Website established for Nevada's Public Option

Today, the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) announces the publication of a website to provide updates on Nevada’s Public Option legislation.

Information on background, goals, meetings and contact information can be found at DHHS.nv.gov/PublicOption.

This qualified health plan has a target launch date of January 2026 and is the result of Nevada Senate Bill 420, which was signed into law by Governor Steve Sisolak on June 9, 2021. Nevada is one of the first states in the nation to work toward a public option.

“Improving the health of all Nevadans is a goal we all share and to reach that end we are taking bold and innovative steps,” said Governor Sisolak. “I look forward to a robust discussion on Nevada’s Public Option and leveraging all of our federal, state and private resources.”

The legislation brings together DHHS, the Commissioner of Insurance, and the Executive Director of the Silver State Health Insurance Exchange to design, establish and operate the health plan.

Goals include:
• Leveraging state purchasing power to lower premiums and costs for health care for all Nevadans.
• Improving access and reducing disparities related to the quality of care and outcomes for historically marginalized communities.
• Increasing competition to improve the availability of coverage for rural Nevadans.
• Promoting value-based health care financing.

More information can be found on the website, DHHS.nv.gov/PublicOption or via email at NVPublicOption@dhhs.nv.gov.