Major changes are coming to Nebraska Medicaid. Read our new resources on the importance of the Medicaid expansion program and recommendations to prevent unnecessary coverage loss from new federally mandated work requirements to learn more.
Medicaid Expansion Works for Nebraska
Medicaid expansion is a critical program that provides access to health care for about 70,000 Nebraskans. This program provides stability for Nebraska families, improves coverage and health outcomes, addresses disparities, and boosts our economy.
Despite the effectiveness of Medicaid expansion in our state, recent and ongoing efforts to shrink the program will take effect soon and result in coverage loss and harm to Nebraskans’ health. These threats are unpopular – a majority of people across the political spectrum view the Medicaid program favorably. The following action items are necessary to sustain a strong Nebraska Medicaid expansion program:
- Do not implement federally required work requirements early and take all steps to prevent unnecessary coverage loss from work requirements;
- Set any federally required copays at the lowest amount possible;
- Require only the minimum number of eligibility renewals;
- Improve Nebraska DHHS automatic processes;
- Provide the maximum amount of retroactive coverage;
- Provide clear public information about eligibility changes; and
- Ensure transparency.
Learn more about Nebraska’s history with Medicaid expansion, benefits the program provides our communities, and how to address these ongoing threats in our new Medicaid expansion policy brief.
Nebraska Must Prevent Unnecessary Coverage Loss
New federally mandated work requirements for the Medicaid expansion group stand out as a particularly severe threat to Nebraskans’ access to health care. Because Congress passed federal Medicaid work requirements, Nebraska must now take every step to implement them effectively and prevent as much unnecessary coverage loss as possible by:
- Not implementing work requirements early. Instead, Nebraska must take the time required to implement effectively;
- Ensuring workable and inclusive exemptions from the work requirements;
- Investing in Nebraska DHHS ex parte systems;
- Utilizing a one-month “look back” period and application at renewal;
- Providing robust and clear outreach to Medicaid enrollees;
- Ensuring transparency; and
- Implementing any additional flexibilities that ensure Nebraskans who qualify can access the Medicaid coverage they need.
Learn more about the federal Medicaid work requirements and recommended ways to minimize coverage loss here.