(Sean Whaley/Nevada News Bureau) – The Nevada Division of Insurance (NVDOI) is seeking public input on what should be included in Nevada’s essential health benefits plan required under the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
Gov. Brian Sandoval will ultimately decide which of 10 existing health insurance plans now offered in Nevada will be used to determine the essential benefits that will be required in all individual and small group health insurance plans starting on Jan. 1, 2014.
The ACA requires health insurance policies offered in the individual and small group markets, both inside and outside of the Silver State Health Insurance Exchange, to offer a comprehensive package of items and services, known as essential health benefits.
Ten categories of items and services are required for the state’s essential benefits plan: ambulatory patient services; emergency services; hospitalization; maternity and newborn care; mental health and substance use disorder services, including behavioral health treatment; prescription drugs; rehabilitative and habilitative services and devices; laboratory services; preventive and wellness services and chronic disease management; and pediatric services, including oral and vision care.
With some variations, the 10 plans available in Nevada now are fairly comparable in what they offer in these required categories, said Adam Plain, insurance regulation liaison for Division of Insurance.
But the plans differ in what additional services and benefits they offer. A plan might cover chiropractic treatments or hearing aids as well, he said. Another may not.