We all like freedom of choice. The freedom to do what we want, to choose where we live, to choose the kind of car to drive, and to choose where our kids go to school.

Right now, Nevadans have partial choice, thanks to federal laws that limit their options to in-state health plans only. Even if plans offered in other states are more affordable or a better fit, Nevadans cannot buy them.

If you walked into a casino and could only bet five specific numbers in Roulette, your odds of winning would be horrible. Unfortunately, that’s what shopping for health plans in Nevada looks like right now, there are lots of healthcare companies but of a select few are able to work in our state Nevadans will be paying too much for meaningful health coverage unless something is done about it.

The McCarran-Ferguson Act Hinders Access to Affordable Plans

The McCarran-Ferguson Act of 1945 is a federal law that gives each state the responsibility of regulating the insurance industry within their state. Keeping the federal government out of regulation is good. But limiting Nevadan’s ability to access other health plans by closing off more affordable options in other states is not.

While the Act is there to protect consumers, it hurts them. How? Because it prevents Nevadans from buying health insurance from other states – even if those plans are more affordable. It’s like walking into the grocery store and not being allowed to buy the items on sale.

Lack of Competition = Higher Prices

This is a simple case of supply and demand. Limiting competition within Nevada’s health insurance market leads to higher premiums. The fewer options there are, the easier it is for insurance companies to increase their rates.

And that means less money in the bank for hard-working Nevadans.

For instance, when you compare monthly health insurance rates with a Premium Tax Credit (a refundable tax credit designed to help low-to- moderate income individuals and families afford health insurance) applied – assuming a 40-year-old making $30,0000 per year – California’s rate is $53 per month but for Nevada its $70 a month. We are paying more than Californians- a whopping 32% higher.

Crossing State Lines for Better Healthcare Choices

More health plan options are better for you and your family. Its affordability and freedom of choice-stop the state government from getting in the way of affordable health insurance.

Increased competition drives down costs, gives consumers more options, and allows them to pick the right health plan that is best for them and their family. Because Nevadans are limited to just a handful of options in-state, being able to purchase insurance across state lines would create more competition. With increased competition comes lower costs, more plan options, and it gives consumers more control over their health care choices.