Nevada provides free or low-cost health coverage to hundreds of thousands of residents through its Medicaid program. If you live in Nevada and are struggling to afford health insurance, you may qualify for coverage based on your income, household size, and other factors. This guide covers everything you need to know about Nevada Medicaid eligibility in 2026, including current income limits, who qualifies, how to apply, and what benefits you can expect.
Not sure if you qualify? Check your eligibility in minutes with our free screener to see all the programs available to you. You can also visit our Nevada Benefits Overview for a full list of assistance programs in the state.
What Is Nevada Medicaid?
Nevada Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that provides health coverage to low-income individuals and families. Nevada expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in 2014, which means the state covers adults without children who earn up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Before expansion, many low-income adults without dependents had no pathway to coverage.
The program is administered by the Nevada Division of Health Care Financing and Policy (DHCFP) and the Division of Welfare and Supportive Services (DWSS). Nevada also operates Nevada Check Up, the state's Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), which covers children in families with slightly higher incomes who do not qualify for traditional Medicaid.
Who Qualifies for Nevada Medicaid in 2026?
Nevada Medicaid covers several groups of people, each with its own income threshold. Here are the main eligibility categories:
- Adults ages 19 to 64: Individuals and families with income at or below 138% of the FPL qualify for full Medicaid coverage. This includes adults without children, thanks to Medicaid expansion.
- Children ages 0 to 5: Eligible with household income up to 160% of the FPL under Medicaid.
- Children ages 6 to 18: Eligible with household income up to 138% of the FPL under Medicaid, or up to 205% of the FPL through Nevada Check Up (CHIP).
- Pregnant women: Eligible with household income up to 160% of the FPL. Coverage extends for 12 months postpartum.
- Aged, blind, or disabled individuals: Those receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) automatically qualify for Medicaid. Others may qualify through the Medical Assistance to Aged, Blind and Disabled (MAABD) program.
- Former foster care youth: Individuals under age 26 who were in foster care and enrolled in Medicaid at age 18 qualify regardless of income.
Nevada Medicaid Income Limits 2026
Income eligibility for Nevada Medicaid is based on Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) and your household size. The table below shows the monthly and annual income limits for the most common eligibility categories based on current Federal Poverty Level guidelines.
Adults (138% FPL)
| Household Size | Monthly Income Limit | Annual Income Limit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1,732 | $20,783 |
| 2 | $2,351 | $28,208 |
| 3 | $2,969 | $35,632 |
| 4 | $3,588 | $43,056 |
| 5 | $4,207 | $50,480 |
| 6 | $4,826 | $57,904 |
Children Ages 0 to 5 and Pregnant Women (160% FPL)
| Household Size | Monthly Income Limit | Annual Income Limit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2,008 | $24,096 |
| 2 | $2,725 | $32,704 |
| 3 | $3,443 | $41,312 |
| 4 | $4,160 | $49,920 |
| 5 | $4,877 | $58,528 |
| 6 | $5,595 | $67,136 |
Nevada Check Up / CHIP for Children (205% FPL)
| Household Size | Monthly Income Limit | Annual Income Limit |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | $3,492 | $41,902 |
| 3 | $4,109 | $49,311 |
| 4 | $5,330 | $63,960 |
| 5 | $6,250 | $75,000 |
| 6 | $7,171 | $86,040 |
Income limits are based on 2025 Federal Poverty Level guidelines, which remain in effect until updated. Actual eligibility is determined by the state based on your complete application.
What Does Nevada Medicaid Cover?
Nevada Medicaid provides comprehensive health coverage, including:
- Doctor visits and specialist care
- Hospital stays (inpatient and outpatient)
- Prescription medications
- Mental health and substance abuse treatment
- Preventive care and screenings
- Lab tests and X-rays
- Emergency room services
- Maternity and newborn care
- Dental services (limited for adults, comprehensive for children)
- Vision care
- Transportation to medical appointments
- Durable medical equipment
Nevada Check Up provides similar benefits for children, with small copays for some services depending on income level.
How to Apply for Nevada Medicaid: Step by Step
You can apply for Nevada Medicaid year-round. There is no limited enrollment period for Medicaid or CHIP. Follow these steps to submit your application:
Step 1: Gather Your Documents
Before you start, collect the following:
- Social Security numbers for all household members
- Proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, or employer letters)
- Proof of Nevada residency (utility bill, lease, or mail with your address)
- Proof of citizenship or immigration status (birth certificate, passport, or permanent resident card)
- Information about any current health insurance
Step 2: Choose How to Apply
You have several options:
- Online: Visit Access Nevada to create an account and submit your application electronically. This is the fastest method.
- By phone: Call the DWSS at (702) 486-1646 (Las Vegas) or (775) 684-7200 (Reno/Carson City).
- In person: Visit your local DWSS office. Locations are available in Las Vegas, Reno, Carson City, Elko, and other cities.
- By mail: Download the Application for Health Insurance from dwss.nv.gov and mail it to the address listed on the form.
- Through Nevada Health Link: Visit nevadahealthlink.com to apply. If your income qualifies you for Medicaid instead of a marketplace plan, your application will be forwarded to DWSS.
Step 3: Complete and Submit Your Application
Fill out the application with accurate information about your household, income, and expenses. Double-check everything before submitting. Online applications typically receive a faster response.
Step 4: Respond to Any Requests
DWSS may contact you for additional documentation. Respond promptly to avoid delays in processing your application.
Step 5: Receive Your Determination
You should receive an eligibility determination within 45 days (90 days for disability-based applications). If approved, you will receive your Nevada Medicaid card and can begin using your benefits immediately. Coverage may be retroactive up to three months before your application date if you were eligible during that time.
Presumptive Eligibility and Hospital Presumptive Eligibility
Nevada offers Hospital Presumptive Eligibility (HPE), which allows hospitals and qualified providers to grant temporary Medicaid coverage to individuals who appear to meet income requirements. This means you can receive immediate coverage while your full application is being processed. HPE coverage lasts until the end of the month following your HPE determination, giving you time to complete a formal application.
What If You Earn Too Much for Medicaid?
If your income is above the Medicaid limits but you still need affordable health coverage, you have options:
- Nevada Health Link: The state's health insurance marketplace at nevadahealthlink.com offers subsidized plans for households earning up to 400% of the FPL (and sometimes higher with enhanced subsidies).
- Nevada Check Up: If your children do not qualify for Medicaid, they may qualify for Nevada Check Up with household income up to 205% of the FPL.
- Use our free screener: Check what programs you qualify for based on your specific situation.
Medicaid for Seniors and People with Disabilities
Seniors age 65 and older and individuals with disabilities may qualify for Nevada Medicaid through the MAABD program. Key points include:
- SSI recipients automatically qualify for Medicaid in Nevada.
- Income limit: Generally tied to SSI income standards. In 2025, the federal SSI benefit is $967 per month for an individual and $1,450 per month for a couple.
- Asset limits: $2,000 for an individual, $3,000 for a couple (for SSI-based eligibility).
- Nursing home Medicaid: Individuals needing nursing home care may qualify with income up to $2,982 per month. A Medicaid spend-down may be available for those slightly over the limit.
If you or a family member needs long-term care, consider consulting with a Medicaid planning professional to understand your options.
Renewing Your Nevada Medicaid Coverage
Medicaid coverage must be renewed periodically, typically every 12 months. DWSS will send you a renewal form before your coverage expires. You can complete the renewal:
- Online through Access Nevada
- By phone
- By mail
Respond to renewal requests promptly. If you miss the deadline, your coverage could be terminated, and you would need to reapply.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for Nevada Medicaid at any time?
Yes. Unlike marketplace health insurance, Medicaid and Nevada Check Up accept applications year-round. There is no open enrollment period.
How long does it take to get approved?
Most applications are processed within 45 days. Disability-based applications may take up to 90 days. Hospital Presumptive Eligibility can provide temporary coverage while you wait.
What if I am undocumented?
Undocumented immigrants generally do not qualify for full Nevada Medicaid. However, emergency Medicaid covers emergency medical conditions regardless of immigration status. Pregnant women may qualify for coverage regardless of immigration status, and children born in the U.S. are eligible based on their own citizenship.
Does Nevada Medicaid cover dental care?
Yes, but adult dental coverage is limited to basic services. Children enrolled in Medicaid or Nevada Check Up receive comprehensive dental benefits, including preventive care, fillings, and extractions.
Can I have Medicaid and employer insurance at the same time?
Yes. Nevada Medicaid can serve as secondary coverage if you have employer-sponsored insurance. Medicaid may also help pay your premiums through a program called the Health Insurance Premium Payment (HIPP) program.
What counts as income for Medicaid eligibility?
Nevada uses Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI), which includes wages, salaries, self-employment income, Social Security benefits, unemployment compensation, and certain other income. It does not include gifts, loans, or child support received.
How do I check the status of my application?
Log in to your Access Nevada account or call DWSS at (702) 486-1646 to check your application status.
Take the Next Step
If you think you might qualify for Nevada Medicaid, the best time to apply is now. Coverage is available year-round, and the application process is straightforward.
Use our free eligibility screener to check your eligibility for Medicaid and over 10 other assistance programs in just a few minutes. You can also explore all available programs on our Nevada Benefits Overview page.
