Nebraska
What Is Nebraska Medicaid Long-Term Care?
Nebraska Medicaid, known as the Nebraska Medical Assistance Program (NMAP), provides healthcare coverage to low-income individuals, including seniors aged 65 and older. For elderly residents, Medicaid helps cover the cost of long-term care, including services in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and at home. Services aim to support seniors in maintaining independence and delaying or avoiding institutional care.
What Types of Long-Term Care Medicaid Are Available in Nebraska?
Is Nursing Home Medicaid Available?
Yes. Institutional or Nursing Home Medicaid is available to those who meet eligibility requirements. It is an entitlement program, meaning all who qualify receive benefits, which are limited to nursing facility care.
Are There Home and Community-Based Services?
Yes. Medicaid Waivers, also called Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS), provide care in settings like one’s home, adult day centers, or assisted living. Unlike Nursing Home Medicaid, these services are not guaranteed—enrollment may be capped, and waitlists can occur.
Does Regular Medicaid Offer Long-Term Care Support?
Yes. Through the Aged, Blind, and Disabled (ABD) Medicaid pathway, qualifying seniors can access services like personal care and adult day care. This option is also an entitlement program.
What Are the 2025 Financial Eligibility Requirements?
What Are the Basic Requirements for Single Applicants?
In 2025, a single applicant for Nursing Home Medicaid must meet the following:
- Monthly income under $1,305
- Countable assets below $4,000
- Must require a nursing home level of care
Eligibility Comparison Table for 2025 Nebraska Medicaid
Medicaid Program | Single Applicant | Married (Both Apply) | Married (One Applies) |
---|---|---|---|
Institutional / Nursing Home | $1,305 income / $4,000 assets / Nursing Home Care | $1,305 income per spouse / $8,000 combined assets / Nursing Home Care | $1,305 applicant income / $4,000 applicant assets & $157,920 for spouse / Nursing Home Care |
HCBS Waivers | $1,305 income / $4,000 assets / Nursing Home Care | $1,305 income per spouse / $8,000 combined assets / Nursing Home Care | $1,305 applicant income / $4,000 applicant assets & $157,920 for spouse / Nursing Home Care |
Regular Medicaid (ABD) | $1,305 income / $4,000 assets / ADL Support | $1,763 income / $6,000 assets / ADL Support | $1,763 income / $6,000 assets / ADL Support |
*Nursing home residents must contribute all income, except a $75 personal needs allowance and certain deductions, to their cost of care.
†Actual income retention varies based on living arrangements and allowable expenses.
How Is Income Counted by Nebraska Medicaid?
What Types of Income Are Considered?
Most income sources are countable, including wages, pensions, Social Security, alimony, and investment income. Some exceptions include Holocaust restitution payments and the VA Aid & Attendance Allowance.
What If Only One Spouse Applies?
For Nursing Home and HCBS programs, only the applicant’s income is considered. The non-applicant may receive income transfers under the Minimum Monthly Maintenance Needs Allowance (MMMNA), set at $2,643.75/month (2025), with a maximum of $3,948.
How Is Income Handled for ABD Medicaid?
When applying for ABD Medicaid, income from both spouses is counted, and no spousal allowance is provided.
How Are Assets Evaluated?
Which Assets Are Countable?
Countable assets include bank accounts, real estate (excluding one’s residence), stocks, and IRAs. Exempt assets include a home (if lived in), personal effects, one car, and burial trusts up to $6,507.
How Does Nebraska Treat Spousal Assets?
All assets are jointly considered, but the non-applicant spouse can retain up to 50% of the couple’s assets (up to $157,920 in 2025). If the couple’s assets are low, the non-applicant may keep up to $31,584 entirely.
What Is Nebraska’s Medicaid Look-Back Period?
The state enforces a 60-month look-back on asset transfers for Nursing Home and HCBS Medicaid. Gifting assets below fair market value during this period can result in a penalty period of ineligibility. The federal gift tax exemption does not apply to Medicaid’s rules.
When Is a Home Considered Exempt?
A home is excluded from asset limits if the applicant or spouse lives there. If not, the applicant must intend to return. The equity limit is $730,000 (2025). However, homes are subject to estate recovery after the Medicaid recipient’s death.
What Are the Medical Eligibility Requirements?
Applicants must show a medical need. For Nursing Home and HCBS Waivers, a nursing home level of care is required. For ABD Medicaid, assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) is sufficient.
Can You Qualify If Over Income or Asset Limits?
What Is the Medically Needy Pathway Program?
Seniors who exceed the income limit but have high medical expenses may qualify through a “spenddown.” In 2025, the Medically Needy Income Level (MNIL) is $392/month. The asset cap is $4,000 (single) or $6,000 (couple).
What Is Asset Spend Down?
Seniors can become eligible by spending excess assets on non-countable items like home improvements, prepaid funeral expenses, or medical debt. Proper documentation is essential to avoid violating the look-back rule.
What Is Medicaid Planning?
Professional Medicaid Planning can help applicants become eligible through legal strategies while preserving assets like a family home. Consulting with a Certified Medicaid Planner is highly recommended.
What Additional Medicaid Programs Are Available in Nebraska?
Aged & Disabled Waiver
This waiver helps seniors remain at home or in assisted living by providing services like meal delivery, emergency alert systems, and home modifications.
Personal Assistance Services
The PAS program supports individuals with chronic health conditions or disabilities. Participants can self-direct care, including hiring relatives in some cases.
PACE Program
PACE combines Medicaid and Medicare benefits into a single comprehensive plan that may include additional supports like dental or vision care.
How Do You Apply for Nebraska Medicaid?
Applications can be submitted online through iServe Nebraska, by visiting a local DHHS office, or by calling 855-632-7633. Paper forms are also available upon request. Assistance may also be obtained from a local Area Agency on Aging.
Should You Seek Help Before Applying?
Yes. If you’re unsure about eligibility due to income or assets, it’s wise to consult with a Medicaid Planner. Understanding the process in advance helps ensure a smoother application experience.