Nevada Ranks Near Worst in Nation for Skipping Medical Care

More than one in four American adults skipped needed medical care last year due to cost, according to new Federal Reserve data. In Nevada, the numbers are higher, adding to discussions about access to care, insurance affordability, and provider shortages.

Nationally, 26% of adults delayed or went without care in 2025, down slightly from 28% in 2024. Dental care was the most commonly skipped care at 18%, followed by doctor visits at 15%, mental health services at 10%, and prescription drugs at 9%.

Low-income families skip care at the highest rates, with 38% of adults with household incomes under $25,000 skipping care, compared to 13% of those earning over $100,000.

State-level data shows a more challenging situation in Nevada. The state ranks second-highest in the nation for adults forgoing needed care due to cost, according to a 2024 analysis from the State Health Access Data Assistance Center. In 2024, 16.7% of Nevada adults reported skipping care, above the national state average of 12.4%.

These trends are drawing attention from state lawmakers. Current efforts include expanding the healthcare workforce, strengthening medical and dental loss ratio rules, pursuing insurance contract reforms, and implementing the state’s Health Care Cost Growth Benchmark program.

Nevada’s uninsured rate of 11.4% ranks 47th nationally, compared to the national average of about 8.2%. Combined with repeated premium increases, this situation has advocates for patients and providers calling for additional steps. They argue that solutions should include workforce growth, targeted regulatory changes, and support for rural and frontier communities where access barriers are most significant.

With the 2027 legislative session approaching, dental care, the most frequently skipped service nationally and in Nevada, is expected to receive significant attention from the Board of Dental Examiners and state legislators.