Assisted Living in Nebraska

Single Applicant

$13,596

$4,000

Two-Person Household
(Only One Person Applying)

$13,596

$4,000 for applicant

$137,400 for non-applicant

Two-Person Household
(Both People Applying)

$18,312

$6,000

Department of Health and Human Services

(855) 632-7633

If you need help completing your application or would like to apply over the phone, contact the ACCESSNebraska customer service hotline for assistance. Free interpreter services are available if you require help in another language.

DHHS Public Assistance Offices

(402) 471-3121

To locate an office where you can apply in person or speak to a case manager, contact the DHHS switchboard. The agency’s online locator tool provides a directory of locations by county and community.

Medicaid Appeals

(877) 667-6266

If you've applied for Medicaid and received a notice that you aren’t eligible, you can speak to the agent who reviewed your application. You may be able to submit additional information by reapplying. You also have a right to request a fair hearing.

Aid and Attendance

Learn more and apply online at va.gov.

Veterans who receive a VA pension may also be eligible for the Aid and Attendance benefit, a monthly cash allowance that veterans receive in addition to their standard pension amount. The benefit is intended for veterans in need of long-term care services and may be used towards paying for Assisted Living.

Reverse Mortgages

Learn more about your options and how to apply at ftc.gov

If you own a home, you may be able to use a reverse mortgage to help pay for Assisted Living. Reverse mortgages are loans that one can take out against the value of their home, essentially converting some of the home's equity into cash. Reverse mortgage loans do need to be repaid with interest, typically within 12 months of receiving the loan.

Long-Term Care (LTC) Insurance

Learn more about Long-Term Care Insurance and how to apply for a policy at acl.gov.

Seniors who already have long-term care insurance may be able to use it to pay for Assisted Living. Most policies cover at least a portion of the cost, but it depends on the specific policy terms. Note that older adults who are already in need of Assisted Living will not typically be eligible to sign up for a LTC insurance policy.

Nebraska Area Agencies on Aging

(844) 843-6364

Nebraska has eight Area Agencies on Aging that serve seniors and disabled adults in designated counties. These agencies administer government benefits and social services to protect the health and well-being of the state’s seniors and ensure that residents have access to community-based services, including meals, transportation, recreation and personal care.

Nebraska Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program

(800) 942-7830

Nebraska’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman program employs certified staff and volunteer advocates who educate seniors about their rights and provide unbiased information to older adults and their families. Ombudsmen offer consultations to help families understand their loved one's needs and choose appropriate facilities, and they work to resolve complaints against specific providers.

Nebraska VA Facilities

(800) 698-2411

The VA operates a network of hospitals, community-based outpatient clinics and vet centers that serve beneficiaries across the state. Numerous federal benefits are available to service members and their spouses, including health care, pensions and medical transportation. Individuals who require assisted living may be eligible for an additional Aid & Attendance payment that can help with the cost of long-term care. Assistance with accessing these benefits is available through the Nebraska Department of Veterans' Affairs.

Nebraska Social Security Offices

(800) 772-1213

The Social Security Administration operates a network of field offices in the state’s major cities. These offices are part of the SSA’s Kansas City Regional Office, which serves beneficiaries in four states. You can manage your benefits and apply for assistance online or by contacting your local office. Key programs include Social Security retirement, disability and SSI, which includes an optional payment for beneficiaries who reside in assisted living facilities.

Legal Aid of Nebraska

(888) 991-9921

This statewide legal aid society has been representing low-income residents and vulnerable adults for more than 50 years. It operates seven regional offices and provides a variety of self-help resources on its website. Attorneys focus on cases related to housing, health care, government benefits, family law and consumer rights. Staff can help you create a will or set up a power of attorney for health care or financial decisions.

Nebraska State Unit on Aging

(402) 471-2307

The State Unit on Aging administers programs that help older residents maintain their health and independence while aging in place. These programs are founded by the Older American Act and the Nebraska Community Aging Services Act and are administered in partnership with the state’s Area Agencies on Aging. The agency provides a comprehensive directory of local senior centers offering meals, recreational activities and social services.

Nebraska SHIP

(800) 234-7119

SHIP is a free federally funded service available to all current and future Medicare beneficiaries in Nebraska. Counselors provide confidential consultations to help Medicare members and their families understand the different parts of the program. They can provide an unbiased overview of plans that are available in your area to help you select the best one for your needs. Financial assistance may be available if you need help paying your premiums and co-pays.

Are loved ones allowed to visit to provide emotional support?

Are relatives allowed to visit for end-of-life care?

Are residents required to quarantine after visiting with a loved one?

Are visitors required to wear PPE (including masks) in order to visit residents?

Are non-medical contractors (such as hairdressers and entertainers) allowed in senior living facilities?

Are visitors checked for elevated temperatures?

Are visitors required to answer questions about health, travel, and potential virus contact?

Are residents allowed to leave (errands, visiting family, etc.) for non-medical reasons?

Are residents who leave required to quarantine when they return?

Are senior living communities required to cancel all group outings?

Are residents allowed to eat meals together in a common area?

Are residents allowed to gather in common areas for group activites?

Are staff members regularly required to do a temperature check?

Are staff members regularly tested for COVID-19?

Are staff members members regularly required to do a health and safety screening, including questions about travel, contact with positive cases, etc?

Are residents regularly screened for COVID-19 symptoms?

Are residents regularly checked for elevated temperatures?

Are residents regularly tested for COVID-19?

Assisted Living Service Plan Requirements

Assisted living facilities must establish records for each resident within 5 business days of admission. Records must include personal information, medical needs, allergies and monthly documentation showing any personal assistance the facility has provided. Facilities must evaluate each resident to prepare a written service agreement that’s approved by the resident or their authorized representative.

Assisted Living Admission Requirements

Assisted living facilities may admit adults who want or require food, shelter and personal assistance due to age, disability, illness or functional limitations. Facilities may not admit residents who have complex or unpredictable medical needs that require skilled nursing care. The resident must have sufficient mental capacity to make rational decisions about their care, and the person must not pose a danger to others.

Assisted Living Scope of Care

Assisted living facilities are licensed to provide 24-hour care to four or more residents. These services include food, shelter, supervision and assistance with the activities of daily living. Additionally, facilities must provide social and recreational activities to meet residents' physical and emotional needs. Supplemental services include transportation, laundry, housekeeping, hair care, spiritual services, case management and bill pay assistance.

Assisted Living Medicaid Policy

Nebraska’s Medicaid program may pay for services provided in an assisted living facility if the applicant meets financial and medical requirements. The facility must be authorized to accept Medicaid. Help with room and board may be available for individuals who receive SSI.

Assisted Living Facility Requirements

Assisted living facilities must provide properly equipped bedrooms or apartments and common areas. For newly built facilities, rooms must include at least 80 square feet for a single resident or 60 square feet per resident if shared. Private apartments must have at least 150 square feet of living space or at least 260 square feet if shared with a companion. Additionally, the facility must provide at least one toilet for every four to six beds or one en suite bathroom per apartment as well as sufficient storage.

Medication Management Regulations

Assisted living residents may self-administer medications if they are competent. Otherwise, medications must be administered by a licensed health professional or certified medication aide. Facilities must have a registered nurse review all medication administration policies and train unlicensed medication aides. Providers must maintain detailed records of all medications they administer.

Staffing Requirements

Nebraska doesn't have a minimum staffing ratio. However, facilities must maintain a sufficient number of staff to provide personal care and supervision as described in each resident's service agreement. At least one staff member must be on-site at all times to meet residents’ personal needs. Facilities must employ a registered nurse to oversee staff training, review policies and complete other routine tasks.

Staff Training Requirements

In addition to completing a 75-hour training program to become a certified nursing assistant, direct-care staff members must complete a comprehensive orientation program within 2 weeks of employment to become familiar with the facility’s procedures. Staff must complete 12 hours of annual in-service training. Administrators are also required to complete annual continuing education after completing an initial 30-hour certification program. Additional training is required for staff who care for special populations.

Background Checks for Assisted Living

Facilities must conduct a criminal background check on all unlicensed direct-care staff at the time of hiring. This screening process includes a search of the nurse aide registry and other databases. Facilities may not employ staff who are associated with findings of abuse, neglect or misappropriation of property.

Requirements for Reporting Abuse

Facilities must establish written procedures for reporting and investigating allegations of abuse, neglect or exploitation in accordance with the Adult Protective Services Act. Reports of abuse can be made to the Department of Health Facility Investigations. Individuals can call the complaint intake line at (402) 471-0316 or Adult Protective Services at (800) 652-1999. The state also provides an online complaint form.