Currently, Hometown Health is the only insurance company in Northern Nevada to offer Individual and Family Plan (IFP) Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) health insurance. But that all is set to change starting on January 1, 2026. Here’s what you need to know about important changes to the Northern Nevada IFP PPO 2026 market, and what it could mean for your health insurance options.
Major Health Plan Changes for Northern Nevada
Hometown Health is officially discontinuing their Nevada IFP PPO 2026 offerings. That means that effective January 1, 2026, PPO plans will no longer be available for individuals and families in Northern Nevada.
Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plans offer more flexibility because you can see any doctor, specialist, or hospital within the preferred network without a primary care physician (PCP) referral. Other types of plans, like Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) or Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO) plans, have more restrictive networks or require PCP referrals to see specialists.
Impact of Nevada IFP PPO 2026 Changes
The most obvious impact of Hometown Health leaving the Nevada IFP PPO 2026 market is that anyone who enjoyed the flexibility of PPO offerings will need to find a new plan.
Another major impact is the loss of in-network access to Tahoe Forest Health System for IFP members. Once Hometown Health PPO leaves the IFP market, there will be no other Hometown Health plans that include Tahoe Forest Health Systems in their network.
What to Do If You’re Affected
If you rely on Tahoe Forest Health Systems for care, or if you enjoy the flexibility of a PPO and want to continue, your best option is to see if you qualify for a group health plan.
Typically, qualifying for a group health insurance plan involves being a full-time employee (or the spouse of a full-time employee) of a company that offers health benefits. Group health insurance generally offers a wider range of plan choices, often including PPOs, and more robust benefits compared to the individual market. If group coverage is available for you, it might be worth exploring, especially now with zero Nevada IFP PPO 2026 options available.
If you don’t qualify for a group policy, a list of available alternative health insurance plans can be found on the Nevada Division of Insurance website or you may view quotes for available health plans. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at Health Benefits Associates.
Our team of experienced agents can walk you through your options to find the right health insurance plan to suit your needs and budget. Call us today at 775-828-1216 to schedule an appointment. We look forward to hearing from you!