Nevada launches Battle Born State Plans with $320M federal funding for health coverage

The Board of Examiners (BOE) meeting on April 8, 2025, focused on the approval of three contracts related to the new Public Option Program, known as the Battle Born State Plans. These contracts are significant as they will not incur any costs to the state, while also securing $320 million in federal funding tied to a waiver approved by the federal government on January 15.

The funding is intended to support a new state reinsurance program aimed at lowering premiums across the individual market, benefiting not only the Battle Born plans but also other health insurance products. The implementation of this program is scheduled for January 1, 2026, with products available for consumer shopping starting in October 2025.

During the meeting, questions arose regarding the nature of the agreements and their implications. It was clarified that the BOE's approval was based on the agreements themselves rather than the dollar amounts involved, which are set at zero for the state. The contracts require health plans to meet specific targets, ensuring that any fluctuations in federal funding will not directly increase consumer premiums. Instead, insurers are obligated to absorb some of the costs, maintaining their contractual commitments to the state.

The meeting concluded with a unanimous vote to approve the contracts, marking a significant step forward in Nevada's efforts to enhance healthcare accessibility through the Public Option Program.