CARSON CITY, Nev. (AP) — Nevadans have their homework cut out for them to prepare for implementation of federal health care reform and a requirement that everyone has health insurance beginning next year.
State officials Wednesday released approved rates for health insurance policies that will be offered on and off Nevada's health insurance exchange that begins enrollment Oct. 1 for coverage effective Jan. 1.
Four carriers are offering policies on the exchange for 2014. Coverage areas are broken into four regions — Clark and Nye counties; Washoe County; Carson City, Douglas, Lyon and Storey counties; and the rural areas encompassing Nevada's remaining 10 counties.
Only two carriers, Nevada Health Co-op and Anthem, are offering overall plans on the exchange in all four regions. The other carriers are Saint Mary's and Health Plan of Nevada, which exclude rural coverage.
Determining how much coverage will cost depends on where you live, how old you are and annual income.
For example, a 40-year-old in Clark or Washoe counties seeking a "silver" tiered plan will have a choice of 16 different policies offered on the exchange. In Clark County, the monthly premiums range from $237 to $307. In Washoe County, those premiums vary from $304 to $448.
There are fewer choices in other regions of the state.
A 40-year-old living in Carson City can choose from five options, with prices ranging from $363 to $458. In rural areas such as Elko, only two policies are offered, costing $455 or $475.