’It’s a huge relief’—Medicaid expansion begins

Medicaid expansion coverage finally begins today!

This moment—after seven years of multiple legislative sessions and a statewide ballot initiative—is made possible because of your support and advocacy. Thank you!

Now, more than 90,000 of our family members, friends, and neighbors can get the care they need, and 10,000 Nebraskans have already signed up as of this past weekend.

I want to share two news articles this week from the Omaha World-Herald and KETV Channel 7 that lift up the voices of people who can finally access care—and remind us why we refused to give up the fight over these past seven years:

“It’s a huge relief. It’s a huge load off my shoulders,” Viola told the Omaha World-Herald. She shared that the day she received approval for Medicaid expansion coverage brought tears knowing she could see a doctor to talk about her medical needs.

“I read the letter three or four times to make sure I was reading it correctly,” she said. “I was like, ‘Oh, my God. Thank you, sweet Jesus.’ I was ecstatic.”

Samantha—a mom, student, and part-time worker—no longer has to worry about getting kicked off her parents’ insurance when she turns 26.

“It’s like the emotional baggage is lifted off my shoulders,” she shared with KETV Channel 7.

Daria, who once had Medicaid coverage in the child welfare system, hasn’t had coverage for six years.

“Since then I haven’t been able to see a therapist or a doctor, get any check ups,” Daria said to KETV. “It means everything. I think everyone needs it. I think everyone deserves it. I think we all work too hard to not be able to take care of ourselves.”

All week long, we’re lifting up the voices of Nebraskans who will benefit from Medicaid expansion coverage. Visit our Facebook page this week to hear from Nebraskans on how Medicaid expansion will help them, their families, and communities.

APPLY TODAY:

• Visit Appleseed’s Medicaid expansion webpage to learn more about Medicaid expansion eligibility and how people can sign up.
• Sign up directly for coverage via the ACCESSNebraska website or by calling 1-800-383-4278.
• Enroll Nebraska can also provide free, local assistance. Find an enrollment assister at Enroll-NE.org/Local.

Going forward, we will continue to promote Medicaid expansion to ensure every Nebraskan can get the care they need. And we stand ready to monitor the program and ensure Nebraskans don’t face barriers to coverage or reduced benefits.

From all of us at Appleseed, thank you for making this momentous day possible.