Nevada Medicaid, SSI & Katie Beckett

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Families of children with autism and other disabilities may qualify for different types of medical or financial assistance. Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and Katie Beckett are different programs with different eligibility requirements.

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Nevada Medicaid

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Nevada Medicaid provides health coverage to eligible children and families. Eligibility is based on factors such as household income, household size, age, and other program requirements. Families can apply for medical assistance through Access Nevada. Children who do not qualify for Medicaid may also qualify for Nevada Check Up, Nevada’s Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). If your child does not currently have Medicaid, applying for medical assistance through Access Nevada is generally the best place to start.

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Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

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Supplemental Security Income, or SSI, is a federal program administered by the Social Security Administration that provides monthly cash benefits to eligible people with disabilities who meet financial requirements. For children under age 18, Social Security may consider some of the parent’s income and resources when determining eligibility. An autism diagnosis does not automatically qualify a child for SSI. Social Security evaluates the child’s disability and how it affects their functioning. Families can apply for SSI directly through the Social Security Administration.

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Katie Beckett Medicaid

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The Katie Beckett Eligibility Option is a Nevada Medicaid pathway for certain children with significant disabilities who can appropriately receive care at home. It may be an option for children who do not qualify for SSI because of parental income. A child with autism may qualify for Katie Beckett, but an autism diagnosis alone does not automatically make a child eligible. Nevada also considers the child’s disability, support needs, required level of care, and other eligibility requirements. Families interested in Katie Beckett should apply for Nevada medical assistance and SSI for the child. Nevada can begin the Katie Beckett disability and level-of-care review while the SSI determination is still pending.

 

For questions about Nevada’s Katie Beckett program, families can contact: KBKids@NVHA.nv.gov

 

 

This information is provided as a general community resource. Eligibility requirements and program procedures may change, so families should confirm current information directly with Nevada DSS, Nevada Medicaid, or the Social Security Administration.

 

Last updated October 2026