Nobody likes to be forced to do something. Sure, when you’re a kid forced to eat your veggies or go to bed hungry, you don’t have much say in the matter. Health insurance plans in Nevada are similar. Cash-strapped households are being forced to pay higher premiums for policies they don’t need. This is because of specific mandates set by the Nevada state government.

There’s a common-sense solution here, and you DO have a say. Health insurance can be more affordable. How? By allowing consumers to choose mandate-light or limited-benefits policies

A mandate-light health policy is a type of health insurance plan. A plan that includes fewer mandatory coverage requirements than a standard policy. It makes it easier for low-income individuals and households to buy a health plan with coverage more suited to their specific needs and budget.

Specific Mandates Force Unnecessary Coverage

Nevada has 49 coverage mandate problems for low-income Nevadans, but savings ain’t one…

Nevada has specific state-mandated benefits that require insurance plans to cover services many people may not need. There are currently 49 mandates. They require services like preventative screenings and different types of therapies. They also include coverage mandates for treatments for medical conditions that don’t apply to everyone. These types of mandates force consumers to purchase more coverage than they may need or want. This drives up costs and makes health insurance less affordable.

Mandate-light Policies Make Coverage Affordable

Mandate-light and limited-benefit policies would provide more affordable options for Nevadans. These policies include fewer mandatory coverage requirements than standard policies. Less unnecessary coverage means lower premiums. They offer just the right amount of coverage at prices that fit younger people’s budgets. Low-income households can use the savings for other necessities because they don’t have the restrictive mandates or the requirements to purchase plans with coverage they will never use. Other necessities like childcare matter to single parents, because Nevada ranks as the most expensive state for childcare costs.

Flexible Policies Open the Door to Better Coverage

Flexible health policies open the door to better health coverage for Nevadans. Policies like mandate-light and limited-benefit policies. They help low-income households avoid low‐quality, public assistance programs. Programs like Medicaid. Instead, they can use their money to purchase higher‐quality private coverage specific to their needs. No more wasting money on unnecessary, mandated coverages that do nothing for them. Or on programs like Medicaid that keep them in a cycle of dependency. The savings means they get better value and coverage for the money they spend. 

You Can Make a Difference 

Want to make a difference in the lives of other Nevadans? Visit Nevada Policy’s Action Center and join other Nevadans voicing their concerns to elected officials. Your voice CAN make a difference. Voice your support for reforms that allow the sale of mandate-light or limited-benefits policies in Nevada. They can give low-income families access to more affordable health insurance options.