5 things to know about Medicaid during open enrollment

Nevada's Medicaid open enrollment period runs through Dec. 26, providing individuals and families with a critical opportunity to review their coverage, make changes and make sure they have the benefits they need and deserve.

Whether you're currently enrolled or exploring coverage for the first time, here are five key things Nevadans should know this enrollment period:

1. Managed care expanding statewide in 2026

Nevada is preparing for one of the most significant Medicaid changes in recent history. This coming year, Medicaid Managed Care services will expand to all of Nevada's 17 counties, a major shift from the current model, which only includes urban Clark and Washoe counties.

This expansion means residents in rural communities will, for the first time, have a wider array of health plan options and greater access to coordinated care. Unlike Fee-for-Service coverage, Managed Care plans also offer additional incentives and value-added benefits to support members' overall well-being. These can include memberships to organizations such as the Boys & Girls Club, over-the-counter medication cards to help with everyday health needs, and non-emergent transportation to make it easier to get to appointments.

As a nonprofit organization, CareSource focuses on improving health outcomes through innovative programs and local partnerships, ensuring that rural Nevadans benefit from the same level of managed care as those in urban areas.

2. Practical guidance for families selecting a plan

This fall, heads of household will receive enrollment letters before open enrollment, allowing families to select or switch their Medicaid Managed Care plan. Nevadans can also enroll or update their plan online through Access Nevada.

Once benefits become effective, members will have 90 days (Jan. 1 to March 31) to select a different health plan; for the first time, CareSource will be available as an option in every county.

3. Whole-person care goes beyond medical visits

Medicaid benefits include more than doctor visits. They can cover transportation to appointments, mental health services, wellness programs and connections to community resources. At CareSource, we believe this is a critical component of your health care plan, as we focus on whole-person care, which considers a person's physical, behavioral, and social needs. This approach helps Nevadans live healthier, more stable lives.

4. Medicaid supports one in four Nevadans

Medicaid plays a vital role in Nevada's health care system, with one in four Nevadans currently relying on Medicaid benefits. The program helps ensure access to essential services for individuals and families across the state, making the annual open enrollment period a crucial moment for hundreds of thousands of residents to secure their health coverage for the year ahead.

5. Preventive care and assistance available

Medicaid fully covers preventive services like wellness exams, screenings and vaccinations. Using these benefits helps catch issues early, lowering long-term costs and improving outcomes. And if renewing coverage feels overwhelming, free help is available through community partners and Medicaid plan representatives.

Medicaid is a lifeline for hundreds of thousands of Nevadans, and families must understand their options and use the available resources to their full advantage. With managed care expanding statewide in 2026, families across the state will soon have access to more coordinated and comprehensive coverage.

CareSource is proud to support this transition and bring our decades of experience as a nonprofit health plan to ensure that every Nevadan has the tools and support they need to make informed health care choices.

Tracey Green is chief medical officer at CareSource Nevada.