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In-Home Care in Nebraska

More than 1.9 million residents called Nebraska home as of July 2021, and more than 16% of those living here were seniors aged 65 and above. A cost of living that’s more than 10% below the national median makes the state financially comfortable for many seniors, particularly those with limited incomes. Those living here can also feel secure knowing that Nebraska Medical Center is nearby — the hospital was named one of the best in the world by Newsweek in 2019.

Many seniors in Nebraska require extra help at home. While in-home care can provide services such as housekeeping, meal preparation and personal care, home health care offers the added benefits of physical or occupational therapy, health monitoring by a licensed nurse and medication administration. In Nebraska, the average cost of in-home care is $5,148 per month while home health care costs approximately $5,339.

This guide provides an overview of in-home care costs in Nebraska and surrounding states, as well as programs such as Medicaid and Medicare that can help cover associated costs. It also includes a list of resources that are offered in Nebraska to help seniors live independently and with dignity.

The Cost of In-Home Care in Nebraska

According to the Genworth 2021 Cost of Care Survey, Nebraska seniors pay an average of $5,158 per month for in-home care. This is just under $200 more than the national average, and a little over $500 more than the cost in Kansas. Surrounding states have seniors paying more for in-home care. In Iowa and Wyoming, the average cost is the same at $5,529 per month. In South Dakota, seniors pay a much higher rate of $5,911, which is $763 higher than what those living in Nebraska pay for in-home care.

Nebraska

$5148

The United States

$4957

Kansas

$4576

South Dakota

$5911

Wyoming

$5529

Within Nebraska, costs vary depending on the location. While Grand Island doesn’t have any reported costs for in-home care or home health care, seniors in Lincoln paid an average of $5,148 per month in 2021. Conversely,  Omaha’s senior residents paid a higher monthly rate of $5,529.

Lincoln

$5148

Omaha

$5529

In-home care is less expensive than nursing care in Nebraska. Nursing home residents in the state pay an average of $7,483 for their care and residential costs. At $5,148 per month for home care and $5,339 per month for home health care. This is a less affordable option than assisted living, which costs seniors an average of $4,076 per month, including room and board. Adult day health care is the least expensive option for seniors at $1,842 per month; however, this type of care doesn’t provide the same high-level support as in-home care or residential senior care options.

In-Home Care

$5148

Home Health Care

$5339

Adult Day Health Care

$1842

Assisted Living

$4076

Nursing Home Care

$7483

Does Medicaid Cover Home Care in Nebraska?

Although regular Medicaid doesn’t offer coverage for standard home care services in Nebraska, the state does offer one Medicaid waiver to help seniors access the care they need to remain safely in their own homes.

Home Care Waiver Programs in Nebraska

Aged and Disabled Waiver

The Aged and Disabled Waiver is a home and community-based services waiver that helps Medicaid eligible seniors access necessary long-term care services in the comfort of their own homes. This waiver is designed to enhance the quality of life for seniors who wish to maintain their independence.

The program provides a service coordinator who is responsible for determining the services each beneficiary is eligible for and ensuring they have access to the support they need. Covered services on this waiver include home and vehicle modifications, companion care, assistive technology, non-medical transportation, personal care and home-delivered meals.

To qualify for this waiver, seniors must be eligible for Nebraska Medicaid and be at least 65 years of age. They also must demonstrate a need for the services provided by this waiver and meet a nursing facility level of care. 

To apply, seniors can contact (877) 667-6266 to request an application. Once completed it can be emailed to DHHS.HCBSWaiverApp@nebraska.gov or faxed to (402) 328-6257.

How to Know if You’re Eligible for Medicaid in Nebraska

Medicaid eligibility depends primarily on income and need. Applicants can’t earn more than $13,596 per year or own more than $4,000 in countable assets if they live alone. Those living with their spouse are limited to $18,312 in annual household income and $6,000 in countable assets.

2022 Medicaid Income Limits for Seniors in Nebraska

2022 Basic Medicaid Income Limits for Seniors in Nebraska

NameIncome limits*Asset limits
Single Person$13,596$4,000
Two-Person Household$18,312$6,000

* per year

Additional requirements include seniors must be:

  • At least 65 or older, blind or legally disabled
  • A U.S. citizen or legal resident

How to Apply for Medicaid in Nebraska

To apply for Medicaid in Nebraska, seniors can visit ACCESSNebraska online.

What Information You Will Need

Nebraska’s Medicaid application requires several official documents that prove who you are and your economic situation. These documents include:

  • Proof of citizenship or immigration status
  • Federal tax returns or other proof of income
  • Proof of resources and assets
  • A detailed list of monthly expenses

How to Get Help Applying for Medicaid

Medicaid applications can be complicated to navigate. In Nebraska, there are several resources available to help seniors better understand their eligibility requirements and the application process.

ProgramContactAreaServedServices provided
Do I Qualify?OnlineEntire StateDo I Qualify? is an online screening tool that helps seniors and other Nebraska residents determine what social support programs they may qualify for. This simple tool asks a variety of questions and provides direct links to online service applications.
Nebraska Total Care(844) 385-2192Entire StateNebraska Total Care offers step-by-step help for seniors and other Nebraska residents who need help understanding Medicaid eligibility requirements and applications.
Nebraska Medicaid(855) 632-7633Entire StateNebraska Medicaid representatives can provide step-by-step support and customer service to those applying for Medicaid and those with questions about the state's waiver and eligibility requirements.

Does Medicare Cover In-Home Care in Nebraska?

In general, Medicare does not cover the cost of non-medical home care. That being said, there are situations in which Medicare provides some coverage for medical home care, referred to as “Home Healthcare.” There are several eligibility restrictions for coverage, including that individuals must be homebound and have a referral from their doctor specifically for home healthcare services.

Below is an overview of some of the skilled medical professionals whose in-home services are typically covered by Medicare – for more in-depth information, refer to our Guide to Home Healthcare.

  • Physical Therapists: Physical therapy is used to help patients recover from injuries (broken bones, knee injuries, etc.), treat ongoing conditions such as arthritis, and assist in recovery from surgeries and procedures such as a knee or hip replacement.
  • Visiting Nurses: Licensed nurses can provide a number of medical services for those who don’t need to stay in the hospital, but do need regular medical services such as wound care, changing feeding tubes, etc.
  • Occupational Therapists: Occupational therapists help seniors regain or maintain the ability to accomplish normal, daily tasks, such as bathing, dressing, eating, and other daily activities.
  • Speech Therapists: Speech therapists help seniors who are struggling to adequately communicate due to a stroke, dementia, or any other cause regain the ability to functionally communicate using a variety of means. Additionally, speech therapists help to keep seniors independent by modifying diets, teaching special techniques to swallow safely, and retraining associated muscles.

As mentioned above, in-home care is distinctly different from home healthcare. But, there can be some overlap in services between the two types of care. So, while Medicare doesn’t cover non-medical in-home care, there are in-home care services that may be covered in special circumstances when they’re provided in conjunction with home healthcare (such as an occupational therapist helping with eating or dressing)

Other Financial Assistance Options for In-Home Care in Nebraska

While the above programs help many people finance in-home care, they will not cover all costs for everyone. There are other ways to pay for in-home care, including out-of-pocket arrangements with siblings, annuities, reverse mortgages, private insurance and more. Read Caring.com’s Guide to In-Home Care Costs to learn more about these alternative payment options.

Free and Low-Cost Resources for Seniors in Nebraska

Seniors living at home in Nebraska have access to a variety of supportive services and resources that are designed to enhance the quality of life while keeping expenditures low. 

ResourceContactAreaServedService
Nebraska Weatherization Assistance ProgramContact the local state agencyEntire StateNebraska's Weatherization Assistance Program helps low-income households pay for improvements that improve energy efficiency. This can include adding insulation to attic walls or floors, replacing or repairing furnaces, boilers or water heaters, installing new weatherstripping or door sweeps, or replacing broken glass in primary windows. To qualify, seniors must have an income that's no more than 200% of the federal poverty guidelines.
Bellevue Specialized Transportation Service(402) 293-3138Bellevue area, Omaha areaThis program provides low-cost transportation for doctor's appointments, errands, social activities and other needs for seniors and disabled persons. The service is door-to-door and is available Monday through Friday. Trips cost just $2.00 each way for in-town trips or $4.00 for out-of-town trips.
Nebraska Area Agencies on AgingContact local agencyEntire StateArea Agencies on Aging help seniors by connecting them with local and statewide services and resources. They also assist with long-term care planning, insurance counseling, caregiver training and case management.
Project Houseworks(402) 965-9201Omaha areaProject Houseworks is a nonprofit organization that works with low-income seniors to conduct free home modifications and critical home repairs. The organization also operates a home affordability program, which helps subsidize housing costs for low-income families and seniors, and the Warm the Metro program, which provides free furnace inspections, repairs, and replacements.
Adult Protective Services(800) 652-1999Entire StateAdult Protective Services exists to protect seniors from neglect at the hands of caregivers or themselves. It also works against exploitation and all forms of abuse. This state agency accepts, investigates and resolves complaints about the safety of seniors and impaired adults aged 18 and older.

In-Home Care Laws and Regulations in Nebraska

Home health agencies are licensed and regulated by the Nebraska DHHS Licensure Unit with the provisions outlined in Title 175, Chapter 14. In-home care agencies that provide non-medical care, such as homemakers and companionship, aren’t bound by these regulations. A summary of important points is included here for convenience.

TopicRule
Scope of CareThe individual's needs must be assessed and deemed appropriate and safe for management outside of an institution. Home health agencies may provide all manner of services, including skilled nursing, whereas home care agencies are restricted to non-skilled services such as assistance with activities of daily living.
Care Plan and CoordinationCare must be provided following a written plan that is developed by an appropriately qualified professional and based on an assessment in the recipient's home. This plan must be updated every 62 days at a minimum. Home health agencies that provide multiple services must coordinate and ensure each service is safe and effective when combined.
Medication Management and AdministrationIn-home care includes medication reminders and basic assistance. Home health agencies are permitted to administer medication.
Staff Background and TrainingAll home health agency staff must receive pre-employment screening that includes a criminal background and various statewide registry checks. The agency must maintain evidence of staff employment records, initial orientation and ongoing training that is relevant to each individual's job.
Medicaid CertificationNebraska Medicaid and the Aged and Disabled Waiver covers home health agency services for eligible residents.
Reports and ComplaintsNebraska DHHS handles complaints and allegations of abuse via the Adult Abuse and Neglect Hotline on 800-652-1999. The complaints page also has information on specific issues such as Medicaid fraud.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Find an In-Home Care Provider in Nebraska

Whether you are looking for yourself or a loved one, finding a quality home care provider can be a stressful process. When you hire an in-home care aide you’re placing a lot of trust in the hands of the person by inviting them into your home, so you’ll want to be diligent in your search. At Caring.com, we’re here to help – we’ve created a helpful checklist below that can help guide you through the process of both determining your needs and finding a home care agency that will provide the best care possible.

Download
Finding a Home Care Provider Checklist

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Caring.com

Caring.com is a leading online destination for caregivers seeking information and support as they care for aging parents, spouses, and other loved ones. We offer thousands of original articles, helpful tools, advice from more than 50 leading experts, a community of caregivers, and a comprehensive directory of caregiving services.

 

The material on this site is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal, financial, professional, or medical advice or diagnosis or treatment. By using our website, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

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