If you receive therapy services through Nevada Medicaid, you may have already heard that changes are coming in 2026, and it is completely understandable if that information brings up questions or concerns about how your care may be affected. Beginning January 1, 2026, Nevada Medicaid will transition to a statewide managed care system, which represents a significant administrative shift in how Medicaid services are organized and delivered across the state.
The goal of this transition is to create a more consistent Medicaid experience for members, regardless of where they live, while improving coordination between healthcare providers, insurance administrators, and state oversight systems. Managed care, in plain language, means that Medicaid services are delivered through specific health plans, known as Managed Care Organizations (MCOs), which oversee provider networks, authorizations, and covered services. While this type of system is already familiar to many urban counties in Nevada, it will be new for some rural areas that have previously operated under different Medicaid structures.
It is important to emphasize that these changes are administrative in nature rather than clinical, meaning they are not intended to limit access to care or reduce benefits. However, because managed care plans control provider networks and authorization processes, these changes can influence how and where you access therapy services, which is why early awareness and preparation are so important.
What “Statewide Managed Care” Means
Under the statewide managed care model, all Nevada counties, including rural and frontier areas, will be covered by Managed Care Organizations rather than a mix of systems. This means that every Medicaid member in Nevada will receive services through an assigned MCO beginning in 2026, creating a unified approach across the state.
One of the most notable changes is the introduction of CareSource as a new statewide managed care option, alongside MCOs that are already familiar to many Nevada Medicaid members. The MCOs that will operate statewide in 2026 include:
- SilverSummit
- Molina
- Anthem Medicaid
- Health Plan of Nevada
- CareSource
For clients in urban areas, this transition may feel relatively seamless, especially if they are already enrolled in a managed care plan and working with in-network providers. However, clients in rural counties may notice more substantial changes, as managed care may be entirely new to their Medicaid experience. These changes can include differences in how providers are approved, how referrals are handled, and how services such as therapy are authorized.
Medicaid Member Reassignments: What to Expect
As part of the statewide transition, Nevada Medicaid will redistribute membership among the available MCOs to ensure balanced enrollment across plans. This means that some Medicaid members will be automatically reassigned to a new managed care plan, even if they did not request a change.
Some members will be moved to CareSource effective January 1, 2026, as part of this redistribution process. While not every Medicaid member will experience a plan change, it is important to understand that reassignment can happen automatically, and it does not require member approval in advance.
Nevada Medicaid has already begun notifying affected members, and communication will continue throughout 2025. You should expect the following notification timeline:
- Pre-distribution notices have already been mailed to some Medicaid members
- Additional letters will be sent between October and December 2025
- Final plan assignments will take effect on January 1, 2026
Because these letters contain time-sensitive information about your health plan, it is essential to read all Medicaid mail carefully and keep it for your records. Missing or discarding these notices can make it more difficult to understand your coverage or take action if adjustments are needed.
Steps Medicaid Clients Should Take Before January 1, 2026
Preparing in advance is the most effective way to protect your access to therapy during this transition. Rather than waiting until January to discover a coverage issue, taking proactive steps now can help ensure continuity and reduce stress.
Before January 1, 2026, Medicaid clients are strongly encouraged to:
- Confirm which Managed Care Organization they are assigned to for 2026
- Verify whether you current therapist is in-network with the assigned plan
- Ask about any changes to authorization or referral requirements for therapy services
Early action allows time to explore options, request plan changes if eligible, or coordinate next steps with your provider. Waiting until care is disrupted often limits available solutions and can lead to unnecessary gaps in treatment.
Navigating Medicaid Changes With Insight Therapy Solutions
At Insight Therapy Solutions, we see insurance transitions not as paperwork problems, but as moments where guidance matters. Our team regularly helps clients verify Medicaid coverage, understand plan changes, and explore continuity options when networks shift. Our team can help you:
- Verify Medicaid coverage and plan changes
- Understand network options clearly
- Explore continuity solutions when disruptions occur
You do not need to know the right questions or the right terminology before reaching out. That is part of what we are here to help with. Call Insight Therapy Solutions:
888-409-8976
Book a 15-minute call.
If you prefer not to call, you can also request guidance through our intake team by scheduling a brief consultation.
Additional Resources for Nevada Medicaid Managed Care Expansion
To explore more about how Nevada Medicaid is evolving in 2026, including managed care contracts, enrollment details, and plan information, the following resources offer up-to-date perspectives and official context:
Nevada Medicaid Managed Care Contract Awards — Healthcare Dive
An industry-focused overview of the statewide managed care contract awards, including which organizations were selected and how the contract landscape is shifting ahead of the 2026 rollout.
SilverSummit Healthplan — Providers Page
Direct information from one of Nevada’s Medicaid managed care organizations, with details for providers about eligibility, managed care expansion into rural counties, and operational tools.
Nevada Health Link — New Plans for the 2026 Plan Year — 2news.com
A local news feature discussing updated health plan offerings for 2026, which helps contextualize broader health insurance changes in Nevada that align with Medicaid transitions.
