TRICARE Nevada: Nellis AFB and West Region Guide 2026 | TRICARE.com
Comprehensive guide to TRICARE in Nevada for 2026, focusing on Nellis AFB, West Region contractor TriWest, and available plan options for military families.
TRICARE Nevada: Nellis AFB and West Region Guide 2026
The state of Nevada falls within the **TRICARE West Region**. As of January 1, 2025, the regional contractor for Nevada is **TriWest Healthcare Alliance**, which replaced the previous contractor, Health Net Federal Services (HNFS).
*Note: TRICARE.com is an independent reference site and is not the official TRICARE program. For official policy and the most current enrollment data, visit [TRICARE.mil](https://www.tricare.mil).*
## TRICARE in Nevada Beneficiaries in Nevada are managed under the TRICARE West Region. Under the T-5 contract that began in early 2025, TriWest Healthcare Alliance handles all provider networks, referrals, and authorizations for the state. Nevada is home to significant military activity, particularly in the Las Vegas and Reno areas, which means there is a robust network of both military treatment facilities (MTFs) and civilian network providers.
## Major military installations Nevada hosts several high-profile installations, with the majority of the military population concentrated in Clark County.
* **Nellis Air Force Base** – Air Force (Las Vegas) * **Creech Air Force Base** – Air Force (Indian Springs) * **Naval Air Station (NAS) Fallon** – Navy (Fallon) * **Nevada National Guard / Reno Air National Guard Base** – Multiple Branches (Reno/Carson City) * **Hawthorne Army Depot** – Army (Hawthorne)
## Plans available in Nevada Residents in Nevada have access to the full suite of TRICARE programs. Eligibility is determined by your status (Active Duty, Guard/Reserve, or Retiree).
| Plan | Best For | | :--- | :--- | | **TRICARE Prime** | Active duty members and families near Nellis AFB or NAS Fallon. Requires a Primary Care Manager (PCM). | | **TRICARE Select** | Those who want to choose their own doctors and don't mind paying deductibles/copays. No referrals required. | | **TRICARE Reserve Select (TRS)** | Qualified members of the Selected Reserve and their families. | | **TRICARE Retired Reserve (TRR)** | Retired Reserve members under age 60 and their families. | | **TRICARE For Life (TFL)** | Dual-eligible beneficiaries (Medicare Part A & B) typically aged 65+. | | **TRICARE Young Adult** | Unmarried children (ages 21–26) of eligible sponsors. |
*Note: 2026 enrollment fees and catastrophic caps vary by the sponsor’s initial enlistment date (Group A vs. Group B). Check TRICARE.mil for specific 2026 rate tables.*
## Finding care in Nevada Nellis Air Force Base is home to the **Mike O'Callaghan Military Medical Center**, the primary MTF for the Las Vegas region. Most Prime enrollees at Nellis will be assigned a PCM here.
If you are using TRICARE Select or if the base hospital cannot see you, use the **TriWest West Region Provider Directory** to find "Network" providers. Choosing a network provider in cities like Henderson, North Las Vegas, or Reno ensures lower out-of-pocket costs (copays) compared to "Non-Network" providers.
**Telehealth in Nevada:** TriWest offers a robust telehealth network for Nevada residents, which is particularly useful for those stationed at remote locations like NAS Fallon or Creech AFB. Secure video appointments for primary care and mental health are available via the TriWest portal.
Common questions for Nevada beneficiaries
**I am PCSing to Nellis AFB. When should I switch my enrollment?** You should contact TriWest (West Region) as soon as you arrive in Nevada. Do not cancel your old coverage until your move is complete. Because Nellis is a "Prime Service Area," family members are encouraged to enroll in Prime to utilize the Mike O'Callaghan Military Medical Center.
**Can I use civilian Urgent Care in Las Vegas?** Active Duty Service Members (ADSMs) always need a referral for urgent care. However, Active Duty Family Members (ADFMs) on Prime or Select can typically use any TRICARE-authorized urgent care center without a referral. Always check with TriWest to ensure the facility is in-network to avoid unexpected bills.
**How does TRICARE work with Nevada Medicaid?** By law, TRICARE is the secondary payer to most other health insurance plans, but it is the primary payer to Medicaid. If you have both, the provider must bill TRICARE first.
## Sources * TRICARE West Region Contractor (TriWest): [https://www.triwest.com](https://www.triwest.com) * Nellis AFB - Mike O'Callaghan Military Medical Center: [https://nellis.tricare.mil](https://nellis.tricare.mil) * TRICARE Plan Finder: [https://www.tricare.mil/Plans/Enroll](https://www.tricare.mil/Plans/Enroll) * Defense Health Agency (DHA): [https://health.mil](https://health.mil)