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From scenic prairies to vibrant cities like Omaha and Lincoln, Nebraska remains a desirable place to live — and understanding your health insurance options here is key to protecting your health and finances.
As of 2025, the uninsured rate in Nebraska reflects steady enrollment and improved access through expanded Medicaid and ACA Marketplace participation. If you’re currently without coverage, here’s what you need to know about getting insured in Nebraska.
Health Insurance Options in Nebraska
Nebraska offers a range of health insurance options tailored to residents’ needs, depending on age, income, employment, and family size. Here are the most common coverage types available:
Employer-Sponsored Insurance
Many Nebraska residents receive health insurance through their employer. If your workplace offers coverage, this is usually the most cost-effective and convenient option.
ACA Marketplace Plans
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) allows individuals and families to buy health insurance through the federal Marketplace. These plans offer essential health benefits, free preventive care, and protection for preexisting conditions.
You may also qualify for subsidies to lower your premiums.
Use our ACA Subsidy Calculator to check your eligibility.
Starting this year, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is requiring income verification to confirm eligibility for premium subsidies. As part of this effort, CMS will reduce the ACA subsidies by $5 per month for individuals who are automatically re-enrolled in fully subsidized plans without verified eligibility.
ACA Plan Types
ACA marketplace plans come in Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum tiers, each with different costs and coverage levels. Plans also vary by provider networks and out-of-pocket expenses, so compare carefully to find what fits your needs.
Marketplace Plans:
- Bronze: Low monthly premiums, higher out-of-pocket costs; ideal for minimal healthcare usage.
- Silver: Moderate costs; eligible for cost-sharing reductions (CSRs).
- Gold: Higher monthly premiums with lower out-of-pocket costs; best for frequent healthcare users.
- Platinum (if available): Highest premiums, lowest out-of-pocket costs.
Metal Tier Breakdown:
| Metal Tier | Insurance Company Pays | Consumer Pays |
| Bronze | 60% | 40% |
| Silver | 70% | 30% |
| Gold | 80% | 20% |
| Platinum | 90% | 10% |
Medicaid
Nebraska’s Medicaid program, Heritage Health, provides free or low-cost coverage for eligible low-income residents. Benefits typically include preventive care, hospital services, mental health, prescriptions, and more. Members may choose from three managed care plans.
Medicaid Expansion
Nebraska expanded Medicaid to cover nearly all nonelderly adults meeting income requirements. Expanded coverage includes basic health services with additional support for families, pregnant women, seniors, and those with disabilities.
Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
Known as Kids Connection, Nebraska’s CHIP program helps uninsured children and pregnant women in families that earn too much for Medicaid but need affordable coverage. The program provides the same benefits as Medicaid, including preventive and routine medical care.
Student Health Insurance
Students in Nebraska may remain on a parent’s plan until age 26, enroll in a university-sponsored plan, or buy coverage through the ACA Marketplace. Depending on their income and other eligibility factors, they may also qualify for Medicaid, CHIP, or short-term plans—making Nebraska student health insurance both accessible and flexible.
Medicare
Medicare plans are available for residents aged 65+ and younger individuals with qualifying disabilities. Options include:
- Medicare Advantage (Part C)
- Medicare Advantage is an alternative to Original Medicare offered by private insurers to those enrolled in Parts A and B. These plans often include extra benefits and cost protections but typically require using a specific network of providers.
- Prescription Drug Plans (Part D)
- Medicare Part D provides prescription drug coverage for anyone with Medicare, helping pay for medications and many vaccines. Offered by private insurers, these plans vary in cost and coverage and can be joined during specific enrollment periods.
- Medicare Supplement (Medigap)
- Medicare Supplement plans, or Medigap policies, help cover the out-of-pocket costs that Medicare Part A and Part B don’t pay. Since Original Medicare (Parts A and B) lacks an out-of-pocket maximum, these plans can limit your expenses for medical services.
COBRA Coverage
If you’ve recently lost employer-sponsored coverage, COBRA allows you to temporarily continue the same plan—typically at full cost.
Short-Term Plans
Short-term medical (STM) plans offer flexible, low-cost coverage for up to four months, ideal for healthy individuals in transition. However, STM plans aren’t guaranteed issue, lack subsidies, and may exclude key benefits like maternity, mental health, and pre-existing conditions, making them less suitable for long-term or comprehensive needs.
Explore all non-ACA health plans that may fit your needs and lifestyle.
Enrollment Periods in Nebraska
Open Enrollment for 2026 Coverage
November 1, 2025 – January 15, 2026
During this period, eligible residents can apply for, renew, or change their ACA marketplace health plans.
Special Enrollment Period
Available year-round for those experiencing qualifying life events (QLE), such as:
- Job loss
- Marriage or divorce
- Birth/adoption of a child
- Relocation
- Change in income
You typically have 60 days from the qualifying event to enroll.
Health Insurance Providers in Nebraska
As of 2025, the following insurers typically offer individual and family plans:
- Bright Health (availability may vary)
- Medica
- Oscar Health
Plan availability may vary by county or zip code. Some carriers may also offer standardized plans if your state provides a public option or similar initiative.
Understanding Health Insurance Costs
When selecting a health plan, it’s important to understand these basic cost terms:
- Premium: Monthly cost to keep your coverage active
- Deductible: What you pay before your insurer starts covering services
- Copayment (Copay): Fixed amount for specific services like doctor visits
- Coinsurance: Percentage you pay for services after meeting your deductible
- Out-of-Pocket Maximum: The most you’ll pay in a year for covered services
- In-Network vs. Out-of-Network: Using providers in your network helps lower costs
Understanding health insurance doesn’t have to be overwhelming. This glossary offers clear definitions of key terms—from agents to costs like copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles—to help you make confident coverage decisions.
Bottom Line
Health insurance in Nebraska comes with many options—whether from your employer, the ACA Marketplace, or public programs like Medicaid and Medicare. By comparing plans during open enrollment or after qualifying life events, you can find coverage that fits your needs and protects your health.
Need help choosing a plan? Use our ACA Subsidy Calculator to find out if you’re eligible for financial assistance, or connect with a licensed agent to explore all your coverage options.
