Medicaid FAQ Sheets

Table of Contents 

• What Is Medicaid?
• What Healthcare Does Medicaid Cover?
• How Much Does Medicaid Cost?
• How to Qualify for Medicaid in Nevada
• How to Apply for Medicaid in Nevada
• How to Make Changes to Your Application
• How to Check Your Application Status
• What Happens After You Apply for Medicaid?
• How to Appeal a Denial of Benefits
• What Happens to My Medicaid If I Move?
• Need More Help?
• View or Download Our Free Guide

What Is Medicaid?

Medicaid is a federal U.S. health insurance program that provides health coverage to millions of Americans. The program primarily covers low-income adults, children, pregnant women, elderly adults and people with disabilities.

Federal guidelines for the Medicaid program are established by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Learn more about Medicaid at a national level on the CMS website here.

The Nevada Medicaid program is administered by the Nevada Division of Welfare and Supportive Services. Learn more about Medicaid in Nevada on the Department of Health and Human Services website here.

What Healthcare Does Medicaid Cover?

Through Medicaid, people gain access to health care services that may not be affordable without it. Additionally, some programs and benefits include special protections—such as provider networks and payment methods—that help ensure services are accessible. Medicaid also provides preventive care and other services to help people stay healthy and avoid costlier care.

Medicaid covers medical and health care services such as:

• Doctors visits
• Vision and dental care
• Family planning services
• Preventive health education
• Hearing services
• Home healthcare
• Hospice and hospital care (inpatient and outpatient)
• Maternity services
• Mental healthcare
• Nurse midwife services
• Nursing home services
• Prescription drugs
• Renal dialysis
• Transplants
• Transportation services

Medicaid does not cover the following types of medical services:

• Cosmetic procedures or surgeries
• Unnecessary hospital expenses, like TV rentals or meals for guests
• Experimental treatments, supplies, equipment or drugs
• Any services not covered under the State Plan for Medical Assistance

Learn more about medical and health care services that are covered by Medicaid in Nevada on pages 5 through 11 of the Welcome to Nevada Medicaid Booklet here.

How Much Does Medicaid Cost?

Medicaid recipients in Nevada may need to pay a monthly premium, which is a monthly fee for enrollment in the program. Premium amounts are based on the recipient’s annual income.

Recipients may sometimes need to pay a small out-of-pocket cost for treatments, which are known as copayments. Copayment amounts depend on the recipient’s age, household income and what the state pays for the specific service.

Each Medicaid participant through the Nevada Division of Welfare and Supportive Services has their own individual health care plan. Some participants may be required to pay fees, and some recipients may not be required to pay fees, i.e., are exempt.

How to Qualify for Medicaid in Nevada

To qualify for Medicaid in Nevada, you must meet all of the following:

• Be a resident of Nevada
• Be a U.S. citizen or have a qualifying immigration status
• Meet the Medicaid program’s income limits

Income limits vary depending on household size, medical status and other factors and are subject to change annually. Find the current Medicaid income limits based on household size in Nevada here.

Learn what documents you can submit to prove your citizenship and identity here.

Find further information on Nevada Medicaid eligibility here.

How to Apply for Medicaid in Nevada

To apply for Medicaid in Nevada, complete the following three steps:

1. Review the application requirements and gather documentation related to your health, medical condition and household.

Learn what documents you need here.

2. Choose how you are going to apply, whether online, by mail, or in person.

To apply for Medicaid online, click here to access Nevada Health Link or click here to apply through Access Nevada.

To apply for Medicaid by mail, click here to access the application form, fill it out, and mail it with the necessary documents to:

DWSS
P.O. Box 15400
Las Vegas, NV 89114

To apply for Medicaid in person, click here to find your nearest Welfare and Supportive Services office.

3. Submit your application

If you have questions about the application process or require assistance, call the Nevada Customer Services Center at (877) 638-3472.

Or, contact your nearest local Nevada Welfare and Supportive Services office. Find contact information for local field offices in Nevada here or refer to the list below.

How to Make Changes to Your Medicaid Application

Nevada Medicaid recipients must report changes that can influence their eligibility status. Changes must be made by the fifth of the following month.

You can submit a change of information in the following ways:

• By phone at (877) 638-3472.
• In person at a local Nevada Welfare and Supportive Services office. Find contact information for local Welfare and Supportive Services offices here.

How to Check Your Application Status

You can check the status of your Medicaid application online or by phone:

• Log into your account through Access Nevada here.
• Call the Nevada Division of Welfare and Supportive Services Call Center at (877) 638-3472.

What Happens After You Apply for Medicaid?

The Nevada Division of Welfare and Supportive Services will review your application to verify if you are eligible for Medicaid. In some cases, the state may ask for additional information before approving your application. Nevada will mail applicants a letter detailing if their Medicaid application was approved or denied.

How to Appeal an Application Denial

Medicaid applications will be denied if applicants do not meet the eligibility requirements. Also, beneficiaries can have their benefits terminated or reduced if their eligibility status changes while they are enrolled.

Learn more about Nevada Medicaid eligibility requirements here.

If your Medicaid application is denied or the amount of your benefits is reduced, you have the right to file an appeal. You must send an appeal request within 90 days of when you receive notice of the denial or benefits reduction.

Your determination letter will include instructions for filing an appeal. You can also contact the Nevada Division of Welfare and Supportive Services Call Center at (877) 638-3472 for more information about the appeal process.

What Happens to My Medicaid If I Move?

Nevada Medicaid recipients must report changes that can influence their eligibility status, including relocating to a new address.

If you move to a new residence within Nevada, you can update your address with the Nevada Division of Welfare and Supportive Services in the following ways:

• Online here.
• By phone at (877) 638-3472.
• In person at a local Nevada Welfare and Supportive Services office. Find contact information for local Welfare and Supportive Services offices here.

Note: Medicaid benefits do not transfer. If you move to a new state, you must reapply for Medicaid in your new location. If you have further questions about moving with Medicaid, visit the national Medicaid Contact Us here.

Need More Help?

For help with a Medicaid application, or for any further questions about the Medicaid program, contact the Nevada Division of Welfare and Supportive Services Call Center at 1(877) 638-3472.

You can also visit or call a local Welfare and Supportive Services office for further assistance. Find your nearest Welfare and Supportive Services location and contact information here.

View or Download Our Free Guide

While we are not affiliated with the government in any way, our private company engaged writers to research the Medicaid program and compiled a guide and these answers to frequently asked questions. Our goal is to help you get the benefits that you need by providing useful information on the process.

Our free Medicaid Guide is filled with helpful information about how to apply, program eligibility and how to get in touch with local offices. You can view or download our free guide here.

Last Updated: September 22, 2022