Petitioners wondering “What are the requirements for Medicaid in Nebraska?” are not alone. Learning who is eligible for Medicaid and figuring out the requirements for Medicaid that a candidate must follow are the first things a beneficiary must understand before applying. The Nebraska Medical Assistance Program (Nebraska’s Medicaid program) provides medical coverage for many people who otherwise could not afford their own health care private insurance plan. Nebraskans who meet Medicaid benefits eligibility guidelines can receive comprehensive health care like hospital care and doctor visits, nursing home care, regular health checks for children, family planning, dental care, eye care, physical therapy and more. Learn how to qualify for Medicaid in NE by reading the following topics.
What are the requirements for Medicaid in Nebraska?
Residents who meet Nebraska Medicaid eligibility requirements can receive a variety of medical services. To qualify for Medicaid in NE, an applicant must typically qualify as low income. Beneficiaries must be a U.S. national, citizen or permanent resident who is in need of medical assistance. The Nebraska Medical Assistance Program can provide assistance to anyone who falls under the following categories:
- 65 years of age or older
- Blind
- Disabled
- Pregnant
- 18 years of age or younger
- Low-income adults who are parents or caretakers of children
To qualify for Medicaid in Nebraska, all applicants must be residents of the state and be able to prove their identity. An applicant’s legal residence must be in Nebraska at the time he or she applies for medical assistance. Medicaid eligibility guidelines require petitioners to provide their Social Security number. In order to meet Medical Assistance eligibility requirements in NE, applicants must provide accurate and complete information when completing a Medicaid application. To learn more about requirements for Medicaid, download our free guide.
What are the income requirements for Medicaid in Nebraska?
To be eligible for Medicaid benefits in Nebraska, applicants will also be required to meet specific resource and income limits according to their eligibility category. For instance, parents and caretakers with dependent children meet eligibility requirements for Medicaid if their household income does not exceed 58% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Children can qualify for NE Medicaid benefits if their household’s income is at or below 213% of the FPL. Pregnant women and other types of applicants will have to meet their own unique FPL income requirements. To learn more about Medicaid income limits, download our free guide.
In addition to income limit requirements for Medicaid in Nebraska, applicants will also have to have a limited amount of assets (certain personal possessions or resources). There are some resources that all individuals do not have to worry about when determining their resources. Resources that applicants can have and still be able to qualify for Medicaid in NE include the home the applicants lives in, one vehicle, property used to operate a business or trade and certain monetary resources, as long as these do not exceed a certain amount. To qualify for Medicaid, eligible pregnant women and children younger than 18 years of age do not need to meet an asset limit.
Many applicants meet the Medicaid eligibility requirements while still having an income. Some individuals may be required to pay a portion of their income towards medical expenses in order to show proof of medical need. Candidates who do need to pay medical copayments will be notified.
What are the Medicaid application guidelines in Nebraska?
Residents who may meet Nebraska Medicaid eligibility requirements can apply for assistance at a nearby Department of Health and Human Services Office, or they may submit an application in a number of other ways. Once an applicant determines he or she may qualify for Medicaid in NE and submits an application, he or she will automatically be considered for other assistance programs as well. Typically, applying for Medicaid online is the quickest way to find out if a candidate meets Medicaid eligibility requirements. Medicaid application guidelines require a caseworker to explain benefits and any aspects of the program that are unclear to the applicant. Applicants who are not satisfied with their Medicaid benefits eligibility determination also have the right to appeal the decision.
The Department of Health and Human Services in Nebraska strongly suggests that applicants ask questions when applying, if they need any clarification. The Department also asks that applicants report any changes in their application information within ten days, whether it be by phone, in person or by mail.