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DHHS to Begin Accepting Applications for Expanded Medicaid Program Aug 1

LINCOLN – Nebraska residents who qualify for expanded Medicaid under the federal health care law can start enrolling next month, two years after a ballot initiative expanded coverage in the state.
The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) will begin accepting applications for the Medicaid Heritage Health Adult Expansion program on August 1, 2020.  Benefits will begin on October 1, 2020.
Heritage Health Adult expands Medicaid to lower income Nebraskans ages 19 to 64 who earn up to 138% of the federal poverty level.  For 2020, this is an income of about $17,000 per year for a single adult or $36,000 for a household of four.
Medicaid expansion enrollees will receive benefits that include physical health, behavioral health, and pharmacy coverage in a comprehensive, coordinated program.  Benefits are provided through managed care health organizations, also known as Heritage Health Plans. Applicants meeting certain conditions will also qualify for dental, vision, and over-the-counter medication coverage.
Eligible Nebraskans are able to apply for Medicaid in the following ways:

  • Online at www.ACCESSNebraska.ne.gov.
  • Over the phone by calling ACCESS Nebraska at:
    • Omaha: (402) 595-1178
    • Lincoln: (402) 473-7000
    • Toll Free: (855) 632-7633
    • TDD: (402) 471-7256
  • By paper:
  •  In person at any DHHS office.

Paper applications can be downloaded on the ACCESSNebraska website.
The expanded Medicaid roll-out begins nearly two years after Nebraska voters approved a measure to expand Medicaid coverage in the November 2018 election, over the objections of Ricketts and various conservative groups. Nebraska lawmakers and governors repeatedly rejected attempts to expand coverage, prompting a statewide ballot campaign that won with 54% support, mostly from the Omaha and Lincoln areas.

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