Nebraska Medicaid, known as Heritage Health, covers more than 400,000 residents across the state. Whether you are a working adult, a parent, a child, or someone living with a disability, knowing where you fall on the income scale is the first step toward getting covered. This guide lays out the 2026 income limits for every major Nebraska Medicaid category, explains the new work requirements that took effect in May 2026, and walks you through the application process.
What Is Heritage Health?
Heritage Health is the name Nebraska uses for its Medicaid program, administered by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). Nebraska expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act in October 2020 after voters approved Initiative 427 in November 2018. That expansion extended coverage to low-income adults aged 19 to 64 who previously fell in a coverage gap.
The program covers doctor visits, hospital care, prescription drugs, mental health services, dental care, vision care, and over-the-counter medications for expansion adults.
2026 Nebraska Medicaid Income Limits by Category
Income eligibility for most Nebraska Medicaid programs is calculated using Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) and is expressed as a percentage of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). The 2026 FPL guidelines took effect January 14, 2026.
Heritage Health Adults (Medicaid Expansion)
Adults aged 19 to 64 who are not pregnant and do not qualify through another category can enroll through Heritage Health Adult if their income falls at or below 138% FPL.
| Household Size | Monthly Income Limit | Annual Income Limit |
|---|
| 1 | $1,835 | $22,025 |
| 2 | $2,488 | $29,863 |
| 3 | $3,140 | $37,680 |
| 4 | $3,795 | $45,540 |
| 5 | $4,448 | $53,376 |
| 6 | $5,098 | $61,176 |
There is no asset test for Heritage Health Adult coverage.
Children (Ages 0 to 18)
Children qualify for Medicaid at a higher income threshold than adults. Nebraska covers children up to 218% FPL. This includes both traditional Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), administered together under Heritage Health.
| Household Size | Monthly Income Limit | Annual Income Limit |
|---|
| 1 | $2,899 | $34,788 |
| 2 | $3,930 | $47,160 |
| 3 | $4,961 | $59,532 |
| 4 | $5,994 | $71,928 |
| 5 | $7,027 | $84,324 |
| 6 | $8,058 | $96,696 |
Children have 12-month continuous eligibility, meaning they will not lose coverage mid-year even if household income rises above the limit.
Pregnant Women
Pregnant women qualify at 199% FPL. Coverage begins from the date of application and extends through 60 days postpartum. Nebraska's Extended Medicaid for Pregnant Women continues full Medicaid benefits for 12 months after delivery.
| Household Size | Monthly Income Limit | Annual Income Limit |
|---|
| 1 | $2,646 | $31,752 |
| 2 | $3,587 | $43,044 |
| 3 | $4,529 | $54,348 |
| 4 | $5,472 | $65,664 |
| 5 | $6,415 | $76,980 |
| 6 | $7,357 | $88,284 |
There is no asset or resource test for pregnant women.
Parents and Caretaker Relatives
Parents and caretaker relatives living with dependent children may qualify at 138% FPL, the same threshold as expansion adults. This category also carries no asset test.
Aged, Blind, and Disabled (ABD) Medicaid
People who are 65 or older, blind, or have a qualifying disability may qualify for ABD Medicaid. Income limits for this group are lower because the program uses different standards tied to the Social Security Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limits rather than MAGI. Income is generally limited to around 100% FPL for home and community-based waiver programs.
A resource (asset) limit applies to this group:
- Single applicant: $4,000
- Two-person household: $6,000
- Each additional member: $25
Long-Term Care and Nursing Home
For nursing home Medicaid, Nebraska uses an income standard of approximately $2,829 per month for 2026 (300% of the SSI federal benefit rate). If income exceeds this amount, a Miller Trust (Qualified Income Trust) can be set up to redirect excess income and maintain eligibility. Asset limits are $4,000 for an individual, with the community spouse able to retain up to the Community Spouse Resource Allowance.
Summary Income Limit Table
| Category | Income Limit (% FPL) | Monthly Limit (1 person) |
|---|
| Heritage Health Adults (19-64) | 138% | $1,835 |
| Parents and Caretaker Relatives | 138% | $1,835 |
| Pregnant Women | 199% | $2,646 |
| Children (0-18) | 218% | $2,899 |
| ABD (Home and Community-Based) | ~100% | ~$1,330 |
| Nursing Home | ~300% SSI FBR | ~$2,829 |
New Work Requirements in 2026
Nebraska became the first state in the nation to implement Medicaid work requirements under federal approval. Starting May 1, 2026, able-bodied adults applying for or enrolled in Heritage Health Adult must meet an 80-hour-per-month work activity requirement.
Qualifying activities include:
- Employment (paid work)
- Job training or job search activities
- Vocational education or apprenticeship programs (at least half time)
- Community service
- Combinations of the above totaling 80 hours in any calendar month
Who Is Exempt from Work Requirements?
Many people are automatically exempt and do not need to complete work activities:
- Adults 65 and older
- Pregnant women
- Children under 19
- People with a qualifying disability or who are medically frail
- Caregivers of a child age 13 or younger
- Caregivers of a disabled family member
- Former foster care youth who aged out and had Medicaid at that time, if under age 26
- People enrolled in a substance use disorder (SUD) treatment program
Members whose renewal dates fall in May or June 2026 will not have to demonstrate compliance until their 2027 renewal. Check your renewal date by logging into iServe at iserve.nebraska.gov.
You can self-declare medical frailty or SUD program enrollment without providing documentation upfront.
What Heritage Health Covers
Heritage Health covers a broad range of services:
- Primary and preventive care
- Emergency and hospital care
- Prescription drugs
- Mental health and behavioral health services
- Substance use disorder treatment
- Dental care (for expansion adults)
- Vision care (for expansion adults)
- Over-the-counter medications (for expansion adults)
- Prenatal and postpartum care
- Long-term care and nursing facility services
- Home and community-based services (waiver programs)
How to Apply for Nebraska Medicaid
Option 1: Online via iServe Nebraska
The fastest way to apply is through iServe Nebraska at iserve.nebraska.gov. You can apply, check your status, upload documents, and manage your case online.
Steps:
- Go to iserve.nebraska.gov and create an account or log in.
- Click "Apply for Benefits" and select Medicaid/Heritage Health.
- Enter information about your household size, income, and residency.
- Submit your application. Most applicants receive a decision within 45 days, though expedited processing is available for urgent situations.
Option 2: By Phone
Call the Nebraska Medicaid office at 1-855-632-7633 (toll-free). Representatives are available Monday through Friday during business hours and can walk you through the application process.
Option 3: In Person
Visit your local Nebraska DHHS office. Use the office locator at dhhs.ne.gov to find the nearest location.
Option 4: Through Healthcare.gov
If you apply for ACA Marketplace coverage and appear to qualify for Medicaid, Healthcare.gov will automatically transfer your application to Nebraska DHHS for processing.
What You Will Need to Apply
Gather these documents before you start:
- Proof of identity (driver's license, state ID, or passport)
- Social Security number for all household members applying
- Proof of Nebraska residency (utility bill, lease, or mail)
- Proof of income for the past month (pay stubs, employer letter, or tax return)
- Immigration documents if applicable
How Income Is Counted
Nebraska uses MAGI to calculate income for most Medicaid categories. MAGI includes:
- Wages and salaries
- Self-employment income
- Unemployment compensation
- Social Security benefits (for some categories)
- Alimony received (for divorces finalized before 2019)
MAGI does not count child support received, gifts, inheritances, or most tax-deductible expenses.
For ABD Medicaid and long-term care programs, income is counted differently and certain deductions apply.
Nebraska CHIP: KidsCare
Children who are not eligible for full Medicaid but whose household income falls at or below 218% FPL may qualify for CHIP coverage under Heritage Health. CHIP provides the same benefits as regular Medicaid for children and has no premiums or minimal cost sharing. There is no enrollment cap or waiting period in Nebraska.
If You Do Not Qualify for Medicaid
If your income is above the Medicaid limit but below 400% FPL, you may qualify for subsidized health coverage through the ACA Marketplace. A household of four at 400% FPL has an annual income below about $132,000 in 2026.
Use our free screener at benefitsusa.org/screener to check whether you qualify for Medicaid, CHIP, ACA subsidies, or other programs without needing to contact multiple agencies.
You can also explore other Nebraska programs on our Nebraska benefits page.
Renewal and Redetermination
Nebraska Medicaid coverage must be renewed annually. DHHS will send a renewal notice before your coverage expires. Respond promptly to any requests for information to avoid a gap in coverage.
Starting in May 2026, expansion adults who do not have a work requirement exemption must also report monthly activity hours. The reporting portal is available through iServe.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the income limit for Medicaid in Nebraska for a single adult in 2026?
A single adult aged 19 to 64 qualifies for Heritage Health Adult coverage with a monthly income at or below $1,835, which is 138% of the 2026 federal poverty level.
Does Nebraska Medicaid have an asset or resource limit?
There is no asset test for MAGI-based programs, which include Heritage Health Adult, children's coverage, and pregnant women's coverage. For ABD Medicaid and long-term care programs, the asset limit is $4,000 for a single person and $6,000 for a two-person household.
What are Nebraska's Medicaid work requirements in 2026?
Starting May 1, 2026, Heritage Health Adult (expansion) enrollees must complete 80 hours per month of qualifying work, job training, education, or community service activities unless they qualify for an exemption. Many groups are exempt, including those who are medically frail, pregnant, disabled, caregivers, or former foster youth under 26.
How do I apply for Nebraska Medicaid?
Apply online at iserve.nebraska.gov, call 1-855-632-7633, or visit your local DHHS office. You can also apply through Healthcare.gov and be transferred to Medicaid if you appear to qualify.
Does Heritage Health cover dental and vision?
Yes. Adults enrolled through Medicaid expansion receive dental and vision coverage as part of Heritage Health. Traditional Medicaid dental and vision coverage for adults varies by category.
How long does Medicaid approval take in Nebraska?
Most applications are processed within 45 days. Applications for pregnant women and people with urgent medical needs may be processed more quickly.
Can undocumented immigrants get Medicaid in Nebraska?
Undocumented immigrants do not qualify for full Heritage Health coverage. Emergency Medicaid covers emergency medical conditions for otherwise ineligible people, regardless of immigration status.
What happens if my income goes over the limit during the year?
For children, 12-month continuous eligibility means coverage continues even if income rises above the limit mid-year. For adults, if income rises significantly, coverage may end at the next renewal. If your income falls between the Medicaid limit and 400% FPL, you may qualify for ACA Marketplace subsidies.
Where can I check my Nebraska Medicaid status?
Log in to iServe at iserve.nebraska.gov to view your coverage status, renewal date, and case information. You can also call DHHS at 1-855-632-7633.
