For the Department of Business and Industry, Division of Insurance
Brief description of action: Emergency regulation to amend NAC 687B. As COVID-19 continues to spread throughout the world, it is essential that the Nevada Community take preventive measure stop the spread of the virus in Nevada. The Division of Insurance ("Division") has determined that testing for COVID-19 may create a situation where Nevadans put off seeking medical services to determine if they have the virus due to costs they would incur for such medical services. Additionally, the Division believes having health insurers share useful information about benefits and options for medical services would help consumers and providers. Finally, the Division seeks to ensure Nevadans are able to continue getting their needed prescriptions at their normal costs despite disruptions to supplies in prescriptions.
Authority citation other than 233B:
NRS 679B.130, NRS 233B.0613
The contents of the letter from Barbara D. Richardson, Commissioner of Insurance to Governor Steve Sisolak:
STATEMENT OF EMERGENCY
Pursuant to NRS 233B.0612.1
March 5, 2020
The Honorable Steve Sisolak
Governor of the State of Nevada
Executive Chambers
101 N. Carson Street, Suite 1
Carson City, Nevada 89701
RE: Emergency Regulation Concerning COVID-19 and Insurance
Dear Governor Sisolak:
As the chief officer of the Division of Insurance, I have determined that an immediate need exists
for an emergency regulation based on insurance coverage of medical services related to testing
Nevadans for COVID-19. Therefore, I present this Statement of Emergency for your endorsement as required by NRS 233B.0613.
As COVID-19 continues to spread throughout the world, it is essential that the Nevada community
take preventive measures to stop the spread of the virus in Nevada. The Division of Insurance
("Division") has determined that testing for COVID-19 may create a situation where Nevadans
put off seeking medical services to determine if they have the virus due to costs they would incur
for such medical services. Additionally, the Division believes having health insurers share useful
information about benefits and options for medical services would help consumers and providers.
Finally, the Division seeks to ensure Nevadans are able to continue getting their needed
prescriptions at their normal costs despite disruptions to supplies in prescriptions.
This emergency regulation will ensure that Nevadans covered by policies of health insurance
regulated by the Division are able to obtain medical services related to COVID-19 without
concern for cost, and to continue obtaining prescriptions despite shortages in supplies.
As this emergency regulation is necessary to provide immediate benefits to Nevadans, your endorsement is requested.
Thank you for your consideration and assistance in this important matter.
Very truly yours,
Barbara D. Richardson
Commissioner of Insurance
| Enclosures: |
Emergency Regulation |
| |
Informational Statement Pursuant to NRS 233B.066.1(a), (g)--(k),-.2 |
| cc: |
Terry Reynolds, Director, Department of Business & Industry |
| |
Kyle George, General Counsel, Office of the Governor |
| |
Alison Combs, Policy Director, Office of the Governor |
| |
Legislative Counsel Bureau |
| |
Administrator, State Library and Archives |
| |
Nick Stosic, Deputy Insurance Commissioner |
| |
Mark Garratt, Chief Insurance Examiner, Product Compliance Section |