If you’re self-employed and living in the Southwest, understanding the differences between Arizona and Nevada’s health insurance options is key to finding the best coverage. Both states offer a variety of health plans through the federal marketplace, HealthCare.gov, as well as private insurers. However, their regulations, premiums, provider networks, and overall insurance landscapes differ significantly.
This guide will compare Arizona health insurance to Nevada health plans for self-employed individuals, helping you identify which state may be a better fit for your needs.
1. Arizona Health Insurance Overview
Arizona uses the federal health insurance exchange (HealthCare.gov), offering a range of ACA-compliant plans for self-employed individuals. The state does not have a state-specific exchange or additional subsidies beyond the federal standard.
Key Features:
- Marketplace Options:
- Arizona relies on HealthCare.gov, where residents can compare ACA plans, check for subsidies, and enroll in coverage.
- Arizona relies on HealthCare.gov, where residents can compare ACA plans, check for subsidies, and enroll in coverage.
- Medicaid Expansion:
- Arizona expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. Those earning below 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) may qualify for AHCCCS (Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System).
- Arizona expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. Those earning below 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) may qualify for AHCCCS (Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System).
- Plan Variety:
- Multiple insurers offer plans, including Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona, Ambetter, and Cigna.
- Multiple insurers offer plans, including Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona, Ambetter, and Cigna.
- Average Premium (2025):
- Approximately $480/month for a 40-year-old on a benchmark silver plan (before subsidies).
- Approximately $480/month for a 40-year-old on a benchmark silver plan (before subsidies).
- Provider Networks:
- Arizona offers extensive provider networks in metropolitan areas like Phoenix and Tucson. However, rural counties may have fewer choices.
- Arizona offers extensive provider networks in metropolitan areas like Phoenix and Tucson. However, rural counties may have fewer choices.
2. Nevada Health Insurance Overview
Nevada also uses the federal exchange (HealthCare.gov) but has made strides in offering robust plan options and competitive pricing for self-employed residents.
Key Features:
- Marketplace Options:
- Similar to Arizona, Nevada residents rely on HealthCare.gov for ACA-compliant coverage.
- Similar to Arizona, Nevada residents rely on HealthCare.gov for ACA-compliant coverage.
- Medicaid Expansion:
- Nevada expanded Medicaid, and the Nevada Medicaid program covers those earning below 138% of the FPL.
- Nevada expanded Medicaid, and the Nevada Medicaid program covers those earning below 138% of the FPL.
- Plan Variety:
- Top insurers include Health Plan of Nevada, SilverSummit Healthplan (Ambetter), and Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield.
- Top insurers include Health Plan of Nevada, SilverSummit Healthplan (Ambetter), and Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield.
- Average Premium (2025):
- Approximately $460/month for a 40-year-old on a benchmark silver plan (before subsidies).
- Approximately $460/month for a 40-year-old on a benchmark silver plan (before subsidies).
- Provider Networks:
- Strong provider networks in Las Vegas and Reno. Rural areas are more limited, though some PPO plans allow access to out-of-state care.
- Strong provider networks in Las Vegas and Reno. Rural areas are more limited, though some PPO plans allow access to out-of-state care.
3. Key Differences: Arizona vs Nevada Health Plans
| Feature | Arizona | Nevada |
| Marketplace Type | Federally facilitated (HealthCare.gov) | Federally facilitated (HealthCare.gov) |
| Medicaid Expansion | Yes (AHCCCS) | Yes (Nevada Medicaid) |
| Average Premium (2025) | ~$480/month | ~$460/month |
| Top Providers | BCBS of AZ, Ambetter, Cigna | Anthem BCBS, Health Plan of NV, Ambetter |
| Provider Networks | Better coverage in Phoenix, Tucson; limited rural areas | Strong coverage in Las Vegas, Reno; rural access via PPOs |
| Subsidy Availability | Federal subsidies only | Federal subsidies only |
4. Affordability and Subsidy Options
Arizona:
- Federal Premium Tax Credits: Available for individuals earning between 100%-400% of the FPL.
- Cost-Sharing Reductions: For those earning up to 250% of the FPL, cost-sharing reductions are available on silver plans.
- Self-Employed Tax Deductions: Premiums may be deductible on federal taxes, reducing the overall cost.
Nevada:
- Federal Premium Tax Credits: Also available to individuals earning 100%-400% of the FPL.
- Cost-Sharing Reductions: Same as Arizona, offering additional help for those with incomes up to 250% of the FPL.
- Self-Employed Tax Deductions: Similarly, premiums can often be deducted, offsetting the cost of coverage.
5. Which State Offers Better Coverage for Self-Employed Individuals?
| Criteria | Arizona | Nevada |
| Lower Premiums (on average) | Nevada (~$460/month) | Arizona (~$480/month) |
| Provider Networks | Arizona for metro access | Nevada for urban coverage |
| Medicaid Coverage | Both states have expanded Medicaid | Both states have expanded Medicaid |
| Variety of Plans | Both states offer a range of ACA-compliant plans | Both states offer a range of ACA-compliant plans |
| Access to Out-of-State Care | Limited PPO options | Better PPO availability |
Both Arizona and Nevada provide robust health insurance options for self-employed individuals. If you’re looking for slightly lower premiums and stronger PPO access, Nevada may have the edge. On the other hand, Arizona’s provider network in its metro areas could be more appealing if you’re based near Phoenix or Tucson.
Whichever state you choose, leveraging HealthCare.gov to compare plans, calculate subsidies, and enroll will help ensure you get the coverage you need.