CARSON CITY, Nev. – Nevada Health Link is excited to announce seven licensed brokers/agents and seven navigator/assister entities were selected for the Plan Year 2024 Broker and Navigator/Assister Award programs. Each broker and navigator/assister organization was selected through an application process in which they were required to outline how they would use funding for marketing, outreach and operational costs associated with storefront locations, with the goal of reaching the uninsured/underinsured populations and increasing enrollments for the upcoming Open Enrollment Period (OEP).
The award performance period runs July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024 for brokers and runs every two years for navigators/assisters. The awards allow selected brokers, agents and navigator/assister entities access to funds to help amplify marketing, outreach and enrollment efforts during open enrollment for Plan Year 2024 which will begin November 1, 2023, and run through January 15, 2024.
“The dedicated Broker and Navigator Award Programs plays a critical role in our enrollment efforts, especially during the largest enrollment time of year: Open Enrollment, which begins November 1,” said Katie Charleson, Communications Officer of Nevada Health Link. “We are confident that the selected brokers, agents, navigators, and assisters will be pivotal in helping us achieve our goal of getting more Nevadans enrolled in health insurance. Their knowledge, dedication and commitment to providing exceptional customer service will undoubtedly benefit the residents of Nevada as they navigate their health insurance options and as we work to reach the uninsured population.”
Plan Year 2024 Broker/Agent awardees:
-
Aware Benefits: Aaron Ware – Reno, NV
-
MG Insurance Agency: Marine Ghykasian – Las Vegas, NV
-
Nevada Silver Life & Health: Gina Aguerre & John Collier – Reno, NV
-
Prestige Benefits: Bo Shih – Las Vegas, NV
-
ProtectHealth: Brian Douglas – Las Vegas, NV
-
Smart Buy Insurance Agency: Alberto Ochoa – Las Vegas, NV & Sparks, NV
-
Superior Benefits: Jennifer Lorenz – Las Vegas, NV
Plan Year 2024 Navigator organizations:
-
Access to Healthcare Network
-
Asian Community Development Council (ACDC)
-
Asian Community Resource Center (ACRC)
-
Dignity Health St. Rose Dominican Hospital
-
Nevada Health Centers
-
R.E.A.C.H. Salvando de Salud
-
The Center
“Our agency is honored to be a recipient of the Plan Year 2024 Broker/Agent Award from Nevada Health Link for the sixth consecutive year,” said Brian Douglas, Owner and CEO of ProtectHealth Insurance Agency. “Our commitment to amplifying enrollment efforts through dedicated marketing, outreach, and exceptional service reflects our mission to guide and support Nevadans in making informed health insurance choices. We are proud to contribute to the goal of extending coverage to the uninsured and underinsured populations, ensuring a healthier future for all residents of Nevada.”
Since the Exchange’s Broker/Agent award program came about in 2018, the program has seen significant changes and growth to both the overall program and budget allowing there to be two additional award recipients this year, enabling Nevada Health Link to reach and serve more consumers statewide than ever before.
While navigator/assister organizations are licensed, they are not employed by private insurance brokers and are not appointed directly with insurance carriers. Navigators and assisters are primarily responsible for outreach, education and enrollment for Nevada’s uninsured and underinsured populations and are able to present the various options that are available to them on NevadaHealthLink.com. Navigators/Assisters are also able to answer enrollment questions, give unbiased explanations of the affordable health insurance plans that Nevada Health Link offers and provide enrollment assistance.
“We take great pride in our involvement and partnership with Nevada Health Link and are excited to be part of the Navigator and Assister Program for another year,” said Marc Matsuo of Asian Community Resource Center. “We look forward to continuing to help educate Nevadans across our community so that each and every consumer is able to make an informed decision on their choice in health coverage.”
Combined, these health insurance enrollment professionals are instrumental in reaching uninsured Nevadans and providing education and free in-person or over-the-phone assistance to those seeking to purchase affordable, qualified health plans (QHPs). Nearly 9 in 10 Nevadans qualify for federal financial tax credits (subsidies) to help lower the cost of monthly premiums on any of 150+ QHPs to choose from.
Nevadans interested in enrolling in insurance with the assistance of a Broker/Agent or a Navigator/Assister can call and make an appointment with these certified professionals at any time and consumers who plan on shopping or re-enrolling in the Marketplace are encouraged to start their research and planning process early. For more information about free enrollment assistance or to find a nearby enrollment location, call 1-800-547-2927 or visit NevadaHealthLink.com.
###
ABOUT NEVADA HEALTH LINK
NevadaHealthLink.com is Nevada’s online health insurance marketplace for qualified and affordable health plans. NevadaHealthLink.com is operated by the state agency, the Silver State Health Insurance Exchange, and is the only place where qualifying consumers can receive federal tax credits to help lower the costs of monthly premiums. The state-based marketplace offers over 160 different plan options across seven health insurance carriers. Nevada Health Link also partners with multiple dental carriers and offers vision plans through VSP. Nevada Health Link is ideal for those who do not qualify for Medicare or Medicaid and do not have employer-sponsored health insurance. Open Enrollment Period runs from November 1 through January 15. Outside of the Open Enrollment Period, Nevadans who have experienced a Qualifying Life Event (QLE) such as loss of insurance (including Medicaid determinations), getting married or divorced, moving or having a baby, can qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. For Nevadans who are not renewed for Medicaid benefits during the redetermination process, qualifying accounts will automatically be transferred to Nevada Health Link. For more information, visit NevadaHealthLink.com; subscribe to Nevada Health Link’s YouTube channel; like us on Facebook or follow on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok. Nevada Health Link encourages consumers to use the free assistance of a licensed enrollment professional by calling 1-800-547-2927 or by visiting NevadaHealthLink.com.
