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Nebraska Medicaid Eligibility

Medicaid provides health care coverage for financially needy individuals and families. Medicaid a joint program, funded by the state and federal government. Nebraska residents who qualify for the program can receive a variety of treatment and services, including routine checkups, hospitalizations, immunizations, prescriptions and dental care. To apply for Medicaid, contact the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services.

  1. Eligibility

    • Nebraska Medicaid is available to low-income children, parents or caretakers of children, pregnant women, elderly and disabled or blind. Disabled individuals receiving Social Security income are also eligible. Women who meet the eligibility criteria can receive breast and cervical cancer screenings through Medicaid. The program is open to U.S. citizens and legal immigrants. You must live in Nebraska to be eligible for the state program.

    Income

    • All sources of income are counted to determine Medicaid eligibility in Nebraska. Wages from employment and unearned income, such as Social Security and child support, must be reported. Elderly, disabled or blind people are limited to 100 percent of the federal poverty level (FPL). Individuals can receive up to $674 a month, while couples cannot exceed $1,011 a month. Pregnant women and their infants are allowed up to 185 percent of the FPL. Children ages 1 through 5 and the parents or caretakers can receive coverage as long as the household income does not go over 133 percent of the FPL. Parents and children ages 6 through 18 must remain below 100 percent of the FPL. Women in need of breast or cervical cancer screenings cannot exceed 225 percent of the FPL. In 2011, the FPL for a household of three is $18,310 a year.

    Resources

    • The Medicaid program restricts countable assets an applicant can possess for some eligibility groups. Countable resources include liquid assets, such as bank accounts, stocks and cash. Your home and vehicle are exempt. Any additional properties and vehicles will count toward the resource limit. There is no resource test for pregnant women and infants or children. Elderly, disabled or blind applicants can own no more than $4,000 in assets for individuals and $6,000 for couples. For those receiving SSI benefits, the resource limit is $2,000 for a single person and $3,000 for a couple.

    Documents

    • In addition to an application, Medicaid applicants must submit documents to serve as proof of citizenship and identity. Non-citizens must provide immigration documents to be eligible for coverage. Birth certificates for all household members, valid Social Security numbers and government-issued identification cards are acceptable. Proof of all income is also required. If you are recently unemployed, request a verification of loss of income from the previous employer. If someone helps pay your rent, utility bills or other expenses, you may be required to obtain a signed statement explaining the type of assistance provided. Your case worker may contact you if additional documents are needed.

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