Nevada Health Insurance Guide

From the dazzling Las Vegas Strip to serene desert landscapes and outdoor adventure, Nevada remains a desirable place to live — and understanding your health insurance options here is key to protecting your health and finances.
As of 2025, the uninsured rate in Nevada reflects steady progress, with more residents gaining access to care through Medicaid expansion and ACA plans. If you’re currently without coverage, here’s what you need to know about getting insured in Nevada.

Health Insurance Options in Nevada

Nevada offers a range of health insurance options tailored to residents’ needs, depending on age, income, employment, and family size. Here are the most common coverage types available:

Employer-Sponsored Insurance

Many Nevada residents receive health insurance through their employer. If your workplace offers coverage, this is usually the most cost-effective and convenient option.

ACA Marketplace Plans

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) allows individuals and families to buy health insurance through state or federal Marketplaces. These plans offer essential health benefits, free preventive care, and protection for preexisting conditions.
If you don’t have employer coverage, you may qualify for subsidies to lower your premiums. Use our ACA Subsidy Calculator to check your eligibility.
Starting this year, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is requiring income verification to confirm eligibility for premium subsidies.

ACA Plan Types

ACA marketplace plans are available in four tiers: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Each tier reflects a different balance of premiums and out-of-pocket costs:

• Bronze: Low monthly premiums, higher out-of-pocket costs; ideal for minimal healthcare usage.
• Silver: Moderate costs; eligible for cost-sharing reductions (CSRs).
• Gold: Higher monthly premiums with lower out-of-pocket costs; best for frequent healthcare users.
• Platinum (if available): Highest premiums, lowest out-of-pocket costs.

Metal Tier Breakdown:

Medicaid

Nevada’s Medicaid program offers free or low-cost health coverage to eligible low-income residents. Medicaid plan benefits typically include preventive care, hospital visits, prescriptions, and more.

Short-Term Plans

Short-term medical (STM) plans offer temporary coverage for people in transition—such as between jobs or waiting for long-term coverage to begin.
In Nevada, STM plans are available but are limited in duration and benefits. These plans are not regulated by the ACA, so they may not cover pre-existing conditions or essential health benefits.
While STM plans are not a substitute for long-term insurance, they may be a viable option for temporary protection from unexpected medical expenses.

STM Plan Enrollment

Unlike ACA-compliant plans, you can enroll in short-term health plans year-round.

Quick Coverage Start: Many short-term plans can begin as soon as the next day after your application is approved.

Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)

Nevada’s CHIP program, Nevada Check Up, provides health insurance for children and pregnant women in families who earn too much to qualify for Medicaid but need affordable care.

Student Health Insurance

College students in Nevada can remain on a parent’s plan until age 26, enroll in a school-sponsored health plan, or apply for coverage through the ACA Marketplace. Based on income, they may also qualify for Medicaid, CHIP, or other affordable options, making Nevada student health insurance both flexible and accessible.

Medicare

Medicare provides coverage for Nevadans aged 65 and older, and younger adults with qualifying disabilities. Available options include:

• Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C): Private plans that include Part A and B coverage plus additional benefits.
• Medicare Part D: Standalone plans for prescription drug coverage, often bundled with Medicare Advantage.
• Medicare Supplement Plans (Medigap): Help cover out-of-pocket costs not paid by Original Medicare.

COBRA Coverage

If you’ve lost job-based coverage, COBRA lets you temporarily extend your former employer’s insurance. This can be a helpful bridge until you secure new coverage.

Enrollment Periods in Nevada

• Open Enrollment for 2026 Coverage: November 1, 2025 – January 15, 2026
• Special Enrollment Period: Available year-round for those who experience qualifying life events (QLE), including:
  • Loss of coverage
  • Marriage or divorce
  • Birth or adoption of a child
  • Relocation
  • Major change in income
• You typically have 60 days from the event to enroll.

Health Insurance Providers in Nevada

As of 2025, these insurers typically offer individual and family plans through Nevada Health Link:

• Aetna Health, Inc.
• Friday Health Plans of Nevada
• Health Plan of Nevada
• HMO Nevada (Anthem)
• Hometown Health Plan
• SelectHealth
• SilverSummit Healthplan

Note: Some insurers only offer off-exchange plans or may vary by zip code.

Understanding Health Insurance Costs

Before choosing a plan, understand these key terms:

• Premium: Your monthly payment for insurance.
• Deductible: What you pay out-of-pocket before coverage begins.
• Copayment: Fixed amount for services like office visits.
• Coinsurance: Your share of costs after meeting your deductible.
• Out-of-Pocket Maximum: The maximum you’ll pay for covered services annually.
• In-Network vs. Out-of-Network: Using in-network providers usually costs less.

Refer to this glossary for clear definitions of important insurance terms.

Bottom Line

Health insurance in Nevada comes with many choices—whether through your job, the ACA Marketplace, or public programs like Medicaid and Medicare. By staying informed and comparing plans during the right enrollment periods, you can secure affordable, reliable coverage that supports your well-being and budget.

Need help choosing a plan? Use our ACA Subsidy Calculator to see if you’re eligible for financial aid or speak with a licensed insurance agent for personalized guidance.