Jeffrey Wade
Nebraska offers its residents a variety of health insurance options. The state uses the federally run health insurance marketplace, HealthCare.gov, where residents can purchase individual or family health insurance coverage from five private insurers. The state also has a Medicaid program, which is available to adults under 65 with a household income of up to 138% of the poverty level, and a Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Additionally, Nebraska Total Care, a Managed Care Organization, aims to improve the health of its beneficiaries through focused, compassionate, and coordinated care. For those who own a small business in Nebraska, the Small Business Health Option Program (SHOP) allows employers to purchase qualifying coverage for their employees. Nebraska also mandates that certain benefits, such as reconstructive surgery and diabetes care management, must be provided or offered by private providers, exceeding ACA requirements.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Health Insurance Options | Individual health insurance plans, family health insurance plans, group health insurance plans, short-term health insurance plans, Medicare, Medicaid, Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), Accident Insurance, Critical Illness Insurance, Hospital Indemnity Insurance, Term Life Insurance, Dental Insurance, Vision Insurance |
| Health Insurance Providers | UnitedHealthcare, Golden Rule Insurance Company, Nebraska Total Care Inc., Private Insurance Companies, HealthCare.gov |
| Additional Information | Nebraska uses the federally-run health insurance marketplace; Nebraska Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) provides assistance for Medicare-related queries; Nebraska Department of Insurance assists consumers who have purchased insurance on the individual market or through an employer doing business solely in Nebraska |
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What You'll Learn
Medicaid and Medicare
Nebraska uses the federally run health insurance Marketplace, HealthCare.gov, where residents can purchase individual or family health insurance coverage. The state's Medicaid program provides free or low-cost medical benefits to eligible low-income individuals. Adults under 65 with a household income of up to 138% of the poverty level can qualify for Medicaid in Nebraska.
Medicaid enrollment is available year-round for eligible applicants, and the state's Medicaid agency determines eligibility. Nebraska's Medicaid program also includes the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), which provides medical and dental care for uninsured children and teens up to age 19.
Medicare Advantage plans in Nebraska are insured through UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company or one of its affiliated companies, with enrollment depending on the plan's contract renewal with Medicare. For questions about Medicare, residents can contact the Nebraska Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP).
Supplemental insurance plans for dental, vision, accident coverage, and more are also available in Nebraska. These plans can help with out-of-pocket medical costs like deductibles or copays and often include unlimited $0 virtual doctor visits.
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Short-term health insurance
As of 2024, at least five insurers were selling short-term health insurance plans in Nebraska. The average monthly premium for a short-term health insurance plan sold in Nebraska was $198.39 in 2023. Short-term health insurance plans in Nebraska can be purchased by applicants who meet the underwriting guidelines set by insurers. Most policies can be purchased by people younger than 65 and who do not have any of the medical conditions on a short list of conditions that will result in an application being rejected. However, specific requirements vary from one insurance company to another.
Recent legislative changes have impacted short-term health insurance in Nebraska. Starting on September 1, 2024, the maximum term for short-term health insurance will be reduced from 12 months to three months, with a possible one-month renewal, totalling up to four months.
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Accident, critical illness, and hospital insurance
Nebraska does not have state-owned medical insurance, but its residents can purchase individual or family health insurance coverage from the federally run health insurance marketplace, HealthCare.gov. Five private insurers offer coverage in the Nebraska Marketplace, including UnitedHealthcare, a newcomer for 2025.
Short-term health insurance plans are also available in Nebraska. These plans can be a fast, flexible insurance solution for those who need temporary coverage, such as recent college graduates or those between jobs. Supplemental plans can also be purchased to help meet specific needs, such as dental, vision, or accident insurance.
Accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity insurance are supplemental health insurance plans that can help cover unexpected expenses resulting from an accident or illness. These plans pay cash benefits directly to the policyholder or an enrolled dependent when they experience a qualifying injury, critical illness, or hospital stay.
Accident insurance provides financial protection in the event of an accident, offering cash benefits to cover qualifying medical bills and out-of-pocket costs associated with injuries. This can include expenses not covered by a person's primary health insurance plan, such as deductibles or copays.
Critical illness insurance, on the other hand, provides additional financial support after a diagnosis of a qualified serious illness. It covers a range of illnesses, including cancer, heart attack, kidney failure, multiple sclerosis, stroke, Parkinson's disease, and major organ transplants. The benefits from critical illness insurance can be used for various expenses during recovery, such as cost-of-living expenses, travel to and from treatment, in-home care, deductibles, copays, and even childcare expenses.
Hospital indemnity insurance provides payment for each day spent in the hospital, whether for an illness, injury, or planned procedure. It can also help offset out-of-pocket costs associated with hospital stays, such as deductibles, coinsurance, or medications. Hospital indemnity insurance is especially valuable for individuals with chronic health conditions or a family history of serious illness, as it provides additional financial support during challenging times.
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Dental and vision insurance
Nebraska currently does not offer state-owned medical insurance. However, it does provide some assistance with dental and vision care for eligible residents.
For those seeking dental care, Nebraska has a number of options available. The state operates a number of dental clinics that offer services to those who meet certain income and eligibility requirements. These clinics provide a range of services, including cleanings, exams, and fillings, often on a sliding scale basis, where the cost of care is based on the patient's income. Additionally, some clinics may offer discounted rates or payment plans to make dental care more accessible.
Nebraska also has a program called "Smile Once Again," which is specifically designed to help adults over the age of 60 regain their dental health. This program provides comprehensive dental services, including dentures and oral surgery, to eligible seniors, helping them improve their oral health and overall quality of life.
When it comes to vision care, Nebraska also has several programs in place to assist residents. The state offers a vision care program that provides eye exams and glasses to eligible individuals, typically targeting low-income adults and children who lack access to other forms of vision insurance. Additionally, some counties in Nebraska may offer additional vision assistance programs, ensuring that residents across the state can access the vision services they need.
Nebraska's commitment to dental and vision care for its residents is evident through these programs and clinics. By offering these services, the state helps ensure that its residents can maintain their overall health and well-being, recognizing the importance of oral and vision health in overall wellness. These programs also help fill the gap for those who may not have access to private insurance or struggle to afford the full cost of dental and vision care.
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Health insurance for veterans
Nebraska offers a range of benefits to its veterans, including health insurance and medical care. The state's Department of Veterans' Affairs provides information on state and federal benefits, including health care, and can help with claims and applications. The state also operates a Veterans' Registry, which allows veterans to verify their eligibility for state benefits.
Veterans in Nebraska can access health insurance through the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers, which provides resources, education, support, a financial stipend, and health insurance (if eligible) to caregivers of eligible veterans. Additionally, the state offers the Nebraska Disabled Veteran Motor Vehicle Tax Exemption, which provides a tax exemption for one motor vehicle owned and used by a disabled or blind veteran.
Nebraska's State Veterans' Homes are open to veterans, spouses, surviving spouses, and Gold Star Parents. These homes provide restorative nursing therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and hospice and palliative care. The state also provides a final resting place for veterans and eligible dependents at the Nebraska Veterans Cemetery in Alliance.
The state offers a variety of transportation options to medical centres and appointments, including the Housing Choice Voucher Program and Family Self-Sufficiency Program, which assist income-eligible families through various initiatives. Nebraska also provides employment services, education benefits, and financial support to veterans and their families.
Nebraska National Guard Service Members who are ordered to active duty receive compensation and reimbursement for travel expenses. They are also entitled to reimbursement for the cost of their privately purchased health insurance or employer-provided health insurance when activated.
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Frequently asked questions
No, Nebraska does not have state-owned medical insurance. However, Nebraska residents can choose from health insurance plans offered by private insurance companies.
Nebraska uses the federally run health insurance marketplace, HealthCare.gov, where residents can purchase individual or family health insurance coverage. Five insurers offered coverage in 2025, including UnitedHealthcare, and all of them offered coverage statewide.
Nebraska mandates that the following benefits, which exceed ACA requirements, must be provided or offered by private providers authorized to sell health insurance within the state: reconstructive surgery following mastectomy and diabetes care management for outpatient management.
The Nebraska Department of Insurance assists consumers who have purchased insurance on the individual market or through an employer who only does business in Nebraska. The contact number is (877) 564-7323 or toll-free at (800) 833-7352. For those with questions about eligibility or current Medicaid benefits, the Nebraska Medicaid Program can be reached at (855) 632-7633.
