Nebraska Medicaid: Income Limits, Eligibility and How to Apply
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Medicaid in Nebraska is run by the Nebraska DHHS, Division of Medicaid and Long-Term Care. Nebraska adopted the Affordable Care Act expansion in 2020, so an adult under 65 qualifies on income alone at or below 138% of the poverty guideline: $1,835 a month for one person in 2026. Children are covered through Nebraska CHIP, and the application is at iserve.nebraska.gov or 855-632-7633. Every figure below is dated 2026-09-23.
| Program | Nebraska Medicaid (Heritage Health) |
|---|---|
| Children | Nebraska CHIP |
| Agency | Nebraska DHHS, Division of Medicaid and Long-Term Care |
| Apply | iserve.nebraska.gov · 855-632-7633 |
| Expansion | Yes, since 2020 |
| Adult income limit, 2026 | $22,025 a year for one person; $45,540 for four |
| Work requirement | May 1, 2026 |
Who qualifies in Nebraska
Adults 19 to 64 not on Medicare qualify at or below 138% of poverty (133% plus a 5% disregard), on household modified adjusted gross income, with no asset test. The 2026 figures:
| Household size | Annual income at 138% | Monthly | 100% of poverty (marketplace floor) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $22,025 | $1,835 | $15,960 |
| 2 | $29,863 | $2,489 | $21,640 |
| 3 | $37,702 | $3,142 | $27,320 |
| 4 | $45,540 | $3,795 | $33,000 |
| 5 | $53,378 | $4,448 | $38,680 |
Computed from the 2026 HHS poverty guidelines (January 15, 2026).
Children (Nebraska CHIP), pregnant women, parents, seniors and people with disabilities use other limits that Nebraska sets above the federal minimums.
How Nebraska compares
Nebraska expanded in 2020, later than most; only 4 states have done so since. It is also one of 4 states (Arkansas, Iowa, Montana, Nebraska) starting the work requirement before the federal deadline. Nebraska uses the plain "Medicaid" name, so the card and letters say what they are.
How to apply for Nebraska Medicaid
- Apply online at iserve.nebraska.gov, or call 855-632-7633. HealthCare.gov also takes Medicaid applications and forwards them to Nebraska. There is no enrollment period; any day works.
- Report this month's income.
A Nebraska Medicaid case also qualifies you for a free phone (Nebraska carriers, paperwork) and shares documents with Nebraska SNAP.
What changes in Nebraska
Nebraska has set its own start for the federal work requirement: May 1, 2026. Six-month renewals for expansion adults begin with renewals scheduled on or after January 1, 2027. The nationwide changes are on the hub with CMS sources.
Nebraska specifics
- Nebraska was the first state to start the new work requirement, on May 1, 2026, applying it to new expansion applicants at application and to existing members at renewal.
- Offices serve Omaha, Lincoln, Bellevue and every county; hospitals and health centers also employ enrollment assisters.
Whether Nebraska Medicaid pays for dental or weight-loss drugs is Nebraska's choice; see does Medicaid cover.
Common questions
What is the Medicaid income limit in Nebraska for 2026?
$22,025 a year for one adult, $29,863 for two and $45,540 for four (138% of the 2026 poverty guideline); children go higher through Nebraska CHIP.
Does Nebraska have a Medicaid work requirement?
Yes: Nebraska has set May 1, 2026, for expansion adults 19 to 64 (80 hours a month, with exemptions listed on the hub).
Sources
- Nebraska Medicaid: state program page
- HHS: 2026 poverty guidelines
- HealthCare.gov: Medicaid expansion and you (138%)
- Federal Register: community engagement interim final rule (June 3, 2026)
- CMS: 2025 law section-by-section overview
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