Keeping everyone in our communities healthy Answering your frequently asked questions about accessing the COVID-19 Vaccine Vaccines are an important part of how the world will fight COVID-19, and getting vaccinated is a vital step we can take to protect our families, friends, coworkers, and communities. Thankfully, COVID-19 vaccines are now widely available in the United States and can be… Read more →
The American Rescue Plan: What Nebraska can do for our health The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) helps health care be more accessible and affordable by lowering the cost of coverage for many Nebraskans and provides states additional opportunities to improve the health of its communities. ARPA offers states millions of dollars in federal funding to tackle COVID-19 and promotes… Read more →
The American Rescue Plan: Making Health Care More Affordable for Nebraskans The importance of having steady access to quality, affordable health care coverage is clearer now more than ever. The pandemic has taken a devastating toll on Nebraskans, especially on our essential workers, communities of color, and those without health insurance coverage. Evidence shows that gaps in health insurance coverage… Read more →
For over fifty years, Medicaid has provided health care coverage to hundreds of thousands of low-income Nebraskans, helping children in Nebraska succeed in school and keeping the state’s communities healthy. Medicaid not only supports the health and well-being of Nebraskans, it also supports Nebraska’s workforce, health systems, and economy. When people have access to health care through Medicaid, they are… Read more →
Nebraskans’ votes should be honored. Two years ago, in November of 2018, Nebraskans voted for Medicaid expansion to provide health care coverage to thousands of our family members, friends, and neighbors. The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) delayed implementing the program, keeping more than 90,000 Nebraskans from accessing lifesaving Medicaid coverage. This October, eligible Nebraskans were finally… Read more →
Now, more than ever, everyone in our state needs affordable, quality health insurance. During this difficult time, it is vital that all Nebraskans know some of the coverage options available. Getting and Staying Covered If eligible, you may be able to enroll in Marketplace or Medicaid insurance. Marketplace Insurance: If you lose your coverage, your household income changes, or you… Read more →
Medicaid saves lives. Block Grants takeaway care. Last week, the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released guidance, which CMS refers to as the “Healthy Adult Opportunity,” that encourages states to apply for Medicaid block grants. Block grants will result in cuts to Medicaid, a program that is a lifeline to millions of Americans, including 1 in… Read more →
The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is delaying voter approved Medicaid expansion and is pursuing a complicated Medicaid expansion plan, known as a Section 1115 waiver. Contrary to voter intent, DHHS is seeking to deny important vision and dental coverage to Nebraskans in the expansion group that Do not prove that they have met DHHS’ legally suspect,… Read more →
What is the Medicaid expansion waiver? Why are work requirements problematic? Last November, Nebraskans passed Initiative 427, expanding Medicaid to adults who make up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (about $17,000 a year for an individual). Instead of honoring the vote and promptly starting the program, the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is intentionally seeking… Read more →
