MARCH 19 UPDATE:

Nevadans enrolled with the Public Employees Benefits Program (PEBP) will see significant rate increases for their health plans starting in 2027. The board approved premium changes at a meeting on Thursday.

Many Nevadans showed up to that meeting to express concerns, like Kevin Salls, a nine-year state employee.

"I don't know many people who have $1,100 extra disposable income handy to pay for health insurance every month, but if you do, board members, then I envy you," said Salls. "But what you're proposing is essentially a $13,000 pay cut."

The board for the program provided nine scenarios for health insurance rate premiums, which many commenters say went from bad to worse.

The PEBP board says it's forced to increase these premiums based on several issues with the current model. That includes the fast-rising costs of care, state funding failing to keep up with those costs, and funding running out.

Despite commenters pushing for the board to delay the increases, the board said it needed to act now.

"We're running out of time, and I think we have enough information that I'm not inclined to delay," said Board Chair Jim Wells.

The decision had to be made so the open enrollment period would not have to be shortened.

The increases will not only impact current state employees, but they will also change premiums for retired employees, both of which would struggle to make ends meet for several of the proposals.

"Our state employees and retirees can simply not afford a significant increase to their premiums like some of those proposed," said Tess Opferman, an AFSCME representative.

The board ended up passing a motion that adopts different scenarios for different plans and will be phased in over several years.

Two of the three base plans will see increases, which can range from a $68.39 a month increase to a $378.11 a month increase.

The increase will look different for everyone based on which plan they are on, and how many people are on a plan, meaning spouse and/or kids.

There is also an increase in out-of-pocket maximums to $1,000 a year,  as well as an increase in deductibles to $500 a year.

The board says this is necessary for PEBP to boost revenue and create a reserve in case of future budget shortfalls.

ORIGINAL ARTICLE (FEBRUARY 25):

The Nevada Public Employees Benefit Program board met Wednesday to discuss plan adjustments for the upcoming plan year.

The discussion included options for adjustments to monthly premiums, deductibles and the maximums for out-of-pocket costs for many state employees and retirees.

The board will make a final decision on the changes in March.

"Unfortunately, the health care costs affecting PEBP are not unique; we are seeing similar, unprecedented increases in inflationary costs across all health care markets right now,” said Stacie Weeks, Director of the Nevada Health Authority. “This is why we are exploring new ways of purchasing and providing coverage at the state level with national experts, including better options for our state employees and retirees."

You can submit public comments on the upcoming changes ahead of their March meeting on the PEBP website.