More Nevadans took a more hands-on approach to health insurance during this year’s open enrollment period, with state data showing a sharp rise in people who actively compared plans instead of automatically renewing coverage.
According to Nevada Health Link, its Open Enrollment Period for the 2026 plan year ended January 15 with 104,286 Nevadans enrolling in comprehensive health coverage through the state marketplace. That total includes the first year of the Battle Born State Plans, Nevada’s new public option.
State figures show 63,563 people actively shopped for coverage, a 32% increase from last year. Active shoppers are people who go online to review options or make changes to their existing plans.
Nearly 20% of enrollees also selected a dental plan. Another 2,930 people enrolled in a dental plan only, bringing the total number of people who signed up for coverage through the marketplace to 107,216.
The enrollment totals included 20,911 new enrollees and 42,652 active re-enrollees who returned to the marketplace to update or change their plans.
“This year, more than ever, we saw Nevadans come to the marketplace to actively update their information, compare options, and shop for plans, rather than just auto-renewing,” said Janel Davis, Executive Officer of Nevada Health Link. “Our expanded outreach and education efforts encouraged more people to engage with Nevada Health Link, and many who did were able to find meaningful savings on their monthly premiums.”
The Battle Born State Plans accounted for 10% of all enrollments, with 10,762 people selecting the new public option.
The plans are required to be available statewide and meet premium reduction targets aimed at lowering costs.
Combined with the state’s new market-wide reinsurance program, the plans expanded coverage options for people in rural areas.
Free enrollment assistance remained widely used during the enrollment period. About 70% of all enrollments were completed with help from certified brokers or navigators, and people who contacted the call center reported an average satisfaction rate of 94%.
While the enrollment window has closed, people who experience a qualifying life event may still be able to enroll through a special enrollment period.
