How to apply for Nevada Medicaid for people who are aged, blind, or disabled (MAABD)

Who it's for

Medical Assistance to the Aged, Blind and Disabled (MAABD) is the Nevada Medicaid path for people who are 65 or older, blind, or disabled. Services can include doctor visits, prescriptions, dental care, eye exams and glasses, and therapies. People who get Supplemental Security Income (SSI) qualify. MAABD also covers nursing home residents and people who get home and community-based waiver services. Eligibility uses SSI rules, which include limits on both income and savings. Coverage can start up to three months before the month you apply. Apply online through Access Nevada, or call DSS toll-free at 1-800-992-0900 (Las Vegas area 702-486-1646, Reno area 775-684-7200).

What you'll need

• Application for Assistance (MAABD-SNAP) or an online Access Nevada application
• Proof of income
• Proof of savings and other resources
• Medicare card, if you have one

Where to apply

What to say when you call

"Hello, I'm calling to ask about Nevada Medicaid for people who are aged, blind, or disabled (MAABD). I'd like to know whether I may qualify, what documents I need, and whether I can apply online, by mail, by phone, or in person. I understand I may need application for Assistance (MAABD-SNAP) or an online Access Nevada application, proof of income, proof of savings and other resources — is anything else required? What is the best next step?"

Tip: have a pen ready, ask for the person's name, and write down any case or reference number they give you.

Step by step

1. Check that this program fits your situation. It is for Nevada residents who are 65 or older, blind, or disabled. People who get SSI qualify. People under 65 must meet Social Security's disability or blindness rules.
2. Gather the needed documents. Get your Application for Assistance (MAABD-SNAP) or be ready to complete the online Access Nevada application. Also gather proof of income, proof of savings and other resources, and your Medicare card if you have one.
3. Apply online through Access Nevada or apply by phone. Call DSS toll-free at 1-800-992-0900. In the Las Vegas area, call 702-486-1646. In the Reno area, call 775-684-7200.
4. Complete the application with full and accurate details. Include your income, savings, and other resources, since eligibility uses SSI rules.
5. Ask about retroactive coverage if needed. Coverage can start up to three months before the month you apply.
6. Apply even if your income seems a little over the SSI amount. Nevada may not count some income, and Nevada adds a small state supplement for some aged and blind people.

What to expect: After you apply, DSS reviews your information and makes the final decision. Processing times vary, so ask the agency for an estimate if needed. If approved, coverage may include doctor visits, prescriptions, dental care, eye exams and glasses, and therapies. Income and savings limits follow SSI rules and change each January. You will need to renew coverage every year.

Renewals

annual