Nebraska Medicaid Eligibility and Enrollment
- Are you eligible for Nebraska Medicaid? Find out how to enroll in Medicaid in Nebraska for individual and family coverage and how it differs from other states.
More than 365,000 participants benefit from Nebraska Medicaid each month because they are 65 years of age and older, pregnant, blind or disabled.
Medicaid helps provide families and their children the medically necessary services they need but otherwise can’t afford. Caretakers responsible for children 18 years of age and younger are also eligible for state Medicaid benefits.
Nebraska offers a program for residents age 19 through 64 who earn up to 138% of the federal poverty level — about $17,000 a year for a single person and $34,000 for a family of four. Coverage includes services like routine doctor visits, hospitalization and prescription drug benefits. In some cases, enrollees may qualify for additional benefits like dental and vision.
What Benefits Does Nebraska Medicaid Cover?
Nebraska Medicaid covers a variety of important services including, but not limited to chiropractic services, comprehensive dental hearing aid services, hospice, laboratory and radiology work, prescription drugs, surgeries and vision services.
Who Is Eligible for Medicaid in Nebraska?
Since 2018, Nebraska Medicaid has provided medically necessary health care to all residents making less than 133% of the federal poverty level who are 65 years of age or older, pregnant, disabled or low-income adults. The figures for 2023 are $19,392 annually for an individual; $26,228 annually for a two-person household; $33.064 annually for a family of three; and $39,900 annually for a family of four.
Children in Nebraska have access to health care through the federal initiative called Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), which provides the same medical services covered under traditional Medicaid. It’s an expansion of traditional Medicaid for children up to 18 who otherwise would not qualify or receive medical treatment.
Pregnant women and newborns qualify with income up to $27,179 for an individual annually, and a family of four cannot exceed $55,806 annually. In Nebraska, the following may be eligible for Medicaid:
- People 65 years of age or older
- Individuals between 19 and 64 years of age who have a disability — including visual impairment according to Social Security guidelines
- Children 18 years of age or younger
- Pregnant woman
- Parents or caretakers with dependent children under the age of 18
- Former foster care youth
What Defines Assets and Income in Nebraska for Medicaid Eligibility?
The Nebraska Medicaid program takes into account an enrollee’s income, assets and resources when they apply for Medicaid. Some assets are not counted:
- Home where you reside
- One motor vehicle
- Property you use to operate a business or trade
How Do I Enroll in Medicaid in Nebraska?
You can complete an application for Nebraska Medicaid online at ACCESS Nebraska. You can also apply over the phone by calling the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) at (855) 632-7633. Representatives are available Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
ACCESSNebraska is a convenient way to apply for Medicaid online. After you apply, you will receive a letter in the mail with your ACCESSNebraska PIN, which allows you to log on and create and view your account, take an assessment to see if you qualify for benefits and report changes in your household.
You can choose to complete your application over the phone or in person. Processing time takes generally 30 to 45 days, depending on the program you apply for and how quickly you provide documentation and proof of information.
Contact Information for Nebraska Medicaid
You can submit general correspondence and documentation for your application at:
Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)
P.O. Box 2992
Omaha, NE 68102
Fax: (402) 742-2351
You can receive text notifications from ACCESSNebraska about your Medicaid account by updating your correspondence preferences online. You can also request this service by calling (800) 383-4278 and speak with a representative, who will help you establish this service.
