State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)
Free, unbiased Medicare counseling in Nebraska. Trained counselors go through your costs and choices with you, and they don't sell plans.
Medicare and health costs
Medicare Savings Programs in Nebraska
Nebraska's Department of Health and Human Services runs Medicare Savings Programs that may pay your Medicare Part B premium, and with QMB also your Part A premium, deductibles and coinsurance.
Nebraska uses the federal income and savings limits for these programs. You can apply online through iServe Nebraska, by phone, or at a local DHHS office.
How to apply in Nebraska
- By phone
- 1-855-632-7633
- In person
- Visit a local DHHS office. You can also call to apply by phone or ask for a paper application, weekdays 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (in Lincoln 402-473-7000, in Omaha 402-595-1178).
Applying is free. Nobody should charge you to apply.
Apply on the official siteWho may qualify in Nebraska
| 2026 figures | One person | Married couple |
|---|---|---|
| QMB income limit | $1,330 a month (after the first $20 of income is set aside) | $1,804 a month (after the first $20 of income is set aside) |
| SLMB income limit | $1,596 a month (after the first $20 of income is set aside) | $2,164 a month (after the first $20 of income is set aside) |
| QI-1 income limit | $1,796 a month (after the first $20 of income is set aside) | $2,435 a month (after the first $20 of income is set aside) |
| Savings limit | $9,950 | $14,910 |
Source: Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (source 1)
What you may get
| What QMB pays | Your Part A premium (if you don't get Part A free) and your Part B premium, plus deductibles, coinsurance and copays |
|---|---|
| What SLMB pays | Your Part B premium only |
| What QI-1 pays | Your Part B premium |
Source: Medicare.gov (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) (source 3)
Good to know
- Nebraska lists its income limits after the first $20 of monthly income is set aside, so $1,330 for QMB lines up with the federal $1,350.
- QI-1 can't be combined with other Nebraska Medicaid coverage; if you qualify for both, you choose one.
Source: Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (source 1)
Free help
Free help with this in Nebraska
State Unit on Aging
Your local Area Agency on Aging can help with meals, rides, help at home, caregiver support and applying for benefits.
More help in Nebraska
Medicare Savings Programs in another state
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Sources
- Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, Medicaid Income Levels, Federal Poverty Levels, and Resources (figures effective 1/1/2026 unless noted) (official government site). Checked Oct 28, 2026.
- Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, Medicaid Eligibility (official government site). Checked Oct 28, 2026.
- Medicare.gov (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services), Medicare Savings Programs (official government site). Checked Oct 28, 2026.
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