New Study: Number Of Uninsured Nevadans, Out-Of-Pocket Spending Would Decrease Under Enhanced ACA

CARSON CITY, Nev. – As some Nevada lawmakers continue to push for the creation of an unaffordable, new state government-controlled health insurance system known as the state government option, a new study by KNG Health Consulting reveals that the number of uninsured Americans would fall significantly under an enhanced Affordable Care Act (ACA) model – providing evidence to support improving the ACA as an effective means for increasing access to affordable, high-quality health coverage and care.

The study, which was supported by the Partnership for America’s Health Care Future, estimates the effects of select ACA enhancements, including provisions similar to those in the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). It finds that roughly 8.1 million (30 percent) and 9.6 million (34 percent) fewer people nationwide will be uninsured after the ACA enhancements in 2023 and 2032, respectively.

Key findings include:

  • Roughly 8.1 million (30 percent) and 9.6 million (34 percent) fewer people will be uninsured after the ACA enhancements in 2023 and 2032, respectively. 
  • While ESI would remain the predominant source of coverage, the Marketplace would see significant growth in enrollment, because of take-up by those previously covered by ESI or uninsured. The reductions in the ESI market are, in part, due to fixing the family glitch.  
  • With ACA enhancements, the total out-of-pocket spending decreases for each income group, apart from those in the highest income category. 
  • Under the enhanced ACA, spending for hospital care would remain relatively unchanged, although more people would receive services. 
  • Any increase in government spending from the ACA enhancements is predominantly going to low-income individuals and families that newly enroll in a Marketplace plan.

The Nevada state government option proposal comes as the federal government rolls out “the biggest expansion of federal help forhealthinsurance since the Obama-era AffordableCareAct,” and Nevada’s Silver State Health Insurance Exchange is increasing subsidies to help make coverage more affordable. As Governor Steve Sisolak said, Nevadans “will benefit from expanded subsidies, lower premiums and access to applying for health insurance” under the new American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).  

A new analysis by the Brookings Institution also highlights the significant resources now available for Americans to obtain affordable health coverage under ARPA and concludes that elected leaders in Carson City should take “caution against making lasting changes” to the state’s health care policies “until matters are clearer.”

  • To read the full study by KNG Health Consulting, CLICK HERE.
  • To learn more about Nevada’s Health Care Future, CLICK HERE.