Nevada Medicaid Estate Recovery
After someone who received Medicaid long-term care dies, Nevada can file a claim against their estate. This guide explains what is recovered, who is protected, and how to ask for relief.
Based on NRS 422.29302 (recovery of Medicaid benefits; claim against estate of recipient); NRS 422.054 (definition of 'undivided estate'); federal baseline 42 U.S.C. 1396p(b)
What Nevada recovers
Correctly paid Medicaid benefits provided after October 1, 1993 to recipients who were 55 or older or who were inpatients of a medical facility, including home and community based services, nursing facility services, hospital, physician and prescription drug services, Medicare Part A and Part B premiums paid prior to January 1, 2010, and Managed Care Organization (MCO) premiums. Recovery is the lesser of the total Medicaid paid or the value of the remaining assets in the undivided estate (NRS 422.29302).
Nevada uses an expanded estate definition and can reach certain assets that pass outside probate. Check the details and sources below, because the reach depends on the asset type.
55 and older (federal 55+ baseline), or any age if the recipient was an inpatient of a medical facility
Who is protected from recovery
Surviving spouse: No claim may be filed while there is a surviving spouse. Recovery may proceed only after the death of the surviving spouse (deferral, not permanent exemption), per NRS 422.29302.
Child under 21: Recovery is barred while the deceased recipient has a surviving child who is under 21 years of age (NRS 422.29302).
Blind or disabled child: Recovery is barred while the deceased recipient has a surviving child of any age who is blind or disabled (NRS 422.29302).
Sibling equity: Not specified in the Nevada statute (NRS 422.29302). The federal sibling-equity exemption under 42 U.S.C. 1396p(b) is not separately codified in Nevada law; verify with DHCFP.
Caregiver child: Not specified in the Nevada statute (NRS 422.29302). The federal caregiver-child exemption under 42 U.S.C. 1396p(b) is not separately codified in Nevada law; verify with DHCFP.
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Undue-hardship waiver
Nevada can waive recovery when it would cause an undue hardship for the heirs. Contact Nevada Division of Health Care Financing and Policy (DHCFP), Medicaid Estate Recovery at (775) 687-8416 to request the waiver and confirm deadlines.
Hardship waiver informationFrequently asked questions
Who is protected from Medicaid estate recovery in Nevada?
What does Nevada Medicaid recover after death?
Can I apply for an undue-hardship waiver in Nevada?
Who handles Medicaid estate recovery in Nevada?
Agency and statute sourcesOfficial references used for this page
- Nevada Medicaid (DHCFP) - Medicaid Estate Recovery program page
- Nevada Revised Statutes Chapter 422 (NRS 422.29302 and NRS 422.054), Nevada Legislature
- 422.29302 - Recovery of benefits paid for Medicaid: Powers and duties of Authority; claim against estate of recipient; regulations; distribution of money recovered; payment in cash
Information current as of June 28, 2026
Settled Estate is not a law firm, and this content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Probate laws and procedures in Nevada can change. Consult with a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation. Full disclaimer.