In an emergency, having health insurance can make the difference between a manageable medical bill and crippling debt.

Thousands of Nevadans are going without health coverage, and many say it's because they cannot afford it. The open enrollment period is here for Nevada Health Link.

According to Kaiser Family Foundation and New York Times survey, more than one in four Americans had trouble paying a recent medical bill. In fact, in 2018, 8.5 percent of Americans, or 27.5 million, did not have health insurance at any point during the year.

It's something that the Silver State Health Insurance Exchange hopes to change.

"Exchange plans are ideal for people who don't qualify for Medicaid or Medicare and still need financial assistance. We are the only state agency, the only entity that you can connect to to get that financial assistance," said Heather Korbulic, Executive Director for the Silver State Health Insurance Exchange.

This is the second year the Nevada Health Link is operating as state entity, and hopes to get more residents signed up to affordable health insurance, along with subsidies for those that cannot pay the costs.

"No one, regardless of age, income or health status should be without insurance," said Korbulic.

According to a report from the Guinn Center, Nevada has the sixth highest uninsured rate in the nation -- meaning more than one in ten Nevadans are uninsured.

"There are still over 100,000 eligible Nevadans without health insurance. 100,000 eligible Nevadans," said Governor Steve Sisolak.

There are a few changes to the Nevada Health Link this year, the first focusing on the pandemic.

"Importantly, they cover COVID-19 diagnosis and treatment, there is no need to purchase additional plans," said Korbulic.

Others include adding two new providers, Friday Health Plans and Selecthealth. There's also a rate increase of 4.2 percent, but few may see a change in their cost.

"The subsidies available for those getting financial assistance are increased too, so most of our consumers will see very minimal if any premium cost increases," said Korbulic.

"In the middle of a health crisis, the middle of a pandemic, I can't think of what's more important than having health insurance. For your piece of mind, for your families piece of mind, to address some of the stressors that so many of our families are dealing with right now because of this crisis," said Senator Catherine Cortez Masto.

All of the health plans offered include the ten essential health benefits outlined though the Affordable Care Act, including emergency services, hospitalization, maternity care, prescription drugs and more. It also has protections for per-existing conditions, at least for 2021.

On November 10th, the Supreme Court is set to hear a case against the ACA, and if struck down, these health benefits, including those for per-existing conditions, may also disappear.

"Protections for 135 million Americans with pre-existing conditions, those would be gutted. More than 20 million Americans will lose coverage," said Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford.

According to a study by 'Protect Our Care' over 1,200,000 Nevadans live with a pre-existing condition.

For more information or to contact the Nevada Health Link, you can click here.