Does Nebraska Medicaid pay for assisted living?
Yes, for the care part. In Nebraska, Aged and Disabled (AD) Waiver can pay for care in assisted living. Rent and meals are generally paid by the resident.
Nebraska · checked September 2026
Senior care help in Nebraska
How Nebraska helps pay for long-term care, who to call when you need help or something's wrong, and how to check a facility before you sign.
The first question
Is there public help paying for assisted living in Nebraska?
Yes, for the care. Aged and Disabled (AD) Waiver helps pay for care in assisted living. Rent and meals are usually still paid by the resident, often from Social Security.
Paying for senior care in Nebraska
Nebraska's Medicaid rules for long-term care, and the programs that pay for care outside a nursing home.
Monthly income limit
Ask the state Medicaid office
2026
Nebraska is a medically needy (share of cost) state: income above a small allowance goes toward care each month. Ask DHHS for the current allowance amounts and whether any income cap applies.
Asset limit (single person)
$4,000
2026
$4,000 for one person, $6,000 for a couple, as listed by DHHS for 2026. Ask DHHS how much a spouse at home can keep.
If income is over the limit
We couldn't confirm whether this state uses a Miller trust or a spend-down. Ask the Medicaid office or an elder law attorney.
Apply for Nebraska Medicaid
Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)
Aged and Disabled (AD) Waiver
Can pay in assisted livingNebraska Medicaid's program for people 65+ (or with a disability) who need nursing-home-level care but live at home or in assisted living. In assisted living it pays for care through a service called Supported Residential Living; the resident still pays room and board and any share of cost. A service coordinator at the local Area Agency on Aging helps set it up.
Waitlist: No waitlist is mentioned on the DHHS AD Waiver or eligibility pages.
Personal Assistance Services (PAS)
Medicaid help with daily tasks like bathing and dressing for people who want to stay in their own home. A relative other than a spouse can be the paid caregiver.
State supplement to SSI
Nebraska's Aid to the Aged, Blind, or Disabled (AABD) program can pay a state cash supplement to low-income people living in licensed assisted living. The payment depends on the person's income and a state standard of need; apply through iServe Nebraska.
PACE (all-inclusive care for 55+)
PACE provides all medical and long-term care for people 55+ who need nursing-home-level care but can live in the community. Programs in Nebraska:
- Immanuel Pathways (PACE Nebraska), Omaha area: Douglas and Sarpy counties and parts of Cass, Dodge, Saunders and Washington counties
Who to call in Nebraska
Free, and on your side. Start with the aging office if you don't know where to begin.
Nebraska DHHS State Unit on Aging
Start hereThe state's aging office and its local agencies explain your options, screen for programs and help with applications.
Nebraska Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program (DHHS State Unit on Aging)
A free, independent advocate for residents of nursing homes and assisted living. Call about any problem with care, rights, billing or a discharge.
Report abuse, neglect or exploitation
Adult protective servicesYou don't need proof to report. If someone is in immediate danger, call 911.
24/7
Nebraska SHIP (Senior Health Insurance Information Program), Nebraska Department of Insurance
Unbiased Medicare help from counselors who don't sell anything: plans, bills, appeals, and programs that lower costs.
Senior Medicare Patrol
Help spotting and reporting Medicare fraud, billing errors and scams.
How to check a Nebraska assisted living or nursing home
In Nebraska, assisted living is licensed as: Assisted Living Facility. Read inspection reports before you sign anything.
Nebraska DHHS, Division of Public Health, Licensure Unit (Health Care Facilities Licensing)
Confirm a community's license here, and ask the agency how to see its inspection reports.
File a complaint
Nursing homes
Medicare rates every nursing home on staffing, inspections and quality, with full inspection reports.
Nebraska veterans homes and benefits
State veterans homes are often far cheaper than private care for eligible veterans and, in many states, their spouses.
Nebraska Department of Veterans' Affairs (NDVA)
Eastern Nebraska Veterans' Home
Bellevue
skilled nursing, assisted living, domiciliary, memory care
Free legal help and paperwork in Nebraska
Legal Aid of Nebraska ElderAccess Line (free for 60+)
Free legal help for older adults on issues like benefits, housing, powers of attorney and elder abuse.
Documents and forms
Nebraska help for caregivers and people with dementia
Can a family member be paid to provide care? Yes, in some programs.
Yes. Under Medicaid Personal Assistance Services a relative such as an adult child can be the paid caregiver. A spouse or anyone legally responsible for the person cannot be paid.
Nebraska Lifespan Respite Program
Helps unpaid family caregivers pay for a break: up to $125 a month for respite, plus up to $2,000 per eligibility period in a crisis. Serves caregivers of people of any age with special needs.
Nebraska Caregiver Support Program (National Family Caregiver Support Program)
Run by the local Area Agencies on Aging for people caring for someone 60+ or someone with Alzheimer's. Offers counseling, support groups, training and some respite.
DHHS State Unit on Aging dementia resources
The State Unit on Aging coordinates Nebraska's dementia programs and State Alzheimer's Plan and can point families to respite, Area Agency on Aging help and legal planning.
More help in Nebraska
Nebraska Homestead Exemption
Property tax relief for homeowners 65 and older (and some others) with income under state limits. Apply through your county assessor.
Nebraska senior care questions
What is the Medicaid asset limit in Nebraska?
$4,000 for a single person (2026). $4,000 for one person, $6,000 for a couple, as listed by DHHS for 2026. Ask DHHS how much a spouse at home can keep.
Who do I call with a complaint about an assisted living or nursing home in Nebraska?
The Nebraska Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program (DHHS State Unit on Aging): (800) 942-7830. It's free and independent.
National help that works in Nebraska too
Senior living in Nebraska cities
Senior care guides for other states
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Researched from 39 sources, official pages first. Last checked .