The Nevada Senate Committee on Jobs and Economy on Friday scrutinized a provision in Senate Bill 4 that would allocate $1,250,000 a year to compensate insurance brokers who enroll consumers in Battle Born State public-option plans.

Jennifer Krupp, division administrator at the Nevada Health Authority, told the committee the funds would be used to compensate certified brokers to sell the public-option plans on Nevada Health Link. "For plan year 2026 … there are 794 certified brokers," she said, and the proposal would make funds available to brokers certified to sell plans on NevadaHealthLink.

Sen. Dina Titus raised concerns about novelty and fairness: "So this is a new program based on the public option," she said, asking whether other states pay broker fees and whether the program would change broker behavior. Sen. Titus added she supports the public option but questioned whether the appropriation is the best use of state dollars.

Sen. Jennifer Cannizzaro and others argued the commission should ensure Nevadans know about lower-cost options. Cannizzaro said brokers are the primary point of contact for many consumers and that compensating brokers could be a pragmatic way to increase awareness.

Committee members pressed for compliance and accountability. Sen. Neal asked whether existing broker codes require repayment or penalties if brokers fail to present qualified plan options; Jennifer Krupp said brokers are required to provide "fair and unbiased enrollment assistance" and cited compliance steps ranging from corrective plans to decertification. Janelle Davis, executive director of the Silver State Health Insurance Exchange, told the committee that only a few brokers have resisted public-option enrollment and that payment would likely increase the number who promote the plans: "If they do get paid, they will sell," she said.

Industry stakeholders warned of practical complications. The Nevada Association of Health Plans urged performance standards, reporting requirements and coordination with existing outreach programs, saying allocation amounts "are not tied to data-driven justifications" and may be insufficient or excessive. A caller from America's Health Insurance Plans cautioned that changing commission structures mid-open-enrollment could require refiling rates and disrupt consumers.

The Nevada Health Authority said it is still designing program mechanics and is considering grant-based administration with oversight tied to the Silver State Exchange. No vote was taken; the committee recessed after public comment and requested additional details on program design, oversight and metrics.