Medicare in Nevada: Your Complete State-Specific Guide
Nevada offers unique Medicare opportunities and challenges for its growing senior population. This guide covers everything Nevada residents need to know about Medicare, from Las Vegas to rural counties, including state-specific rules, available plans, and local resources.
Nevada Medicare at a Glance (2027)
- People with Medicare: 629,551 Nevadans
- Medicare Advantage plans: 98 offered in 2027 (105 in 2026); lowest premium $0
- Standalone Part D plans: 9 in 2027 (10 in 2026); lowest premium $5.30 a month
- Access to a Medicare Advantage plan: 99.08% of people with Medicare
Source: CMS, “Medicare Open Enrollment in Nevada, 2027” fact sheet (September 28, 2026). Open Enrollment for 2027 coverage runs October 15 to December 7, 2026.
In This Guide
Medicare by Nevada County
Clark County
72 Medicare Advantage plans offered in 2027
Major Cities/Areas
Las Vegas, Henderson, North Las Vegas, Boulder City, Mesquite
Major Hospitals
Sunrise Hospital, UMC, St. Rose Dominican, Valley Hospital
Washoe County
42 Medicare Advantage plans offered in 2027
Major Cities/Areas
Reno, Sparks, Incline Village, Crystal Bay
Major Hospitals
Renown Regional, Saint Mary's, Northern Nevada Medical Center
Carson City and Rural Counties
Fewer plans; none in some counties (see below)
Major Cities/Areas
Carson City, Elko, Ely, Fallon, Winnemucca
Major Hospitals
Carson Tahoe, Northeastern Nevada, William Bee Ririe
In 2027, no Medicare Advantage plan is offered in Eureka, Humboldt or White Pine counties, and in Elko, Esmeralda, Lander, Lincoln and Pershing counties the only plans are Special Needs Plans for people with both Medicare and Medicaid. Anyone there who doesn't join one of those plans uses Original Medicare, with a Medigap policy and a Part D plan if they want them.
Source: CMS CY2027 Medicare Advantage Landscape file (September 2026 release).
Medicare Advantage Plans in Nevada
These organizations offer Medicare Advantage plans in Nevada in 2027. Which of them you can join depends on your county. CMS rates each insurer contract on a 1-to-5-star scale, so one company can have plans with different ratings.
CMS has not yet released the 2027 Star Ratings; it says they will be on Medicare.gov on or around October 8, 2026. Until then the table shows each contract's 2026 rating, labelled 2026.
| Plan organization | CMS Overall Star Rating, 2027 | CMS Overall Star Rating, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Aetna Medicare | 2027 Star Ratings not yet released | 3.0 to 4.5 |
| Alignment Health Plan | 2027 Star Ratings not yet released | 5.0 |
| Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield | 2027 Star Ratings not yet released | 3.5 |
| Champion Health Plan | 2027 Star Ratings not yet released | Not yet rated (new, or too little data) |
| HealthSpring | 2027 Star Ratings not yet released | 4.5 |
| Humana | 2027 Star Ratings not yet released | 3.5 to 4.5 |
| Kaiser Permanente (plans named KP Medicare) | 2027 Star Ratings not yet released | 5.0 |
| Prominence Health Plan | 2027 Star Ratings not yet released | 4.5 |
| SCAN Health Plan | 2027 Star Ratings not yet released | 4.0 |
| Select Health | 2027 Star Ratings not yet released | 4.5 |
| UnitedHealthcare | 2027 Star Ratings not yet released | 3.0 to 4.5 |
| Wellcare | 2027 Star Ratings not yet released | 3.5 |
Source: CMS CY2027 Medicare Advantage Landscape file (September 2026 release) and 2026 Star Ratings data, cms.gov (the 2027 Star Ratings are not yet released). Ratings use CMS's 1-to-5-star scale and apply to each insurer contract, not to a single plan; includes Special Needs Plans. The 2026 column is each contract's rating from CMS's 2026 Star Ratings; CMS rates contracts again every October. Check any plan's rating, premium and benefits on Medicare.gov Plan Finder.
What to Check in a Nevada Medicare Advantage Plan
- • $0-premium plans exist in much of the state, but you still pay your Part B premium
- • Extra benefits such as dental, vision, hearing, fitness or transportation vary by plan
- • Most plans include Part D drug coverage; check that your drugs are on the formulary
- • Special Needs Plans serve people with Medicaid or certain chronic conditions
- • Confirm your doctors and hospitals are in the plan's network
Medigap Insurance Options in Nevada
Nevada's Medigap Birthday Rule
If you already have a Medigap policy, Nevada law gives you a yearly window, starting on the first day of your birthday month and lasting at least 60 days, to buy a policy with the same or lesser benefits without medical underwriting (NRS 687B.352).
Finding Medigap Companies and Prices
- • Medigap plans are standardized: a Plan G covers the same benefits whichever company sells it
- • Premiums differ by company, age, ZIP code and pricing method, so compare several insurers
- • Medicare.gov's Medigap policy search lists the companies selling in your ZIP code
- • Nevada SHIP counselors can help you compare policies for free
Medicare in Rural Nevada: Challenges & Solutions
Rural Nevada presents unique Medicare challenges, but understanding your options can help you get the coverage you need.
Limited Provider Networks
Fewer doctors and specialists participate in Medicare Advantage plans
Solutions:
- Choose PPO plans over HMO for more flexibility
- Consider Original Medicare + Medigap for nationwide coverage
- Verify specific providers are in-network before enrolling
Pharmacy Access
Rural areas may have limited pharmacy choices
Solutions:
- Check plan pharmacy networks carefully
- Consider mail-order pharmacy options
- Verify your local pharmacy participates
Transportation to Medical Care
Long distances to specialists and hospitals
Solutions:
- Look for plans with transportation benefits
- Consider telehealth options
- Check coverage for out-of-area emergency care
A Common Choice in Rural Nevada
Many rural Nevada residents choose Original Medicare + a Medigap plan + Part D because:
- • No network restrictions - see any Medicare provider nationwide
- • Coverage when traveling or visiting specialists in urban areas
- • More predictable out-of-pocket costs
- • No referrals needed to see specialists
Nevada-Specific Medicare Rules & Protections
Medigap Birthday Rule
Each year, starting on the first day of your birthday month and lasting at least 60 days, you can buy a Medigap policy with the same or lesser benefits than the one you have (NRS 687B.352)
Benefit to You:
During that window an insurer can't turn you down or charge you more because of your health
Guaranteed Issue Rights
Standard federal protections apply for losing employer coverage or moving
Benefit to You:
Can get Medigap without medical underwriting in certain situations
Medicare Supplement Regulations
Nevada regulates Medigap insurers and requires standardized plans
Benefit to You:
Consumer protections and rate oversight by state insurance department
Important: Plans F and C No Longer Available
As of January 1, 2020, Medicare Supplement Plans F and C are no longer available to new Medicare beneficiaries. If you're already enrolled in these plans, you can keep them. For new enrollees, Plan G is the most comprehensive option.
Nevada Medicare Resources & Contacts
Nevada SHIP (ADSD)
Free Medicare counseling
Nevada's State Health Insurance Assistance Program, part of the Medicare Assistance Program (MAP), provides free, unbiased Medicare help
Nevada Division of Insurance
Insurance regulation & complaints
State regulator for insurance companies and agent licensing
Nevada Department of Health and Human Services
Medicaid & health programs
State department that runs Nevada Medicaid, including help for people with both Medicare and Medicaid
Nevada 211
General resource assistance
Connects Nevada residents to local resources and assistance programs
Nevada SHIP Counseling Partners
Nevada's SHIP counseling is delivered through the Medicare Assistance Program (MAP). Call the statewide line, 1-800-307-4444, to reach a counselor near you.
- • Northern Nevada: Access to Healthcare Network
- • Southern Nevada: Dignity Health St. Rose Dominican
Source: Nevada Aging and Disability Services Division (adsd.nv.gov), Medicare Assistance Program page.
Nevada-Specific Medicare Tips
Do's for Nevada Seniors
- Use Nevada SHIP for free, unbiased Medicare help
- Consider Medigap birthday rule for plan changes
- Check if your California doctors accept Nevada Medicare plans
- Rural residents: prioritize nationwide coverage
- Compare multiple insurance companies for Medigap
Common Nevada Medicare Mistakes
- Assuming all doctors accept Medicare Advantage plans
- Not checking pharmacy networks in rural areas
- Forgetting about out-of-state coverage needs
- Not understanding the Medigap birthday rule benefit
- Choosing plans based only on premium cost
Special Considerations for Nevada Snowbirds
Many Nevada residents spend part of the year in other states. Here's what to consider:
- • Original Medicare + Medigap provides nationwide coverage
- • Some Medicare Advantage plans offer temporary visitor coverage
- • Check prescription drug coverage in both locations
- • Notify plans of address changes and travel
- • Keep emergency contact information updated
Compare Your Nevada Options
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