CARSON CITY - Division of Welfare and Supportive Services (DWSS) The open enrollment period for subsidized health insurance, available through Nevada Health Link, began Nov. 15. This enrollment period ends Feb. 15, 2015. While there is no enrollment period for Nevada Medicaid, changes to the Medicaid application process will be implemented as a result of changes that have been developed to provide an efficient enrollment experience for those applying for either subsidized private insurance, Medicaid, Nevada Check Up or a combination of these services.
The most efficient way to apply for any of these programs is to complete an electronic application. The application can be accessed at either the DWSS website, https://dwss.nv.gov/, or the Nevada Health Link web site, https://www.nevadahealthlink.com/. A screener tool, available on either site, will help determine if the applicant may be eligible for Medicaid/Nevada Check Up or if they may be eligible to purchase coverage through Nevada Health Link. Some families may find that some household members are eligible for Medicaid and others need to purchase insurance through the Nevada Health Link. Once the screener has identified the appropriate program(s), the applicant will be directed to the appropriate application link(s). A paper application is also available from either site with instructions regarding filing the application. Both web sites also have information regarding getting help with the application process in person.
DWSS has also implemented a new and robust call center to help facilitate enrollment and answer Medicaid and welfare related questions. Over 500 lines will be available to callers and the new system includes a feature that will allow the caller to hang up and wait for a call back from a customer service agent while retaining their place in line. If the call volume exceeds call center capacity calls will be routed to district office staff until the call volume can again be managed by call center staff. The call center can be reached at either (702) 486-1646 or (775) 684-7200.
"We are ready for the new process to begin," stated Steve Fisher, Administrator of the Division of Welfare and Supportive Services. "DWSS staff and our partners Deloitte and the Nevada Health Link have done an incredible amount of work to create, test and implement the system that will handle the enrollment activity beginning Nov. 15. I am extremely proud of the work they have done and anticipate a much smoother process this year."
Since Jan. 1, 2014 Nevada Medicaid is serving nearly 300,000 previously uninsured Nevadans who experienced great difficulty in accessing health care services without Medicaid. In addition, families and individuals whose income is above 100 percent of the federal poverty level but below 400 percent of the federal poverty level and who are ineligible for Medicaid may be eligible for advance premium tax credits or other medical assistance programs to help make health insurance affordable. Individuals may apply for these programs beginning Nov. 15, but will not actually receive the benefit or coverage until Jan. 1, 2015. For more information regarding the advance premium tax credits or to shop for and enroll into an income-based health insurance plan, log on to the Nevada Health Link web site at https://www.nevadahealthlink.com/ or call 855-7-NVLINK (855-768-5465)[[In-content Ad]]
