has dropped significantly from 20 percent in 2013 to 15 percent in 2014.
"Nevada, which was one of the poorest states with regard to having its population insured ... has made tremendous strides in that regard. In fact, we had one of the largest reductions in the number of uninsured in the nation."
Last year, about 73,000 Nevadans registered for health insurance during open enrollment, which ends January 31st.
