Medicaid in Nebraska is a health care program that provides medical and health-related services to eligible low-income individuals and families. It covers a wide range of services, including hospital care, prescription drugs, mental health services, and preventive care for various groups, including children, pregnant women, the elderly, and people with disabilities. The program is jointly funded by the state and federal government and aims to ensure access to essential healthcare services for those who might otherwise be unable to afford them. Nebraska Medicaid's eligibility criteria and covered services are tailored to meet the unique health needs of its diverse population.

Nebraska Medicaid provides a wide range of covered services.

Here's a summary:

Medical Services

• ‍Ambulance Services: Transportation for emergency and certain non-emergency situations.‍
• Chiropractic Services: Spinal manipulation and related care.‍
• Dental Services: Dental health care and procedures.‍
• Durable Medical Equipment, Orthotics, Prosthetics, and Medical Supplies: Essential medical equipment and supplies.‍
• Family Planning Services: Contraception and reproductive health services.‍
• Hearing Aid Services: Services related to hearing impairment.‍
• Home Health Agency Services: In-home medical care.‍
• Hospice Services: End-of-life care.‍
• Hospital Services: Inpatient and outpatient hospital care.‍
• Laboratory and Radiology (X-ray) Services: Diagnostic services.‍
• Medical Transportation Services: Non-emergency medical transport.‍
• Physician Services: General medical care by doctors.‍
• Podiatry Services: Foot care and treatment.‍
• Prescribed Drugs: Prescription medications.‍
• Vision Care Services: Eye care and related services.

Specialized Services

• ‍ICF/DD Services: Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities
• ‍Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services for Children and Adolescents (ages 0-20): Specialized care for young individuals
• ‍Nurse Midwife Services: Care during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum
• ‍Nurse Practitioner Services: Healthcare services provided by nurse practitioners
• ‍Nursing Facility Services: Long-term care facilities
• ‍Private-Duty Nursing Services: One-on-one nursing care
• ‍Adult Psychiatric, Substance Use Disorder, and Medicaid Rehabilitation Option: Mental health and substance abuse treatments
• ‍Screening Services (Mammograms): Breast cancer screening
• ‍Services Provided by Clinics: Various health services offered in clinic settings
• ‍Therapies: Physical, occupational, speech pathology, and audiology therapies.

Preventative and Comprehensive Services for Children

• ‍Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment (EPSDT, Health Check): Preventative, diagnostic, and treatment services for individuals under 21.

You should refer to the Nebraska Medicaid Rules and Regulations for detailed information about each service, including specific coverage limits and regulations.

In Nebraska, eligibility for Medicaid depends on various criteria. Here's a summary:

Age and Special Groups

• Seniors (65 years or older)
• Individuals under 65 with a disability or visual impairment as per Social Security guidelines
• Children (18 years or younger)
• Adults (19-64 years)
• Pregnant women
• Parents or caretakers
• Former foster care youth

Medicare and Medicaid

People with Medicare may qualify for Medicaid but not through Heritage Health Adult.

Disability

Those with disabilities applying for Medicaid may need to apply for disability benefits.

Income and Resource Limits

• Certain resources and income are considered in the application process.
• Exempt resources include a home, one motor vehicle, property used for a trade or business, and an irrevocable burial fund.
• The resource limit is $4,000 for a one-member family, $6,000 for a two-member family, plus $25 for each additional family member.
• Children under 18 and pregnant women do not require a resource test.

For specific income guidelines, refer to the Federal Poverty Level and Program Eligibility chart provided by the Medicaid program in Nebraska.

To apply for Medicaid in Nebraska, you have several options:

Online Application

Complete the application process on iServe portal.

Phone Application

• Call (855) 632-7633, (402) 473-7000 for Lincoln, or (402) 595-1178 for Omaha.
• Phone lines are available from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
• You can apply over the phone or request a paper application.

In-Person Application

Visit a local Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) office.

Choose the method that is most convenient for you. If you need assistance or have specific questions, these resources are also available to provide guidance.

To renew Medicaid coverage in Nebraska, the process primarily involves a review of each member's eligibility, as required by the federal government.

Nebraska Medicaid will attempt to renew coverage automatically if they already have all the necessary information for a member. If your circumstances haven't significantly changed and Nebraska Medicaid has up-to-date information, they may renew your coverage without additional input.

Medicaid members need to keep their information up to date. If your circumstances or personal information have changed, you should report these changes to Nebraska Medicaid.

If DHHS requires additional information to complete your renewal, they will contact you. Ensure your contact details are current to receive any necessary communications. Respond promptly to requests for additional information or verification to ensure your coverage continues without interruption.