If you live in Nebraska and need affordable health coverage, Medicaid may be an option for you and your family. Nebraska expanded its Medicaid program in October 2020 through a ballot initiative, opening the door to coverage for thousands of adults who previously fell into a coverage gap. In 2026, the program continues to serve low-income Nebraskans across a wide range of eligibility categories.
This guide breaks down who qualifies for Nebraska Medicaid in 2026, including income limits based on the latest federal poverty level (FPL) guidelines, how to apply, what services are covered, and answers to common questions.
Who Can Qualify for Nebraska Medicaid?
Nebraska Medicaid covers several groups of residents. You may be eligible if you fall into one of these categories:
- Adults ages 19 to 64 with income at or below 138% of the federal poverty level (through Medicaid expansion, also called Heritage Health Adult)
- Children age 18 and younger with family income within program limits
- Pregnant women with income within the state's pregnancy coverage threshold
- Parents and caretaker relatives caring for dependent children
- Individuals age 65 and older who meet income and resource requirements
- People with disabilities or visual impairments as defined by Social Security guidelines
- Former foster care youth aging out of the foster care system
People who have Medicare may also qualify for Medicaid in certain situations, though not through the Heritage Health Adult expansion program.
2026 Income Limits for Nebraska Medicaid Expansion (Heritage Health Adult)
Nebraska's Medicaid expansion program, called Heritage Health Adult, covers adults ages 19 to 64 with household income at or below 138% of the federal poverty level. The 2026 federal poverty guidelines (published January 2026) set the baseline for these calculations.
Here are the estimated annual and monthly income limits at 138% FPL for 2026:
| Household Size | Annual Income Limit | Monthly Income Limit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $22,025 | $1,835 |
| 2 | $29,863 | $2,489 |
| 3 | $37,702 | $3,142 |
| 4 | $45,540 | $3,795 |
| 5 | $53,378 | $4,448 |
| 6 | $61,217 | $5,101 |
| 7 | $69,055 | $5,755 |
| 8 | $76,894 | $6,408 |
These figures are calculated from the 2026 federal poverty guidelines ($15,960 for a single person, plus $5,680 for each additional household member). Medicaid uses Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) to determine eligibility. The 138% threshold includes a built-in 5% income disregard, meaning the effective income test is 133% FPL with the disregard applied automatically.
Note: Actual eligibility is determined by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). These figures are estimates based on published federal poverty guidelines. Contact DHHS or use our free screener to check your eligibility.
Income Limits for Other Nebraska Medicaid Categories
Not everyone uses the expansion pathway. Other Medicaid categories have their own income thresholds:
Children's Medicaid and CHIP
Nebraska provides Medicaid and CHIP (Children's Health Insurance Program) coverage for children age 18 and younger. Income limits for children are generally higher than those for adults. Children who do not qualify for traditional Medicaid may still be eligible for CHIP, which provides the same covered services.
Nebraska also offers the 599 CHIP program, designed for unborn children of pregnant women who are not otherwise eligible for Medicaid or CHIP coverage.
Children enrolled in Nebraska Medicaid benefit from 12-month continuous eligibility, meaning once a child is found eligible, their coverage continues for a full year regardless of changes in family income during that period.
Pregnant Women
Pregnant women in Nebraska can qualify for Medicaid coverage with income limits that are typically higher than the standard adult expansion threshold. Contact DHHS or check your eligibility with our free screener for current pregnancy-related income limits.
Aged, Blind, and Disabled
Individuals age 65 and older, as well as those with qualifying disabilities, may be eligible for Medicaid with different income and resource tests. For these categories, Nebraska applies a resource limit in addition to income tests:
| Family Size | Resource Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $4,000 |
| 2 people | $6,000 |
| Each additional person | +$25 |
Certain resources are not counted, including your home, one motor vehicle, business property, and irrevocable burial funds. Children age 18 and younger and eligible pregnant women are not subject to a resource test.
Nebraskans with disabilities who are denied SSI benefits may qualify for the state's Aid to the Aged, Blind, or Disabled (AABD) program, which provides cash assistance and medical coverage.
ENABLE Savings Accounts
Nebraska offers ENABLE accounts for people who are blind or have a disability that began before age 26. These savings and investment accounts allow participants to save up to $100,000 without it affecting their Medicaid eligibility or other benefits.
What Does Nebraska Medicaid Cover?
Heritage Health Adult and other Nebraska Medicaid programs cover a broad range of health services, including:
- Doctor visits (primary care and specialists)
- Hospital stays (inpatient and outpatient)
- Prescription medications
- Dental care
- Vision care
- Over-the-counter medications
- Mental health and behavioral health services
- Preventive care (screenings, immunizations, wellness visits)
- Lab work and diagnostic testing
- Emergency services
Since October 2021, all Medicaid expansion enrollees automatically receive equal benefits, including dental, vision, and over-the-counter medication coverage.
How to Apply for Nebraska Medicaid in 2026
Nebraska offers several ways to apply for Medicaid. You do not need to wait for a specific enrollment period since Medicaid applications are accepted year-round.
Step 1: Gather Your Information
Before applying, collect the following for each household member:
- Social Security numbers
- Proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, or employer letters)
- Proof of Nebraska residency
- Date of birth
- Immigration status documentation (if applicable)
- Information about any current health insurance
Step 2: Choose Your Application Method
You can apply through any of these channels:
Online (Recommended) Apply at iServe Nebraska, the state's online benefits portal. This is typically the fastest way to submit your application and track its status.
By Phone Call one of the following numbers during business hours (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday):
- Toll-free: (855) 632-7633
- Lincoln area: (402) 473-7000
- Omaha area: (402) 595-1178
You can apply over the phone or request a paper application to be mailed to you.
In Person Visit your local DHHS office to apply with assistance from a caseworker.
Step 3: Complete and Submit Your Application
Fill out the application completely. Missing information can delay processing. Be honest and accurate about your income, household size, and other details.
Step 4: Respond to Any Requests
DHHS may contact you for additional documentation or verification. Respond promptly to avoid delays in your eligibility determination.
Step 5: Receive Your Decision
Once your application is processed, you will receive a notice about your eligibility. If approved, you will receive information about your Heritage Health plan and how to begin using your coverage.
If you are found ineligible: Your application is automatically sent to the federal Health Insurance Marketplace at healthcare.gov, where you may qualify for subsidized private insurance coverage.
Not Sure If You Qualify?
Figuring out which programs you might be eligible for can be confusing, especially when rules vary by age, income, household size, and other factors. Our free benefits screener checks your eligibility for Medicaid and 10+ other assistance programs in just a few minutes. No personal information is stored, and there is no obligation.
For a broader look at all available assistance programs in the state, visit our Nebraska Benefits Overview.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Heritage Health Adult?
Heritage Health Adult is the name of Nebraska's Medicaid expansion program. It provides health coverage to adults ages 19 to 64 who earn up to 138% of the federal poverty level. The program launched in October 2020 after Nebraska voters approved Medicaid expansion through a ballot initiative in 2018.
How long does it take to get approved for Nebraska Medicaid?
Processing times vary, but Nebraska DHHS generally processes Medicaid applications within 45 days. If you are applying based on a disability, the process may take up to 90 days. Applying online through iServe is typically faster than paper applications.
Can I apply for Medicaid at any time?
Yes. Unlike marketplace health insurance, Medicaid does not have an open enrollment period. You can apply for Nebraska Medicaid at any time during the year.
What if my income changes after I am approved?
You are required to report changes in income, household size, and other circumstances to DHHS. Your eligibility may be adjusted at your annual renewal or when you report changes. For children, Nebraska provides 12-month continuous eligibility, so a change in family income will not affect a child's coverage until their next renewal.
Does Nebraska Medicaid cover dental and vision?
Yes. All Nebraska Medicaid enrollees, including those covered through Heritage Health Adult, receive dental care, vision care, and over-the-counter medication coverage as standard benefits.
Can I have Medicare and Medicaid at the same time?
Yes. Some people qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid (called "dual eligibles"). However, dual-eligible individuals cannot enroll through the Heritage Health Adult expansion program. Contact DHHS to learn about other Medicaid pathways if you have Medicare.
What is the difference between Medicaid and CHIP in Nebraska?
CHIP (Children's Health Insurance Program) is a type of Medicaid for children who do not have other health insurance and do not qualify for regular Medicaid. CHIP provides the same services as Medicaid in Nebraska. The 599 CHIP program also covers unborn children of pregnant women who are not eligible for other coverage.
Where can I get help with my application?
In addition to calling DHHS or visiting a local office, you can get free application assistance from community health centers, hospitals, and certified application counselors throughout Nebraska. The DHHS Medicaid expansion team can also be reached at DHHS.MedicaidExpansionQuestions@Nebraska.gov.
Key Takeaways
- Nebraska expanded Medicaid in October 2020, covering adults 19 to 64 earning up to 138% FPL through the Heritage Health Adult program
- For a single adult in 2026, the estimated income limit is approximately $22,025 per year (about $1,835 per month)
- Children have higher income limits and benefit from 12-month continuous eligibility
- Coverage includes medical, dental, vision, prescriptions, and over-the-counter medications
- Apply anytime online at iServe Nebraska, by phone, or in person at a DHHS office
- If you are found ineligible for Medicaid, your application is automatically forwarded to the federal marketplace
Use our free benefits screener to check your eligibility for Medicaid and other programs in just a few minutes.
