Nebraska Medicaid for Senior Care
Complete guide to Medicaid eligibility, coverage, and application process for nursing homes, assisted living, and home care in Nebraska.
7.6 million Medicaid long-term care recipients nationwide
Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)
Processing Time
30-45 days for standard Medicaid; A&D Waiver applications take 60-90 days due to level-of-care assessments. Waiting list may exist depending on capacity and funding.
Nebraska Medicaid Eligibility Requirements (2026)
To qualify for Medicaid long-term care in Nebraska, applicants must meet both financial eligibility criteria (income and assets) and medical criteria (level of care needs). Nebraska follows federal Medicaid guidelines with some state-specific variations.
Income Limits
Individual Applicant
$2,982/month
Married Couple (One Applying)
$5,964/month
Income includes Social Security, pensions, annuities, interest, dividends, and rental income.
Asset Limits
Individual Applicant
$4,000
Community Spouse (At-Home Spouse)
$6,000
Primary residence, one vehicle, personal belongings, and prepaid burial arrangements are exempt from asset limits.
5-Year Look-Back Period
Nebraska Medicaid reviews all financial transactions for the 60 months prior to application. Asset transfers or gifts during this period can result in a penalty period of Medicaid ineligibility. The penalty is calculated by dividing the transferred amount by $7,622/month average (semi-private), $8,356/month (private) (the average monthly nursing home cost in Nebraska).
Medical Eligibility
Applicants must demonstrate need for nursing facility level of care through a state assessment. This typically requires assistance with 2-3 Activities of Daily Living (bathing, dressing, toileting, transferring, eating) or cognitive impairment requiring supervision.
Assessments are performed by state-designated evaluators (nurses or social workers) and typically take 45-90 minutes. The assessment can occur at home, in a hospital, or at the care facility.
What Medicaid Covers in Nebraska
Nursing Home Care
Medicaid pays 100% of nursing home costs in Nebraska once eligibility is established. The average monthly cost is $7,622/month average (semi-private), $8,356/month (private). Recipients contribute most of their monthly income toward care costs, keeping only $50-75 for personal needs.
Coverage includes room, board, 24-hour nursing care, meals, medications, therapy services, and all medical care provided at the facility.
Assisted Living Coverage
Aged and Disabled Waiver - Assisted Living Coverage: Nebraska's A&D Waiver includes services for individuals living in assisted living facilities. Medicaid covers personal assistance services, medication management, and care coordination through the waiver. However, room and board costs are the responsibility of the resident and are not covered by Medicaid.
Note: This program covers personal care services but does not cover room and board costs. Residents need approximately $1,500-$2,500/month from Social Security or other income to cover housing expenses.
Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waivers
Nebraska offers 2 HCBS waiver programs that provide in-home care and community services as an alternative to nursing facility placement.
Aged and Disabled (A&D) Waiver
Serves individuals age 65+ or adults age 21-64 with physical disabilities who meet nursing facility level of care. Provides adult day services, assistive technology, case management, home-delivered meals, home modifications, homemaker services, personal assistance services, respite care, specialized medical equipment and supplies, and transportation. Nebraska's largest waiver program with approximately 4,800 participants.
Program Details →Community Transition Services
One-time services for individuals transitioning from institutions (nursing facilities, hospitals) to community-based living. Covers moving expenses, utility connections/deposits, essential household items, and accessibility adaptations. Available to those enrolled in A&D Waiver or other qualifying programs.
Program Details →How to Apply for Medicaid in Nebraska
Nebraska Medicaid applications typically take 30-45 days for standard Medicaid; A&D Waiver applications take 60-90 days due to level-of-care assessments. Waiting list may exist depending on capacity and funding.. Starting the process early and submitting complete documentation helps avoid delays.
Application Methods
You can apply for Medicaid in Nebraska through:
- Online at ACCESSNebraska.ne.gov
- Phone: 1-855-632-7633 (toll-free)
- Download application at dhhs.ne.gov and mail to: DHHS, P.O. Box 95026, Lincoln, NE 68509-5026
- In-person at local DHHS office
Step 1: Gather Required Documents
Before starting your application, collect:
- •Birth certificate and Social Security card
- •Proof of citizenship (passport, naturalization)
- •5 years of bank statements
- •Investment and retirement account statements
- •Property deeds and mortgage statements
- •Life insurance policies
- •Social Security award letter
- •Pension benefit statements
- •Medicare card
- •Doctor's statement of care needs
Step 2: Submit Your Application
Complete and submit your application through one of the methods listed above. If applying online or by mail, keep copies of all submitted documents.
Step 3: Medical Assessment
A state assessor will evaluate level of care needs. This assessment typically takes 45-90 minutes and covers functional abilities, medical needs, cognitive status, and safety concerns.
Step 4: Financial Review
Medicaid staff review all financial documents and investigate any transfers or gifts made in the past 60 months. They may request additional documentation during this process.
Step 5: Receive Determination
You'll receive written notification of approval or denial. Approved applications include the effective date of coverage (often retroactive up to 3 months), patient responsibility amount, and covered services.
Get Free Application Help
Free Medicaid application assistance is available in Nebraska from:
- •Area Agency on Aging: Call 1-800-677-1116 (Eldercare Locator) to find your local office
- •SHIP counselors: Free Medicare/Medicaid counseling
- •Nursing facility social workers: In-facility application support
- •Elder law attorneys: Paid help for complex financial situations ($2,000-$5,000)
Nebraska-Specific Programs and Resources
Medicare Savings Programs (QMB/SLMB/QI/QDWI)
QMB pays Medicare premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance. SLMB pays Part B premiums. QI pays Part B premiums (limited funding). QDWI pays Part A premiums for working disabled individuals.
Learn MoreMoney Follows the Person (MFP)
Federal demonstration program helping Nebraskans transition from institutional care to community-based settings with enhanced support services.
Learn MoreMedicaid Buy-In for Workers with Disabilities
Allows working individuals with disabilities to purchase Medicaid coverage with higher income limits. Individuals can earn up to 250% of Federal Poverty Level and maintain coverage.
Learn MoreNeed Help with Nebraska Medicaid?
Contact Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) for specific questions about eligibility, application status, or covered services.
Main Office Phone
1-855-632-7633Application Helpline
1-855-632-7633Website
https://dhhs.ne.gov/medicaid