If you’re one of the many Nevada residents close to celebrating their 65th birthday, there’s never been a better time for you to understand the ins and outs of Medicare.
We acknowledge that healthcare coverage changes can be daunting, but you’re not in this alone. Every day, roughly 10,000 Americans turn 65 and are tasked with Medicare enrollment. Remember, Medicare is here to save you money in health care costs, and it isn’t as complex as it might seem.
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Nevada Medicare Insurance Trends
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) reported the following information on 2024 Medicare trends in Nevada:
- 581,647 Nevada residents are enrolled in Medicare.
- In Nevada, the average Medicare Advantage monthly premium increase slightly from $4.00 in 2023 to $4.42 in 2024.
- In 2024, there are 109 Medicare Advantage plans available in Nevada.
- 97.2% of Nevada residents with Medicare can purchase Medicare Advantage plans, including those with $0 premiums.
- There are 21 stand-alone Medicare prescription drug plans available in Nevada.
- The lowest monthly premium for a Medicare prescription drug plan is $0.50.
Medicare Offered in Nevada
Medicare is a government health care program that aids in financial assistance to those 65 or older and people of any age with specific disabilities. Additionally, it can be used with other private insurance plans to provide coverage for services not covered by Medicare.
Original Medicare
Original Medicare is used to describe the original components of Medicare made available directly through the federal government. Two parts make up Original Medicare, Part A and Part B, which provide coverage for hospital costs and general health care expenses such as doctor visits.
Medicare Part A does not usually require the payment of a premium, though there are exceptions. Medicare Part B often requires a premium; however, this depends on an individual’s annual income.
Medicare Advantage
Medicare Advantage plans provide the same coverage as Original Medicare, plus extra benefits like prescription drug coverage. Medicare Advantage combines the benefits of Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) and specific supplemental plans in a single plan.
These plans can be purchased from Medicare-approved private carriers in Nevada. Each plan can come with different extra benefits, and prices will vary.
The following insurance carriers have offered Medicare Advantage plans in Nevada, with ratings:
- United Healthcare – 4.5/5 stars
- ATRIO Health Plans – 4.5/5 stars
- Aetna – 4.5/5 stars
- Senior Care Plus – 4/5 stars
- Prominence Health Plan – 3.5/5 stars
- Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield – 3.5/5 stars
- Lasso – 2/5 stars
- Alignment Health Plan
- WellCare
Note that their offerings, availability, and pricing will vary by region.
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Medicare Supplement Plans
Medicare Supplement Insurance plans (also known as Medigap plans) help Original Medicare beneficiaries cover out-of-pocket medical costs. The plans fill these gaps by covering a portion of the expenses, including deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance.
Some Medicare Supplement plans in Nevada offer additional benefits, such as emergency medical care outside the USA. The majority of Medicare Supplement Insurance plans in Nevada are attained-age rated. This means the policies use the beneficiary’s age to determine the premium.
Medicare Supplement plans in Nevada only work with Original Medicare and are not compatible with Medicare Advantage. Supplement plans cannot provide coverage for prescription drugs, but beneficiaries can enroll in a stand-alone Medicare Part D plan instead.
Some Medicare Supplement plan providers in Nevada include:
- AARP – UnitedHealthcare
- Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield
- Cigna
- Colonial Penn
- Garden State
- Great Southern
- Lumico
- Oxford
- State Farm
Nevada Medicare Enrollment
Nevada residents are eligible for Medicare if they are a U.S. citizen and above 65 years old or are under 65 but are permanently disabled, have end-stage renal disease, or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Use Medicare’s online eligibility tool if you are unsure if you qualify.
Requirements
- You are 65 or older, and you or your spouse worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 40 quarters.
- You are under age 65 and collect benefits from Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board for at least 24 consecutive months.
- You have ESRD or ALS.
Enrollment Period Dates
Initial Enrollment Period
This is a seven-month window that allows you to sign up for a plan
- Begins 3 months before the month you turn 65
- Ends 3 months after the month you turn 65
Medicare Open Enrollment Period
This is when you can sign up for a plan, switch a plan or leave a plan
- Begins Starts October 15th
- Ends December 7th
Special Enrollment Period
Special enrollment periods allow you to enroll outside the regular enrollment periods under specific circumstances.
General Enrollment Period
This is when you can sign up for Medicare Part A and/or Part B if you didn’t sign up when first eligible or if you’re not qualified for a Special Enrollment Period.
- Starts January 1st
- Ends March 31st
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period
This is when you can switch or leave a Medicare Advantage Plan
- Starts January 1st
- Ends March 31st
Nevada Enrollment Tips & Advice
With so many options available, it’s important to consider your needs each year. Consider monthly premium costs, deductibles, copays, and insurance, as well as providers in your plan’s network.
Additional Resources:
- Medicare supplement rate tool
- Senior Rx
- Nevada Division of Insurance
- State Health Insurance Program (SHIP)
How Do I Enroll in a Medicare Plan?
The key to finding the best Medicare plan in Nevada is comparing all your options. Coverage Haven’s licensed agents can guide you through the options available and determine if you’re eligible for any financial assistance programs. It’s our job to help find you the best Medicare plan to match your needs.
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