Best Health Insurance Agencies in Reno

Frequently Asked Questions

• Introduction

  If you're looking for health insurance for yourself or your family, an agent can help you save time, understand your options, and manage your costs. Insurance agents must be licensed in the state where they operate. They can provide information about on- and off-exchange plans to help you weigh all of your options, and they can see if you qualify for tax credits that can lower your monthly premiums. There's no cost to work with an agent, and they can help you save quite a bit by recommending the best plan for your needs. Here's what you should know before you get started.
  

• When can someone in Reno qualify for health insurance subsidies?

  Individuals with household incomes between 139% and 400% of the federal poverty level may qualify for subsidies. To be able to obtain these subsidies, the insurance policies must be purchased in the Nevada Health Link, the state's official online insurance marketplace. An individual in Reno can qualify for Medicaid if their household income is 138% or less of the federal poverty level.

• Can you get Medicaid if you are an immigrant in Reno?

  Immigrants in Reno who have been in the country for at least five years and meet Medicaid requirements may be able to get coverage. There are groups of people who may be granted coverage in less than five years. These are humanitarian immigrants such as refugees and asylum seekers, members of military and veteran families, and children.

• Do you pay less monthly premiums if you pay higher out-of-pocket costs in a Reno health plan?

  Yes. Higher out-of-pocket expenses for a health plan in Reno usually translate into lower monthly premium prices. However, weigh the benefits of having savings in premiums versus paying large out-of-pocket expenses during serious accidents or illnesses. You can choose the type of out-of-pocket costs for your plan, which include coinsurance, deductible, and copays.

• Why should you be careful with Health Care Sharing Ministries in Reno?

  Plans from Health Care Sharing Ministries are not considered insurance and are therefore not regulated by the state insurance agency. HCSMs are religious organizations whose members share medical expenses according to their religious beliefs. Because of this, there can be no guarantee that claims can be paid. In addition, these plans are not required to comply with state requirements or the Affordable Care Act. Consumers in Reno should be aware that they may not have adequate coverage if they purchase such plans.

• Can you buy health insurance on your own in Reno?

  Yes, if you are self-employed or your employer does not provide health insurance, you can buy one for yourself at the Nevada Health Link. You can also purchase individual or family plans directly from private insurance companies in Reno. If you are unemployed, you may qualify for free or low-cost insurance through Nevada Medicaid.

• How can you find affordable health insurance? 

  Affordable insurance is available through employers, Medicare, Medicaid, and the federal Health Insurance Marketplace, which offers subsidies in the form of tax credits. You can also purchase coverage through private insurance companies and independent agents. Nearly half of all Americans have employer-sponsored health insurance, and about 10% of the population is uninsured.