It’s safe to say, we all focus on the holiday season as the end of the year approaches.
With many things to plan, such as upcoming feasts, gift exchanges, and holiday events, it’s possible to forget some of the important deadlines approaching that help ensure our livelihood.
One deadline quickly approaching is the end of the Open Enrollment period for health insurance purchases available to you and your family.
The deadline for enrollment is December 7th, 2021, so be sure to enroll in health insurance before it is too late!
Nevada Silver is here to guide you through what may feel like a complex and tedious process for many. We are the only Nevada Health Link preferred broker servicing Northern Nevada for over 16 years.
Let us walk you through some of the things you need to know before enrolling and remind you where you can enroll to receive benefits:
There are several types of insurance plans available to you and your family.
These categories are separated using Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum to name their grade.
Each category highlights the variation in how much your plan will cost you depending on how you use it. There are also different plans and network types available to you. It is important to remember that this could lead to different experiences of the quality of service you receive.
Furthermore, there are tools to help you search, compare and assess providers and their facilities. We want to remind you of these details because they will help you find quality insurance that meets your budget.
There are many sites available to help you enroll.
Some of the ways you can enroll include going straight to each insurance site.
This may seem like the best approach for some but doing this may lead you to miss discounts or leave you paying higher premiums. The good news is,we can help you find out if you are qualified to receive any subsidies for plans and enroll in Medicaid. These subsidies are available to anyone who meets certain requirements such as job loss, marriage, new residency, and other qualifying circumstances.
Subsidies help you pay for health insurance or sometimes offer free access to care. Also, Nevada Health Link shows you a variety of plan options allowing you to compare multiple carriers. This service ensures you get the best plan for you and your family's health care needs at a price you can afford.
While using Nevada Health Link may be a walk in the park for some, Nevada Silver offers free guidance to anyone feeling confused about the process of obtaining the right health insurance.
Our staff offers over 35 years of joint experience and knowledge in the insurance industry. We help streamline the process by bringing you the best rates and highest quality customer service available to you.
We take the time to analyze your current health needs alongside helping you prepare for future events. Our agents calculate your premiums and make sure you don't miss any tax credit opportunities. We will not only guide you through the process of picking the right insurance, but also help you receive dental and vision at no cost to you.
Come to our team so we can hear and solve your concerns when it comes to finding the right plan. We are here to help you choose the best plan that fits your budget, needs, and life.
As the holiday season begins, many of us focus on the act of giving in order to bring joy to those we are most grateful for. Although we typically focus on gifting our loved ones with products and services, the best gift you can give just about anyone is practically free.
Talking to loved ones about life insurance is one gift you can give that adds to your family’s prosperity and longevity.
A survey from Spendmenot recently discovered 52% of Americans have life insurance. While that number may seem high, the number of Americans with life insurance has decreased in comparison to the previous years. This means approximately half the population will leave their loved ones with financial burdens if the primary wage earner unexpectedly passes.
Of course, you may ask yourself “how do I bring up such a heavy topic during the holiday season?”.
While it may seem awkward at first, caring for your family doesn't have to be. This holiday season, be sure to speak with your immediate and extended family members about various life insurance options and give a gift that will last a lifetime.
Here you will find three simple questions to help guide you when talking to loved ones about insurance options.
This is the best place to start because it allows a simple introduction to a complex topic. This question is great because it can apply to any of your family members and not necessarily focuses on health insurance alone.
Many of us think insurance only begins with yearly coverage, so this question allows you to draw attention to the importance of life insurance no matter how your family answers. Furthermore, life insurance goes beyond elderly insurance. Meaning this question is important for your younger relatives since it can become a form of financial planning. This can help guide your family in a positive direction this holiday season.
This question may help address your family members' misunderstandings of life insurance. Some of us may think life insurance only offers our loved ones benefits if we pass away, but it can also act as a safety-net in our daily lives.
Life insurance can pay bills and cover debts alongside protecting those who rely on your income.
According to NEA members, these protections help you when mapping out future milestones such as marriage, parenting, home buying, and retirement.
Ultimately, no matter what your age is, investing in life insurance allows you to support and reduce stress for yourself and your loved ones even after you pass.
This question should be asked to help understand what kinds of resources there are to your family members.
They may trust a close friend, family member, financial advisor, certified insurance broker, or themselves when it comes to their finances.
A recent study suggests many Americans are changing who they turn to for financial advice.
Only 26% of Americans trust financial advisors which is a 4% decrease from 2020. The most common person an individual turns to is a spouse or a family member, making your role in addressing life insurance highly valuable. This answer will ensure that your family finds the right resources when it comes to signing up for the right type of insurance.
Although you provide options for your family members when talking about life insurance, it is important to acknowledge insurance as a financial protection policy.
Going to a certified broker like Nevada Silver allows you to find the right protection whether you are single, married, or even own a business. As the only Nevada Health Link insurance broker in Northern Nevada, we focus on alleviating the guesswork when finding the best coverage for you and your family’s needs.
When all is said and done, your role in talking to your loved ones about their insurance options is more valuable than you know. Starting this conversation over the holidays is a step in the right direction for many individuals looking for insurance options going into 2022. The goal for you is to make sure your family and those you love are insured.
Feel free to use these questions on all of the people you care about this holiday season. Many will be grateful for your support in their future success. If you don't feel comfortable guiding your family through the process of becoming insured, remember a certified life insurance broker is available to guide them. Brokers like Nevada Silver help others gain access to Northern Nevada insurance options by working with a variety of insurance companies. So give the timeless gift of having a conversation with your loved ones regarding the best life insurance options for their needs.
To determine what kind of life Insurance you need, call the Nevada Silver Life Health Insurance agency and ask for Gina or John @ 775-829-1221, who can help determine what is the best for your Needs for life insurance and what will fit your budget the best!
Ensuring you or your loved ones are covered for long term care should be top of mind for anyone nearing their senior years. This November is National Long Term Care Month, a movement that was started to emphasize the importance of long-term care and how important it is for people to get involved in preparing for their future. As we age we begin to realize the need for having adequate health coverage, but often lack the information necessary to obtain it. Fortunately, working with Nevada Silver Life Insurance, the state’s only Nevada health link preferred broker, makes obtaining long-term care insurance a breeze.
Learn more about Long Term Care Month and your insurance coverage options with Nevada Silver Life and Health Insurance by reading below.
Long-term care is often necessary for seniors who are unable to handle daily tasks such as eating, bathing, or dressing on their own. These needs commonly go unmet due to a lack of proper long-term care coverage and accessibility, resulting in family members taking on the role of caregiver for their loved ones. However, this isn’t always possible as many adults have other responsibilities such as work that impede this possibility.
On average, 78% of adults receiving long-term care rely solely on their family or friends for assistance. The caregiver typically spends 21 hours a week caring for their loved one and roughly 90% of these people had to permanently alter their work schedules to provide such care.
Long-term care insurance ensures that those who require long-term care get the assistance they need while allowing their family members to continue their daily routines.
Medicare is ideal for individuals who are turning 65 or are over the age of 65 and are looking for health insurance that will help them maintain their current health and protect them from circumstances that are unplanned. Medicare open enrollment for seniors consists of two main parts; Part A and Part B. Seniors who take advantage of Medicare health insurance must enroll in both Parts A and B to be considered covered.
Medicare Supplements, also called Medigap Plans, are designed to help pay for certain health care costs that are not covered by Medicare Parts A or B. Likewise, Medicare Advantage Plans offer people with Medicare additional benefits beyond the standard Medicare coverage through an approved HMO.
Medicare Open Enrollment began on October 15th and will remain open until December 7th. If you need help enrolling in Medicare benefits, the expert insurance agents at Nevada Silver are there for you. There’s still time to get your Medicare benefits this year. If you are in need of assistance enrolling or reviewing your current plan contact us today!
Nevada Health Link is a resource available to all Nevadans that helps them find affordable health insurance plans that meet their unique needs and budget. Nevada Silver Life and Health Insurance Agency has many options for your family’s individual health insurance.
You can purchase plans privately or through the Nevada State Exchange Marketplace, Nevada Health Link, which makes the process of signing up for health coverage simple. There are other benefits to purchasing health insurance through Nevada Health Link such as receiving premium tax credits and subsidies to cover the cost of your health insurance.
Nevada Health Link’s Open Enrollment will begin on November 1st and runs through January 15th. To ensure you receive health coverage by February 1, 2022, connect with Nevada Silver. As the only Nevada Healthlink Preferred Broker in Northern Nevada, we’re able to provide the most streamlined assistance possible.
Are you interested in working with certified health insurance brokers? Our agents at NV Silver Life and Health Insurance are here to help you find the best plan for you. Contact us today!
October has been recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month since 1985 in an effort to bring to light the importance of preventative care such as breast screenings that may reduce your risk of developing breast cancer. According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, “Breast cancer is one of the leading health crises for women in the United States. 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. There is currently no known cure for breast cancer, and its early diagnosis is critical to survival.”
Women who have preventative mammograms, or breast screenings, have a greater chance of managing their symptoms and typically live longer than those who fail to be screened and are later diagnosed with breast cancer. Unfortunately, screening mammograms are costly, and those without health coverage often miss out on such services. Nevada cancer insurance can help alleviate the costs of preventive mammograms and allow you to get the healthcare you need and deserve.
What is a Mammogram? A mammogram is a type of breast screening that uses a low-energy X-ray machine to examine the breasts for irregularities such as masses or microcalcifications. The results help detect breast cancer early on so that an appropriate treatment plan can be made. This increases a patient’s chances of survival by expediting the administration of life-saving medications and other necessary treatment methods.
Preventative mammograms may be able to detect cancer years before a woman actually notices the symptoms herself. By catching cancer early on, patients have an increased chance of surviving the disease. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), “when breast cancer is detected early, and is in the localized stage, the 5-year relative survival rate is 99%.”
Early detection may be accomplished by doing monthly self-exams on the breasts, but the best methods for detecting breast cancer prematurely are regular clinical breast exams and mammograms.
Unfortunately, breast cancer is a huge issue for women everywhere, including in Nevada. Due to the high medical costs and devastating nature of the disease, Nevada cancer insurance can greatly help alleviate some of the costs and stress of preventive mammograms.
Nevada Cancer insurance provides benefits in addition to your other medical or disability insurance. While traditional health insurance is essential, Nevada cancer insurance provides an added layer of coverage that isn’t otherwise offered. According to the ACS, approximately 65% of cancer-related expenses aren’t covered by regular health insurance. But you can still protect yourself and your assets from the cost of cancer with a supplemental cancer insurance policy.
With October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we highly encourage women everywhere to do regular self-breast exams at home and to schedule a breast screening with their physician. Catching signs of irregularities early on can significantly reduce the risk of developing breast cancer. For a health plan that ensures you’re covered for annual screenings like preventative mammograms, contact the insurance agents at Nevada Silver. We’ll find you the best Nevada cancer insurance available.
Throughout your career, you’ve been paying into Medicare through payroll withholdings. However, people approaching the age of 65 might think medicare comes free. That is not the case.
In reality, Medicare has a number of expenses.That includes copays, premiums and certain deductibles. If you’re a current high earner, you might have to pay more for premiums and there’s no out-of-pocket maximum.
Nevada has more than 3 million residents. Recent data shows that 445,990 of those people are enrolled in Medicare across the state of Nevada.
Nevada Medicare coverage includes Original Medicare Parts A & B, Medicare Advantage (Part C), prescription drug coverage (Part D) and Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap).
A big question is, which plan is right for you? That’s where we can help. As insurance brokers located in Reno, our clients have asked us many times which plan is right for them.
We’ll walk you through each option and also give you resources to apply:
Part A covers care at hospitals, nursing homes, or hospice. This option does not have a premium as long as you have paid taxes into Medicare for more than 40 fiscal quarters.
Part B covers regular care. Such as preventive medicine and doctor visits. Most Part B premiums start at roughly $130 dollars per month. That number can vary based on your earning. In addition to the annual deductible, you pay 20% of the costs for doctor’s visits and other outpatient care. Original Medicare covers the other 80 percent.
If you need more coverage than what comes with Parts A & B, then you can choose a Medicare Advantage Plan from a private insurer; which is called Part C.
This plan requires the same benefits as Original Medicare but may include additional benefits such as vision or dental care, or prescription drug coverage. Some plans offer $0 premiums - but have higher copays or deductibles.
Since this offer comes from a private insurer, it’s best to have someone overlook and explain this option for you. You can have a preferred medical insurance broker from NV Silver Insurance do the work for you and show you different insurance plans.
Medicare Supplement Insurance (or Medigap), is a purchase plan that covers gaps in medicare costs. Examples include plans that cover all copays and coinsurance costs you would incur on Original Medicare.
These plans vary. Some plans have high premiums with few expenses. Some have low premiums with less expenses than the latter.
We at NV Silver recommend choosing a plan depending on how often you visit your doctor and whether your doctor visits have steep costs.
If you think this is your best option, contact us and we can walk you through this option.
This plan is optional - and is provided by private insurers.
In Nevada, there’s 26 different types of Part D plans. Across the state, premiums range from $20 - $98 per month.
Similar to Medigap, you’ll have to find which plan is best for your prescription drug needs. Not all of these plans cover prescription drug costs.
In Nevada, you have more opportunities to switch prescription drug plans than you do other Medicare plans, and your insurer must notify you if they stop covering your prescribed drugs.
Talk To Your Insurance Provider
As Nevada’s preferred health insurance broker, we want to provide you with the right choice in Medicare
Medicare offerings can seem overwhelming. Not sure which plan fits works for you? Contact us by clicking here.
August is here, which means it’s National Eye Exam Month! Optometry Times notes that, according to the Vision Counsel of America, 12.2 million Americans require some sort of vision correction, but don’t use any. Also important, nearly 50% of parents with children under 12 years of age have never taken their child to an eye care professional. That needs to change! Here are 5 reasons why you should schedule your and your family’s next eye exam this month:
1- Getting rid of that headache. Experiencing unexplained, consistent headaches could be a sign of eye strain, so a visit to your optometrist can help pinpoint the causes.
2- Perform better in school. A common reason why children fall behind in school could be due to undetected vision problems. An eye doctor can detect any issues contributing to learning and reading difficulties.
3- Determine vision correction method and prescription strength. An optometrist can help you decide if eyeglasses or contact lenses are best for you, along with your most up-to-date prescription. Our eyes change over time, so routine eye exams are critical to reduce eyestrain and help us see better.
4- Detect underlying health conditions. Optometrists can spot early onset signs of health conditions such as diabetes, glaucoma, and high cholesterol just by examining your eyes.
5- Prevent serious eye conditions. Many eye diseases often have no symptoms, but an optometrist can diagnose early signs of macular degeneration or cataracts. This step now can save you serious damage in the future for your eye health.
Did you know that Nevada Silver Life & Health Insurance is the only Nevada Health Link Preferred Broker in Northern Nevada? This means Nevadans choose our agency to negotiate the best health insurance rates and select the most beneficial plans for them. With over 16 years of expertise in the field, we partner with some of the most widely known and respected insurance companies, such as Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, Ambetter Silver Summit, Friday Hometown Health, Health Plan of NV, and of course VSP for Vision. NV Silver offers vision insurance plans through our agency, along with assisting you choose the right coverage for you and your loved ones. Remember, NV Silver is here to help, so cost should not be such an inhibiting factor when it comes to making your next eye exam happen!
August is also back-to-school season, and what better time than before you or loved ones start school to get an eye exam? It can only help us perform at our best, feel more comfortable, and see our surroundings more clearly when our eyes are healthy, and we have the proper prescription. Visit our website nvsilver.com or contact us to find the best health insurance coverage today, and don’t forget to schedule an appointment with an optometrist this National Eye Exam Month!
With a recent boom in travel across the United States, people should consider using travel insurance to protect their belongings, their money, and, most importantly, their health.
As Nevada’s preferred health insurance broker, we want to make sure you make it to your destination and back home without having to worry about your well-being.
Travel insurance protects you in the event of missing luggage, cancelled transportation or personal injury. This type of insurance serves as a legal contract.
One of the biggest reasons to get travel insurance through NV Silver Insurance is Medical Emergencies.
In the event of an unexpected medical emergency while traveling, there are some steep costs depending on where you’re visiting.
For example: imagine you get into an accident or injure yourself on vacation. The cost of getting an emergency transportation can sometimes exceed costs of $100,000 dollars (depending on location). In addition, some emergency rooms can cost roughly $10,000 per day at the hospital.
To avoid those steep costs - we recommend having this insurance weeks prior to your travel.
All travel insurances have different benefits, rules, conditions and exclusions. Please take the time to read through your policy carefully. These can vary depending on your policymaker.
As a trusted health insurance broker located in Reno, NV, we can help answer questions about your policy if you are unsure about the policy wording.
Luggage and Personal Belongings
Most people buy travel insurance to make sure their belongings will be covered if they get lost. We believe this is the least important part of having travel insurance.
Your items can be replaced, but your health often cannot.
NV Silver Insurance recommends you take care of your items and be wary of where they’re located.
However - If you have higher value items like cameras, laptops or jewelry - some insurance plans will cover the value of those belongings. Be sure to read your policy descriptions and coverage to be sure your items can be replaced accordingly.
Cancelling Your Trip
If you have to cancel your travel plans due to illness, medical reasons or death of a relative - that’s understandable. 
Most travel insurance policies will refund your trip expenses.
The real trouble with this section is certain insurance policies may require a few days notice before cancellation. If that’s the case, review the policy and speak with an expert on your policy - like us at NV Silver Insurance.
*Note: Not all travel insurances cover full expenses after you cancel your trip. Read your insurance descriptions and coverage that’s relevant to your travel plan.*
Talk To Your Insurance Provider
As Nevada’s preferred health insurance broker, we want to provide you with insurance options.
Each kind of insurance offering has different descriptions and coverage. Not sure which plan fits works for you? Contact us by clicking here.
June 14th - 20th is International Men’s Health Week. It's the week leading up to Father's Day each year.
During this week, people around the globe encourage boys, men and their families to focus on men’s health and health policy.
The overall goal of Men's International Health Week is to spread awareness to men all over the world.
Our goal at NV Silver Insurance is to teach men about preventable health issues, to schedule routine check-ups and encourage men to check-in with their healthcare insurance providers.
This week is also the perfect time to share our knowledge of health insurance options. As Nevada’s preferred medical insurance broker, we know how important it is to be prepared for any medical hurdles ahead.
Preventing Problems Ahead
International doctors say maintaining a healthy lifestyle lowers risk of non-communicable disease. Eating healthy, getting enough sleep, and regular routine exercise are all important.
One of the largest health risks to men is prostate cancer. Studies show eliminating smoking, drinking, and changing diet can help lower risk of prostate cancer in men.
But, before stepping into the doctor’s office for a check-up, it’s important to come fully prepared with a plan. Knowing your Nevada health insurance options will ensure your health won’t become a financial burden.
Talk To Your Insurance Provider
As Nevada’s leading insurance broker, we recommend men take regular insurance advice and ask about medical treatment plans from your healthcare insurance provider.
There are many options available to you:
Each has different options. Not sure which plan fits your lifestyle? Contact us by clicking here.
See Your Doctor Regularly
There could be more going on with your health that might go unnoticed by your friends and family. Seeking out professional medical help can help detect preventable diseases before they get worse.
Statistics show early detection and treatment of disease has been known to decrease men mortality rates on an international scale.
Most men worry about going into the doctor’s office. A majority of that fear comes from their current financial situation.
NV Silver Insurance works with a variety of insurance companies to make sure you’re getting the fair and affordable coverage you need. Our partners and staff have been experts in health insurance and life insurance in Reno, NV for over 16 years. We have 35 years of experience in the insurance industry combined.
Facts About Men’s Health
We at NV Silver continue to encourage men's health habits and ensure their health is insured.
Ways you can show your appreciation and encouragement during International Men’s Health Week include wearing a blue ribbon. This represents the fight against prostate cancer.
On Friday June 18th, people around the world wear blue to mark 'Wear Blue Day', which people and companies use as a tool to help fundraise for men's health.
If you want more information about your health options and ways you can protect the health of the men in your life, Contact us!
May is Disability Insurance Awareness Month and we here at Nevada Silver Insurance, along with many other agencies across Nevada, are placing an emphasis on protecting your income.
According to the Nevada Department of Insurance, disability insurance is a company's ability to replace a portion of your salary for either a short or long-term period of time.
Most people can confuse disability insurance with workers' compensation. However, they are not the same.
Short-term disability insurance is able to pay the policyholder three to six months of their salary. Most common short-term disabilities include broken bones, minor injures, or various incidents.
As for long-term disability insurance, that depends on the circumstances. Some policies can begin six months after the policyholder's disability and can last for years (or until their retirement). The most common causes of long-term disability can involve heart disease, anxiety, depression, back injuries or cancer.
Studies show a majority of working class Americans are not fully-aware of their company's income protection plans.
In a recent poll taken during the COVID-19 pandemic by LifeHappens, more than 60 percent of Americans say they are not aware of their company's policy when it comes to short-term or long-term injuries.
In another staggering statistic, more than 50% of America's workforce say they would have to 'dip into their savings' to cover disability expenses.
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the United States' working dynamic for the foreseeable future. Life changed pretty quickly in a matter of weeks back in March of 2020. With a great percentage of Americans working from home, it's important now to be prepared if you were to miss work due to an illness, injury or any other kind of disability.
The biggest lesson here is setting your and your family up for stability. Having a stable income and securing your family's financial future should be a top priority during crises like a pandemic.
We at Nevada Silver Insurance want to make sure you're protected. The last thing on your mind should be financial stress during an injury either at work or not.
Interested in learning more about income protection and disability protection or have questions? Our agents at NV Silver Life and Health Insurance are here to help you find the best plan for you. Contact us today!
On March 11th 2021, President Joe Biden singed the American Rescue Plan Act into law. This $1.9 trillion package intends to combat public health and economic impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic.
More than $86 billion of that package is going directly to public health.
So, what does this mean for Nevadans?
Nevada Health Link, the state's online health insurance marketplace, has plans to implement the ARPA subsidy. Which means, those who still have Obamacare under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) are eligible for additional assistance. Those changes will begin starting May of 2021.
There is still a good portion of Nevadans who don't have individual health insurance. Doctors across the state say an estimated 256,000 Nevadans were uninsured as of January 1st of this year. The good news here is those who are uninsured can now enroll in health insurance under the Special Enrollment Period (SEP). The deadline for enrolling in a plan has been moved to August 15th of this year.
The other benefits of receiving this funding is the opportunity for a majority of Nevadans to receive subsidies for the first time. This includes Nevadans making over 400% of the federal poverty level, according to data.
The previous subsidies were initially positioned to limit costs of an insurance premium to 9.83 percent of household income, while the new, increased subsidies will reduce that cost to 8.5 percent of household income.
Another major change is there won't be a cap on subsidies that previously limited the subsidies to people making less than $51,000/yr , couples making less than $70,000/yr or a family of four making less than $110,000.
If you're already insured through Nevada Health Link - you are now able to switch plans if you'd like.
Still not sure on what your options are? We are here to help!
We specialize in individual and family insurance options. Our team is here to walk you through it so you can find the best option for your healthcare needs. Our goal is make sure you receive the best coverage and, by working with NV Silver Insurance, we'll help you sleep better at night knowing you have reliable coverage during these unprecedented times. Contact us today!
