CARSON CITY, Nev. – Nevada Health Link announces seven licensed brokers/agents selected for the Plan Year 2023 broker grant program, designed to decrease the uninsured rate in Nevada by working with consumer-facing certified enrollment agents/brokers to more effectively market to the uninsured and underinsured populations. NevadaHealthLink.com is the online health insurance marketplace operated by the Silver State Health Insurance Exchange (Exchange), connecting Nevadans to comprehensive and affordable health and dental plans.
Brokers/Agents were selected through an application process where they were required to outline in detail how the grant funds would be used for marketing, outreach and operational costs associated with storefront locations, with the goal of reaching the uninsured/underinsured populations and increasing enrollments. The grant’s performance period runs July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023.
“The Broker/Agent grant recipients plus the 600+ other boots on the ground brokers enrolling Nevadans in insurance have been critical to the success of the Exchange and reaching the uninsured/underinsured populations,” says Katie Charleson, Communications Officer at the Silver State Health Insurance Exchange. “Their daily communication with consumers helps the Exchange better understand the needs of Nevadans and the common barriers that prevent people from getting insured.”
The Broker/Agents awarded grants are:
- Gina Aguerre, NV Silver Life & Health – Reno, NV
- Patrick Casale, The Multicare Group – Las Vegas, NV
- Brian Douglas, Protect Health – Las Vegas, NV
- Brent Leavitt, Battle Born Financial Advisor & Health Insurance Brokerage – Las Vegas, NV
- Alberto Ochoa, Smart Buy Insurance Agency – Las Vegas, NV
- Shelly Rogers, Nevada Insurance Enrollment – Las Vegas, NV
- Aaron Ware, Aware Benefits – Reno, NV
“I am dedicated to making an impact by reducing the uninsured rate in Nevada and helping Nevadans find the right plans within their budget, while also raising awareness to the uninsured/underinsured populations about the Exchange and the resources available to them,” says first-time broker grantee Aaron Ware.
Going into the fifth year as a broker grantee, Brent Leavitt says, “We strive to make health insurance easy to understand and make sure everyone knows how affordable it can be. With so many choices and so many competing alternatives, it is important that we give everyone the best information and provide the best service possible.”
These grantees will receive funds to help them with marketing, outreach and enrollment efforts during the upcoming Open Enrollment Period (OEP) for Plan Year 2023 which will begin November 1, 2022 and run through January 15, 2023.
Since the Exchange introduced its Broker/Agent grant program in 2018, over 7,400 consumers have signed up for plans on The Exchange through broker grantees, enabling them to better reach and serve consumers statewide.
Navigators, In-Person Assisters (IPAs), and Exchange Enrollment Facilitators (EEFs), (including but not limited to: nonprofit organizations, community-based organizations, faith-based organizations, trade or labor unions, chambers of commerce, ranching or farming organizations, schools, school districts, Native American Tribes and City or County agencies) are selected every two years and will be invited to apply during next year’s application process.
Combined, these health insurance professionals and entities are instrumental in reaching more uninsured Nevadans and providing education and free in-person or over-the-phone assistance to those seeking to purchase affordable, qualified health plans (QHP). Nearly 9 in 10 Nevadans qualify for federal financial tax credits (subsidies) to help lower the cost of monthly premiums on any of 120+ QHPs to choose from.
“The resources provided by the broker grantee program from Nevada Health Link allow us to provide the tools and solutions at absolutely no cost to the consumers throughout the state,” says five-year broker grantee recipient Brian Douglas. “This helps us remain confident that we have educated consumers and provided them with everything they need to manage the health and well-being of themselves and their families.”
Those interested in purchasing insurance with the assistance of a Broker/Agent can call and make an appointment with these 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.
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ABOUT NEVADA HEALTH LINK:
NevadaHealthLink.com is the online insurance marketplace operated by the Silver State Health Insurance Exchange (Exchange), which was established per Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) in 2011 by the State of Nevada and began operations in 2013 on the belief that all Nevadans deserve access to health insurance. In 2019, the Exchange transitioned away from the federal marketplace, HealthCare.gov and became a fully operational State Based Exchange (SBE), in time for its seventh Open Enrollment Period (OEP). This is the fourth year Nevada Health Link is operating as a state based exchange. NevadaHealthLink.com connects eligible Nevada residents to budget-appropriate health and dental coverage and is the only place where qualifying consumers can receive federal tax credits to help cover premium costs. For more information or to see if you’re eligible, visit our website; subscribe to Nevada Health Link’s Blog and YouTube channel; like them on Facebook or follow on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok. Nevada Health Link always encourages consumers to use the free assistance of a licensed enrollment professional by calling 1-800-547-2927 or by visiting NevadaHealthLink.com.