Nevada Health Link plans will see double-digit rate increases… again

Health care costs are continuing to rise.

Nevadans who get insurance through Nevada Health Link, the state-based Affordable Care Act marketplace, can expect to see an average rate increase of 17% for 2027 coverage. The Nevada Division of Insurance announced the approval of the rate increases last week.

It marks the second year of double-digit rate increases for Nevadans who secure their insurance through the state-based marketplace and not an employer, Medicaid, or Medicare.

Open enrollment will begin Nov. 1 and run through Jan. 15, 2027. In preparation, Nevadans can compare plan options and determine their eligibility for subsidies at NevadaHealthLink.com.

More than 100,000 Nevadans get health insurance through the marketplace. Most receive a federal tax credit that lowers their premium.

Nevada Health Authority (NVHA) representatives last month during a meeting of the Economic Forum said approximately 82% of 2026 enrollees received credits. While still a majority of enrolled consumers, that percentage is lower than it used to be after Republicans blocked Democratic efforts to extend existing premium discounts in late 2025.

NVHA said the average monthly out-of-pocket premium cost for Health Link plans in 2026 is $234 after subsidies and $659 before subsidies.

For 2027 coverage, 12 companies will offer 165 plans, both on and off the exchange, according to the Nevada DOI. This includes the state’s public-option, called Battle Born State Plans, which 1 in 10 marketplace enrollees have opted for.

Nationally, rates for ACA plans are expected to increase by 15% or higher, according to KFF.

Off-exchange rates will see an average rate change of 10.9%.

According to Marsh, a global professional services firm, employer health care costs are expected to rise 8.2% on average in 2027, “even after accounting for planned cost-reduction measures.” That’s the highest increase since 2003, the firm noted.

Last year, Nevada Health Link plan rates jumped 26%, driven by inflation and the expiration of the federal subsidies. State data shows 10% of consumers downgraded their plans — moving from their existing plan to a lower-premium one.

For example, approximately 9,100 consumers moved from a “silver” to a “bronze” plan for 2026 coverage, compared to 1,300 the prior year.

Silver and bronze plans make up the majority of plans selected by enrollees — 56% and 40%, respectively.

Insurance cancellations due to non-payment increased by 40% as of June 2026 compared to the prior year. That translates to about 13,000 individuals leaving the marketplace, or a 6% decline in enrollment.

Health officials are anticipating more people will drop off next year, potentially upwards of 12.5%. That, combined with new federal work requirements affecting Medicaid eligibility, are expected to lead to Nevada’s uninsured rate increasing.

But they are attempting to emphasize to the public the importance of staying insured.

“I remain very sensitive to the fact that once again rates are increasing. During this time of increased inflation, every dollar counts,” said Nevada Insurance Commissioner Ned Gaines. “I urge all Nevadans who purchase their health insurance on the Exchange to fully analyze each product offering to find the best option for you and to take advantage of all subsidies available. The cost of coverage can be high but the cost of not having coverage is potentially higher should you encounter an unexpected illness or injury.”