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- Public Option Health Plans — Battle Born State Plans (BBSPs)
Nevada got federal approval for a waiver to create public option plans under its ACA marketplace, called Battle Born State Plans.
These plans must offer the same benefits and cost-sharing as other plans on Nevada Health Link, but with premium reductions targets.
Premiums are required to be at least 15% lower than comparable exchange plans during the next five years.
The state projects modest net savings in premiums for 2026 (about 0.2% lower than without the waiver) with larger savings in future years.
- Reinsurance Program
Alongside the public option, a reinsurance program is starting in 2026 in Nevada.
Purpose: to help stabilize premiums in the individual market, especially for people whose plans don’t get large federal subsidies.
- Premium Increases — What to Expect
Proposed average rate hikes are significant:
Individual market: ~17.5% increase.
Small group / off-exchange plans: ~12.1% increase.
There are dozens of insurers offering many plan options: for example, 12 companies with about 210 individual plans (157 of which are on the Exchange) in 2026.
- Open Enrollment & Enrollment Support
Open Enrollment Period for plan year 2026 runs November 1, 2025 through January 15, 2026.
There is also a “window shopping” period beginning Oct 1, 2025. This allows people to look through plan options before they have to enroll.
Additional support is being expanded: the state has selected brokers, community organizations (“navigators”) etc., to help with outreach and enrollment.
- Affordability & Subsidies
With the public option plus reinsurance, Nevada expects to lower premiums across the board compared to what they would otherwise be, especially for those not highly subsidized.
Federal subsidies (from ACA) are still available through Nevada Health Link for qualifying individuals.
Things to Watch / Potential Challenges
Even with the new public option and reinsurance, premium increases in 2026 are steep. Those who pay unsubsidized premiums may still face significant cost burdens.
Insurers will need to hit the premium reduction targets; how well that works in practice remains to be seen.
The quality of provider networks and whether doctors/hospitals participate in the new BBSPs will matter a lot for access.
There may be confusion among consumers during open enrollment, especially with new plan types (BBSPs), new rate schedules, etc.
What This Means for Nevadans
More options to choose from, especially with the BBSPs.
If you qualify for subsidies, the new plans and programs could make insurance more affordable.
For people not eligible for large subsidies, expect to pay more but possibly less than you’d otherwise under previous premium trajectories.
It's smart to compare plans carefully during open enrollment (late 2025 / early 2026): what you pay (premium, deductible, co-pays), what doctors are in network, what benefits are included.
