Nevada: NV Health Link reports 104.3K QHP selections during 2026 Open Enrollment, down 5.8% y/y

via NV Health Link:

104,286 Nevadans Enrolled in Health Insurance During 2026 Plan Year Open Enrollment

More Nevadans actively engaged in their health coverage this year, with 10% enrolled in the new public option, known as the Battle Born State Plans

CARSON CITY, Nev. – Nevada Health Link’s Open Enrollment Period for Plan Year 2026 concluded on January 15 with 104,286 Nevadans enrolling in comprehensive health coverage through the state-based marketplace, including the new Battle Born State Plans, which accounted for 10% of total enrollments. Of the 104,286, there were 63,563 Nevadans who actively shopped, showing a 32% increase in engagement of active enrollments from last year’s Open Enrollment.

104,286 Nevadans enrolled in health insurance plans through NevadaHealthLink.com, with nearly 20% also enrolling in a dental plan. Additionally, 2,930 individuals enrolled in a dental plan only, bringing a grand total of 107,216 enrolling in coverage through the marketplace. 20,911 were new enrollees to the marketplace, and 42,652 were active re-enrollees, meaning they went to NevadaHealthLink.com to either upgrade or make changes to their current plan.

By comparison, during the 2025 Open Enrollment Period (OEP), 110,687 NV residents selected plans, so that's a 5.8% drop in plan selections year over year.

As of December 27th, Nevada was only running 2.5% behind last year, which goes to my point about the WSJ massively jumping the gun with their declaration that the 2026 ACA enrollment drop was exaggerated.

“This year, more than ever, we saw Nevadans come to the marketplace to actively update their information, compare options, and shop for plans, rather than just auto-renewing, ” said Janel Davis, Executive Officer of Nevada Health Link. “Our expanded outreach and education efforts encouraged more people to engage with Nevada Health Link, and many who did were able to find meaningful savings on their monthly premiums.”

Nevada’s public option, known as the Battle Born State Plans (BBSPs), was offered on the marketplace for the first time this year. These plans are required to be available statewide and must meet specific premium reduction targets to help lower costs. Combined with Nevada’s new market wide reinsurance program, BBSPs expanded coverage options for rural Nevadans. In total, 10,762 Nevadans enrolled in a BBSP. Like all health plans offered through Nevada Health Link, BBSPs cover all ten essential health benefits, including hospitalization, doctor visits, emergency care, prescription drugs, and more.

Nevada Health Link’s free enrollment assistance continued to be one of the most valuable resources available to Nevadans seeking coverage. During the Open Enrollment Period, 70% of all enrollments were assisted by a Nevada Health Link certified brokers or navigators, who provide in-person and virtual support at no cost. These trained professionals offer expert guidance in multiple languages, helping individuals navigate their coverage options withconfidence. In addition, Nevadans who utilized the call center reported an average satisfaction rate of 94%.

While Open Enrollment has ended, those who experience a Qualifying Life Event (QLE), such as losing health insurance, getting married, having a child, or moving to a new service area, may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period within 60 days of the life event. For more information, call the customer support line at 1-800-547-2927 or visit NevadaHealthLink.com.