Free, plain-English help for seniors and families in Nevada. Education, not advice. Verify before you rely on it.
Start here (works anywhere in Nevada)
- 211 (dial 2-1-1), Eldercare Locator 1-800-677-1116, BenefitsCheckUp.org, Medicare 1-800-633-4227, Social Security 1-800-772-1213, VA 1-800-827-1000, Alzheimer's 24/7 Helpline 1-800-272-3900, National Elder Fraud Hotline 1-833-372-8311, Crisis Lifeline 988
Free Medicare counseling (Nevada MAP / SHIP)
Nevada's SHIP program operates under the name Medicare Assistance Program (MAP), administered by the Nevada Aging and Disability Services Division (ADSD).
- Statewide toll-free: 1-800-307-4444
- Southern Nevada (Las Vegas area): 702-616-4926
- Website: adsd.nv.gov/programs/seniors/ship/ship_prog/
- MAP counselors provide free, unbiased help with Medicare plan comparisons, Medicare Advantage, Part D drug coverage, Medigap, and billing issues. They do not sell insurance.
Medicaid in Nevada
Nevada Medicaid is administered by the Division of Health Care Financing and Policy. Applications are processed through Access Nevada.
- Apply online: access.nv.gov or benefitsportal.acses.nv.gov
- Statewide: 1-800-992-0900
- Northern Nevada: 775-684-7200
- Southern Nevada: 702-486-1646
- For seniors needing long-term care, personal care services, or nursing home coverage: contact your local Area Agency on Aging or call Access Nevada to be connected with a Medicaid Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) coordinator; assessment and enrollment must occur through the Division of Aging
Prescription help
Nevada does not operate a standalone state pharmaceutical assistance program (SPAP). Seniors on Medicare Part D should apply for Extra Help (the federal Low Income Subsidy).
- Apply for Extra Help: Social Security 1-800-772-1213 or ssa.gov
- NeedyMeds.org: manufacturer patient-assistance programs by drug name
- MAP counselors can assist with Part D comparisons: 1-800-307-4444
Note: Nevada's STAR (State Assistance for Rx) program officially concluded. The application deadline was October 31, 2016, and the program has not been accepting applications since that time (source: adsd.nv.gov/programs/seniors/ship/Star/).
Energy and utility help
Nevada's LIHEAP program is called the Energy Assistance Program (EAP), administered by the Nevada Division of Social Services (DSS).
- Website: dss.nv.gov/programs/energy
- Carson City (state administration): 775-684-0800
- Program year: July 1 through June 30 (funding-dependent; apply early)
- Local EAP offices are administered through community action agencies statewide; call 211 or visit dss.nv.gov for local office locations
- Benefits cover heating and cooling costs for qualifying low-income households
Utility companies also offer separate low-income programs: NV Energy's Energy Assistance Fund (EAF) and budget billing options. Contact your utility directly.
Property tax relief (Nevada)
Nevada does not have a statewide senior-specific property tax exemption program currently available for application. The primary residential protections are:
Residential Cap on Assessed Value Growth Under Nevada Revised Statutes 361.4723, property tax assessments on primary residences are capped at a 3% annual increase in assessed value (regardless of actual market appreciation). This applies automatically to owner-occupied primary residences with no application required. It is not an exemption but significantly limits property tax increases for long-term homeowners.
Property Tax Exemption for Disabled Veterans and Surviving Spouses Veterans with a service-connected disability rating of 100% or surviving unremarried spouses may qualify for a partial property tax exemption. Contact your county assessor's office for current amounts and application deadlines.
Disabled Persons Property Tax Exemption Persons who are legally blind or have a permanent and total disability may qualify. Contact your county assessor.
For all property tax exemptions, contact your county assessor directly (Clark County: 702-455-3882; Washoe County: 775-328-2277; all other counties: contact the county assessor listed at tax.nv.gov).
Food, in-home help, caregiver, transportation, and legal help
- Nevada Area Agencies on Aging (meals, transportation, caregiver programs): aging.nv.gov or Eldercare Locator 1-800-677-1116
- Nevada Legal Services (free civil legal help for low-income seniors): 775-284-3491 or lasvegaslegalaid.org (Clark County)
- SNAP (food assistance): apply at dwss.nv.gov or dial 211
- Senior Center locations: contact your local Area Agency on Aging or dial 211
Frequently asked questions
What is Nevada's SHIP called? Nevada calls its SHIP the Medicare Assistance Program (MAP). Call 1-800-307-4444 statewide or 702-616-4926 in Southern Nevada. It is free and counselors do not sell insurance.
Does Nevada have a senior property tax exemption? Nevada does not currently have a general senior property tax discount program. The main protection for primary homeowners is the 3% annual cap on assessed value growth under NRS 361.4723, which applies automatically. Disabled veterans and persons with total disability may qualify for partial exemptions through their county assessor.
How do Nevada seniors get help with utility bills? Through the Energy Assistance Program (EAP), Nevada's LIHEAP program. Call 211 to find your local EAP office or visit dss.nv.gov/programs/energy. The program year runs July 1 through June 30.
How do I apply for Nevada Medicaid for long-term care? Call 1-800-992-0900 or visit access.nv.gov. For home and community-based services, contact your local Area Agency on Aging to discuss the Medicaid waiver process. Eligibility is based on income, assets, and a functional needs assessment.
Sources
- Nevada MAP (SHIP) program: https://adsd.nv.gov/programs/seniors/ship/ship_prog/ (Verified June 10, 2026)
- Nevada STAR program concluded: https://adsd.nv.gov/programs/seniors/ship/Star/ (Verified June 10, 2026 -- program application deadline was Oct 31, 2016)
- Nevada Medicaid Access Nevada: https://access.nv.gov (Verified June 10, 2026)
- Nevada EAP (LIHEAP) Division of Social Services: https://dss.nv.gov/programs/energy (Verified June 10, 2026)
- Nevada NRS 361.4723 residential cap: https://www.leg.state.nv.us/NRS/NRS-361.html#NRS361Sec4723 (Verified June 10, 2026)
Ryan Riggins, NC Real Estate License #361546, eXp Realty. Riggins Strategic Solutions is an education and media company, not a real estate sales business. This is not financial, tax, medical, or legal advice. Income limits, rates, and deadlines change annually, confirm with the program or a licensed professional before acting.