Nevada Medicaid covers health insurance for low-income residents through a program called Nevada Medicaid (sometimes called Nevada Check Up for children). Nevada expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act in 2014, which means most adults ages 19 to 64 can qualify based on income alone, with no asset test. For 2026, the income limits are based on updated Federal Poverty Level (FPL) guidelines that took effect January 14, 2026. If you want to check your eligibility quickly, use the free Benefits Navigator screener.
Who Can Qualify for Nevada Medicaid in 2026
Nevada Medicaid covers several groups with different income thresholds:
- Low-income adults (ages 19 to 64): Expansion adults qualify at up to 138% FPL
- Children (under 19): Covered through standard Medicaid up to 194% FPL
- Children in higher-income families: Nevada Check Up (CHIP) covers children up to 209% FPL
- Pregnant women: Qualify at up to 205% FPL
- Seniors and people with disabilities (MAABD): Lower income thresholds apply
- Long-term care (nursing home or home-based waiver): Separate limits based on federal benefit rate
Starting January 1, 2026, Nevada expanded managed care coverage to all 17 counties statewide, so more residents now have access to coordinated care through Medicaid managed care plans.
Nevada Medicaid Income Limits 2026: Adults (138% FPL)
Most adults ages 19 to 64 qualify at 138% of the Federal Poverty Level. Below are the 2026 monthly income limits by household size.
| Household Size | Monthly Income Limit | Annual Income Limit |
|---|
| 1 | $1,835 | $22,025 |
| 2 | $2,489 | $29,863 |
| 3 | $3,142 | $37,702 |
| 4 | $3,795 | $45,540 |
| 5 | $4,448 | $53,378 |
| 6 | $5,101 | $61,217 |
These limits apply to the Medicaid expansion category, which includes parents, caretakers, and childless adults. There is no asset test for expansion adults.
Nevada Medicaid Income Limits 2026: Children
Children under 19 have higher income thresholds than adults. Standard Medicaid covers children at up to 194% FPL. Nevada Check Up (the state's CHIP program) extends coverage further for children who earn too much for Medicaid but still cannot afford private insurance.
| Program | Income Limit | Notes |
|---|
| Medicaid (children) | Up to 194% FPL | Standard Medicaid coverage |
| Nevada Check Up (CHIP) | Up to 209% FPL | For children not eligible for Medicaid |
At 194% FPL, a family of four can earn approximately $5,335 per month and still qualify for children's Medicaid. Nevada Check Up extends that to roughly 209% FPL, or about $5,748 per month for a family of four.
Nevada Medicaid Income Limits 2026: Pregnant Women
Pregnant women qualify at up to 205% of the Federal Poverty Level. This higher threshold reflects the importance of prenatal coverage. At 205% FPL, a single pregnant woman can earn approximately $2,729 per month and qualify. Coverage typically extends 60 days postpartum.
Nevada Medicaid Income Limits 2026: Seniors and People with Disabilities (MAABD)
The Medical Assistance to the Aged, Blind, and Disabled (MAABD) program has a lower income limit tied to the federal Supplemental Security Income (SSI) rate.
| Category | Monthly Income Limit |
|---|
| Single individual | $994 |
| Married couple (both applying) | $1,491 |
MAABD has an asset limit of $2,000 for a single applicant and $3,000 for a couple. Not all assets count. Your home, one vehicle, and personal belongings are typically excluded.
Nevada Medicaid Income Limits 2026: Long-Term Care
Long-term care Medicaid covers nursing home care and home and community-based waiver programs. These limits use 300% of the federal benefit rate (FBR) rather than FPL.
| Program | Monthly Income Limit |
|---|
| Nursing Home Medicaid | $2,982 |
| Home and Community-Based Waivers | $2,982 |
| Married applicant (one spouse applying) | $2,982 for applicant |
Long-term care Medicaid also has asset limits. In 2026, a single nursing home applicant can have no more than $2,000 in countable assets. A married couple where one spouse enters a nursing home follows different rules, as the community spouse (the one at home) can keep a larger share of assets.
2026 Federal Poverty Levels Used for Nevada Medicaid
For reference, here are the full 2026 FPL amounts Nevada uses to calculate Medicaid eligibility.
| Household Size | 100% FPL (Monthly) | 138% FPL (Monthly) | 200% FPL (Monthly) |
|---|
| 1 | $1,330 | $1,835 | $2,660 |
| 2 | $1,803 | $2,489 | $3,607 |
| 3 | $2,277 | $3,142 | $4,553 |
| 4 | $2,750 | $3,795 | $5,500 |
| 5 | $3,223 | $4,448 | $6,447 |
| 6 | $3,697 | $5,101 | $7,393 |
These guidelines took effect January 14, 2026 and reflect a 2.6% increase over the prior year.
What Counts as Income for Nevada Medicaid
Nevada counts most regular income sources toward the eligibility determination. Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) rules apply to most categories, especially expansion adults, children, and pregnant women.
Income that counts:
- Wages and salary
- Self-employment income
- Unemployment benefits
- Social Security benefits (for non-MAABD categories)
- Alimony received
Income that generally does not count:
- Child support received
- Income from other household members who are not part of your Medicaid household
- SNAP benefits
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
For MAABD and long-term care Medicaid, income rules are different. Nevada uses a different income calculation method for these categories, and the 2026 limits above apply.
Residency and Other Basic Requirements
To qualify for Nevada Medicaid in 2026, you must also meet these non-income requirements:
- Nevada residency: You must live in Nevada and intend to stay. There is no minimum length of residency requirement.
- U.S. citizenship or qualified immigration status: U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents (with a 5-year waiting period for most adults), refugees, asylees, and certain other groups qualify. Emergency Medicaid is available regardless of immigration status.
- Age: Expansion adults must be 19 to 64. Children can be under 19. Seniors 65 and older qualify for MAABD.
- Social Security number: Required for most applicants. Newborns can be enrolled under the mother's SSN initially.
How to Apply for Nevada Medicaid in 2026
Nevada uses a single portal called Access Nevada to process applications for Medicaid, SNAP, TANF, and other assistance programs. Here are the ways to apply.
Option 1: Apply Online Through Access Nevada
- Go to accessnevada.dwss.nv.gov
- Create an account or log in
- Start a new benefits application
- Complete the pre-screening tool to see which programs you may qualify for
- Fill out the full application with your household, income, and residency information
- Upload or mail required documents
- Submit the application
Online applications are processed faster than paper applications in most cases.
Option 2: Apply by Phone
Call the Nevada Division of Welfare and Supportive Services at 1-800-992-0900 (toll-free). You can complete an application over the phone or request that a paper form be mailed to you.
Option 3: Apply in Person
Visit your local DWSS office. Nevada has offices in Las Vegas, Reno, Carson City, Henderson, and other locations. Bring your documents with you to the appointment.
Option 4: Paper Application
Download the application from the Nevada DWSS website and mail it to your local office. This method typically takes the longest.
Documents You Will Need
Gather these documents before applying to speed up the process:
- Photo ID (driver's license, state ID, passport)
- Proof of Social Security number
- Proof of Nevada residency (utility bill, lease, mail)
- Proof of income for all household members (pay stubs, tax returns, employer letters)
- Proof of citizenship or immigration status
- Bank statements (for MAABD and long-term care applications only)
- Medical records or disability documentation (for MAABD applicants)
How Long Does Approval Take
Processing times vary by category. Standard Medicaid applications for expansion adults and children should receive a decision within 45 days. MAABD applications can take up to 90 days. Pregnant women and people in emergency situations may qualify for expedited processing.
Once approved, coverage can be backdated up to 3 months before the application date if you had qualifying expenses during that period.
Nevada Medicaid Managed Care Plans in 2026
Nevada Medicaid uses managed care plans for most enrollees. Starting January 2026, managed care now covers all 17 Nevada counties. When you enroll, you choose a health plan from among the available options in your area. Plans include primary care doctors, specialists, hospital coverage, mental health services, and prescription drug coverage.
If you do not choose a plan, Nevada will assign one to you.
What Nevada Medicaid Covers
Nevada Medicaid covers a broad range of services with no or low cost-sharing for most enrollees:
- Doctor visits and preventive care
- Emergency room care
- Hospital stays
- Prescription drugs
- Mental health and substance use treatment
- Dental care (for adults, through managed care plans)
- Vision care
- Maternity and newborn care
- Long-term services and supports (through waiver programs)
If You Earn Too Much for Medicaid
If your income is above the Medicaid limits but still below 400% FPL, you may qualify for subsidized health insurance through Nevada Health Link, the state's ACA marketplace. Premium tax credits are available on a sliding scale, and most people who apply find their coverage costs less than expected.
The Benefits Navigator screener can check your eligibility for both Medicaid and marketplace subsidies at the same time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the income limit for Nevada Medicaid in 2026?
For most adults ages 19 to 64, the income limit is 138% of the Federal Poverty Level. That equals $1,835 per month for a single person and $3,795 per month for a family of four. Children can qualify at higher limits, up to 194% FPL for regular Medicaid and 209% FPL for Nevada Check Up (CHIP).
Does Nevada Medicaid have an asset limit?
Expansion adults and children have no asset test. Only MAABD (aged, blind, disabled) and long-term care applicants face asset limits. For MAABD, the limit is $2,000 for a single person and $3,000 for a couple. Your home and one car are generally excluded from the asset count.
Can I apply for Nevada Medicaid if I am not a citizen?
U.S. citizens and many qualified immigrants can apply. Lawful permanent residents generally must wait 5 years before qualifying for full Medicaid, but pregnant women, children, and people with certain immigration statuses may be exempt from the waiting period. Emergency Medicaid is available to most people regardless of immigration status.
How long does it take to get approved for Nevada Medicaid?
Standard applications take up to 45 days. MAABD and long-term care applications can take up to 90 days. Pregnant women and emergency situations may be processed faster.
Can I have Medicaid and Medicare at the same time in Nevada?
Yes. People who qualify for both programs are called "dual eligible." Medicaid can cover cost-sharing for Medicare premiums, deductibles, and co-pays, and may cover services Medicare does not, like long-term care and dental.
What is Nevada Check Up?
Nevada Check Up is the state's Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). It covers children in families that earn too much for standard Medicaid but cannot afford private insurance. In 2026, Nevada Check Up covers children up to 209% FPL. Coverage and benefits are similar to regular Medicaid for children.
What changed with Nevada Medicaid in 2026?
The main change for 2026 is that managed care expanded statewide, covering all 17 Nevada counties starting January 1, 2026. Income limits also increased slightly due to the updated 2026 Federal Poverty Level guidelines, which reflect a 2.6% cost-of-living adjustment over the prior year.
Where do I apply for Nevada Medicaid?
Apply online at accessnevada.dwss.nv.gov, by phone at 1-800-992-0900, or in person at a local Nevada DWSS office. You can also use the Benefits Navigator screener to check eligibility before applying.
For more information about benefits in Nevada, visit the Nevada benefits guide.
