How to Apply for Medicaid in Nevada (FAQs)
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The United States spends more on health care per person than any other country in the world.
As of March 2025, a total of 78,577,962 individuals were enrolled in Medicaid and CHIP across the 50 states and the District of Columbia. In Nevada, 440,237 adults and 278,958 children were enrolled in Medicaid (CMS report).
If you’re wondering how to join them, check out how to apply for Medicaid in Nevada with common questions.
Disclaimer: This guide is intended to help Airtalk Wireless customers better understand how to apply for Medicaid in Nevada. The following information is compiled from official government sources and may be subject to change. Airtalk Wireless does not represent or speak on behalf of Nevada Medicaid.
1. How Can You Qualify for Medicaid in Nevada?
Nevada Medicaid offers free or low-cost health coverage for individuals and families with limited income. You may qualify based on your income and life situation.
Who Is Eligible for Medicaid in Nevada?
You fall into one of these groups:
- Low-income adults (including those without children)
- Children and teens
- Pregnant women
- Seniors (65+)
- People with disabilities
- Parents or caretakers of minor children
Income & Household Size
To qualify for Medicaid in Nevada, your household income must fall below certain limits based on the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).
In Nevada, adults ages 19 to 64 may be eligible for Medicaid if their income is at or below 138% of the FPL. (The FPL in 2025 is $15,650/year for an individual)
Citizenship or immigration status can also affect eligibility, but some immigrants may still qualify for emergency Medicaid or other related programs.
Chidren
In general, children aged 0–18 in households with income at or below 205% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) may qualify for Medicaid or Nevada Check Up (CHIP).
Pregnant women
According to the latest update on Medicaid.gov, pregnant women may qualify for Nevada Medicaid if their household income is at or below 200% of the FPL, effective July 1, 2025.
Adults (19-64)
Nevada has adopted Medicaid expansion. Adults aged 19–64 without dependent children can get Medicaid in Nevada if their income is at or below 138% of the FPL.
Parents or Caretakers
This group qualifies for Medicaid if their income is at or below 138% FPL.
Seniors (65+) & People with Disabilities
Do note that eligibility for seniors and individuals with disabilities is determined through non-MAGI Medicaid rules, which take into account not only income but also assets and medical conditions.
SSI recipients are automatically eligible for Medicaid in Nevada. Certain Medicare beneficiaries may also qualify for the program, depending on their income and asset levels.
To find out if you’re eligible for Nevada Medicaid, try using the Pre-Screening Tool on Access Nevada. Just click the “Do I Qualify for Medical Assistance?” button on the homepage.
2. How to Apply for Medicaid in Nevada
One of the best things about Medicaid is that you can apply at any time of year.
What is the easiest way to apply for Medicaid?
The fastest and most convenient way is to apply online through Access Nevada. How to apply for Medicaid in Nevada online:
- Visit Access Nevada
- Create an account or sign in
- Fill out the Medicaid Nevada application form
- Upload documents (if needed)
- Track your case status, messages, and renewals
If you have questions, call the DWSS Call Center.
If you don’t qualify for Medicaid, you may still be eligible for a subsidized health insurance plan through Nevada Health Link. It can help you explore private health plans and see if you qualify for financial help.
3. What Documents Are Needed to Apply for Medicaid in Nevada?
Prepare documents for your Nevada Medicaid application, such as:
- Proof of citizenship (birth certificate, permanent residency card)
- Social Security card
- Proof of income
- Health insurance card (if currently covered)
- Employer information (name, address, contact details)
4. How Long Does It Take to Get Approved for Medicaid in Nevada?
In general, the approval process usually takes up to 45 days. Make sure your application is accurate and upload all required documents when you apply.
After you submit your application, the Division of Welfare and Supportive Services (DWSS) will:
- Send a confirmation letter with your case number and a PIN to track your status online or by phone
- Request any missing information
Finally, you’ll receive a Notice of Decision in the mail, stating if you’re approved or denied.
5. Why Were You Denied Medicaid in Nevada?
For you who applied for Medicaid or tried to renew your coverage and got denied, there are some common reasons:
- If you recently started earning more money, your income may now be too high for your Medicaid eligibility group.
- You gained assets that change your financial situation. In some Medicaid categories (especially for seniors or people with disabilities), owning property, receiving an inheritance, or winning a settlement can affect your eligibility.
- If you’re no longer pregnant or have aged out of a specific category, you may no longer qualify under that category.
- You didn’t report a change in your household (getting married or divorced, having or adopting a baby, a family member moving in or out of your household, etc.)
Double-check the reason in your denial letter. If your household details or income were incorrect, update them. (You have the right to appeal if you believe the decision was made in error.)
6. Recently Lost Medicaid in Nevada – Now What?
You have options:
Reapply if your circumstances have changed
If you lost Medicaid due to a change in income, household, or paperwork issues, but your situation has changed again, you can reapply.
Consider temporary coverage options
If you don’t qualify for Medicaid right now, you still have coverage options, for example:
- Nevada Health Link: You may be eligible for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) after losing Medicaid. Apply within 60 days of losing Medicaid.
Request a fair hearing
If you believe your Medicaid was ended in error, you can appeal (called a fair hearing). Contact the DWSS Call Center for help.
7. Who Is Eligible for Both Medicare and Medicaid in Nevada?
This is called being “dual eligible”.
Being dual eligible means you’re enrolled in Medicare and also qualify for Medicaid. Eligibility depends on income and asset limits, disability status or age (65+), and U.S. citizenship or qualified immigration status.
Based on the level of help they get from Medicaid, dual eligibles fall into three main categories:
- Full Benefit Enrollees: You get full Medicaid coverage in addition to Medicare.
- Qualified Medicare Beneficiaries (QMBs): QMBs don’t get full Medicaid, but they do get help paying Medicare costs.
- Other Partial Benefit Enrollees: SLMB (Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiaries), QI (Qualified Individuals), QDWI (Qualified Disabled and Working Individuals).
>>> Read more: How to Apply for Dual Medicare and Medicaid
8. Moving from Another State to Nevada? What to Do About Your Medicaid Benefits
If you’re relocating to Nevada from another state, your Medicaid coverage won’t transfer automatically. Every state has its own eligibility rules and systems.
Establish Nevada residency, end your current Medicaid coverage, and be ready to submit a new application for Nevada Medicaid.
Government Programs You Can Access with Medicaid in Nevada
One major benefit you can access is the Lifeline program.
Lifeline is a government program that helps eligible residents pay for essential communication services.
Most people save up to $9.25/month on their phone bill (Tribal members can save up to $34.25/month). Also, certain participating providers offer free devices, with upgrade options available for a small fee.
If you’re enrolled in Medicaid, you are automatically eligible for Lifeline. In fact, Medicaid is one of the most common ways people prove eligibility for Lifeline benefits.
That means:
- You can apply for Lifeline with Medicaid very easily
- You may receive a free device and monthly service from providers like AirTalk Wireless
Here’s a simple step-by-step guide if you want to apply:
Step 1: Go to the AirTalk Wireless website. Enter your Nevada ZIP code.
Step 2: Choose a Lifeline plan
Step 3: Pick your free device (Feel free to choose from a list of free smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, and bundles)
Step 4: Upload documents (If needed)
Step 5: Submit your application
Conclusion
The documentation and checking of eligibility may take a little time. But this will propagate peace of mind and health coverage, worth everything. Once you feel more confident, feel free to explore other programs.
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