Table of Contents

Medicare Plans by State

STATE -Select-
  • Alabama
  • Arizona
  • Arkansas
  • California
  • Colorado
  • Connecticut
  • Delaware
  • Florida
  • Georgia
  • Hawaii
  • Idaho
  • Illinois
  • Indiana
  • Iowa
  • Kansas
  • Kentucky
  • Louisiana
  • Maine
  • Maryland
  • Massachusetts
  • Michigan
  • Minnesota
  • Mississippi
  • Missouri
  • Montana
  • Nebraska
  • 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
Page Reviewed / Updated – September 19, 2022

Medicare Advantage combines Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B in a single plan managed by private insurance companies. The plan is also known as Medicare Part C. Original Medicare is available from the federal government and has a clearly defined list of things that it covers. Insurance companies offering Medicare Part C are required to provide the same level of coverage as Original Medicare as a minimum but can also offer additional benefits such as prescription drug assistance, vision and dental or transportation to medical appointments.

Medicare Advantage providers have the freedom to set their own rules regarding out-of-pocket costs, in-network care and choosing a primary care provider, as well as any requirements for referrals for medical treatment. These rules can vary significantly between insurance companies. In 2021, there were just over 363,000 people who were eligible for Medicare in the state, but enrollment in Medicare Advantage was fairly low, at just 22.7% of all Medicare beneficiaries, slightly over half of the national average.

This guide looks at the different Medicare Advantage plans available in Nebraska and what some of the most popular plans cover. It also discusses the eligibility criteria for Nebraska’s Medicare Advantage programs and how seniors can choose a plan that best suits their needs.

The Top 10 Medicare Advantage Plans in Nebraska

Many insurance companies have Medicare Advantage plans in Nebraska. Seniors have a lot of flexibility when it comes to choosing a provider that offers the benefits they want within their budget. The following list features 10 of the most popular Medicare Advantage providers, ranked by enrollment. Most providers have more than one plan option, so cost information is shown as a range, but enrollment figures are combined for all of the plans offered by the same provider. The plan information used to make this list was last updated in April 2022. Seniors can see the latest information about the plans and providers available in their area by visiting Medicare.gov.

Name

Total Enrollment

Star Rating

Min Cost

Max Cost

Plan Types

UnitedHealthcare

55,446

3.5

$0

$74

HMO, PPO, PFFS

Aetna Medicare

15,466

4

$0

$34

HMO, PPO

Humana

8,062

4

$0

$60

HMO, PPO

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska

7,830

4

$0

$26

HMO, PPO

Wellcare

3,770

0

$0

$23

HMO, PPO

Highmark Inc.

1,088

0

$0

$0

PPO

Medica

290

0

$0

$16

HMO, PPO

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan

35

0

$0

$0

PPO

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield

11

0

$0

$0

PPO

How Medicare Advantage Plans Work in Nebraska

Before selecting a Medicare Advantage plan in Nebraska, seniors should take some time to learn about the different types of plans on the market. There are four types of Medicare Advantage plan available in Nebraska, including Health Maintenance Organizations(HMOs) and Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs) as well as the Special Needs Plan (SNP) and Private Fee-for-Service (PFFS). The following table describes the requirements of each type of plan and what the plan covers in more detail.

Medicare Advantage Plan Types Graphic

What Medicare Advantage Plans Cover in Nebraska

Medicare Advantage providers are required to offer the same level of coverage as federally managed Original Medicare plans, with the exception of hospice care which remains covered under Medicare Part A. This means these plans include preventative screenings, durable medical equipment and hospital care. In addition to this minimum level of coverage, they may also offer extra services, such as prescription drug coverage, hearing aids, and vision or dental care. Some providers include other value-added services, such as wellness advice or transportation to appointments.



Coverage Available With Medicare Parts A & B?

Coverage Available With Medicare Advantage?

Preventive Screenings

Yes

Yes

Hospital Care

Yes

Yes

Durable Medical Equipment

Yes

Yes

Prescription Drugs

No

Yes**

Vision Care

No

Yes*

Dental Care

No

Yes*

Hearing Aids

No

Yes*

*Select plans offer this coverage

** Most plans offer this coverage

Eligibility for Medicare Advantage in Nebraska

Medicare Advantage is open to seniors living in Nebraska who already have Medicare Parts A and B and who live in the plan’s coverage area. To be eligible for Medicare, seniors must be aged 65 or over or living with a qualifying disability or illness. They must also be a U.S. citizen or recognized as a permanent legal resident. There are specific enrollment periods for Medicare and Medicare Advantage, during which time seniors can either enroll for the first time or change their plan. The below list shows the enrollment periods and the actions people can take during those times.

  • Initial Coverage Election Period: This is the initial 7-month period, coinciding with one’s 65th birthday, during which everyone is eligible to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan.
  • Annual Election Period (AEP): Also referred to as the Open Enrollment Period, this the time of year when anyone over 65 can enroll in Medicare Advantage for the first time or change to a new plan.
  • Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period: During this period, those who are already enrolled in Medicare Advantage can switch to a different plan or switch back to Original Medicare.

Start Date

End Date

Initial Coverage Election
Period

3 Months Before One’s
65th Birth Month

3 Months After One’s
65th Birth Month

Annual Election Period
(AEP)

October 15th

December 7th

Medicare Advantage Open
Enrollment Period

January 1st

March 31st

Additionally, Medicare Advantage plan participants can change their plan outside of these enrollment periods under certain qualifying circumstances, such as moving to a new state.

How to Find & Choose a Medicare Advantage Plan in Nebraska

Navigating the many intricacies of Medicare Advantage plan types, insurers, and the specific plan options available by region can be a difficult and time-consuming task. Below are several resources we’ve created to help you through the process.

First is a downloadable PDF that you can use as a guide to help you compare plans as you research. Finally, we have listed a number of organizations that you can contact with experts that will help you determine whether Medicare Advantage is right for you and what plans you should consider.

Choose a Medicare Advantage Plan



State-Wide Medicare Advantage Resources

Nebraska SHIIP

Nebraska SHIIP provides Medicare counseling services to seniors and individuals with disabilities. This program is funded by the federal government and operated by the Nebraska Department of Insurance. Its sole purpose is to help Medicare beneficiaries make sense of the different plans that are available to them, choose the plan that best suits their needs and assist with claims, appeals and other concerns. 

Contact Info

Seniors can request assistance by calling the Nebraska SHIIP hotline at 1-800-234-7119.

Volunteers Assisting Seniors

Volunteers Assisting Seniors is a statewide program that provides Medicare classes and counseling and other services. This nonprofit organization provides comprehensive training to volunteers that allows them to provide expert assistance in issues pertaining to Medicare. Volunteers are available to help seniors navigate the different Medicare plans that are available to them and provide assistance with any concerns that may arise. 

Contact Info

Seniors who require assistance with Medicare can call Volunteers Assisting Seniors at 1-800-234-7119 to receive advice or schedule an in-person  counseling session.

Aging and Disability Resource Center

Nebraska’s Aging and Disability Resource Center helps residents aged 60 and older by providing a variety of senior-specific services. This includes benefits counseling for seniors who receive Medicare or Medicaid benefits, as well as long-term care advice and referrals to local resources and community services.

Contact Info

Seniors can visit the Aging and Disability Resource Center in their area for in-person assistance or call 844-843-6364 for help by phone.

Visit Website
Nebraska Department of Insurance

The Nebraska Department of Insurance – Consumer Affairs Division provides assistance in all types of insurance matters throughout the state. Seniors who need help understanding Medicare Advantage policies or who wish to file a complaint about their provider can contact this department for assistance. While the department is not able to recommend specific products, its employees can assist seniors who require an advocate to contact their insurance company on their behalf.

Contact Info

The Consumer Affairs Division can be reached toll-free at 877-564-7323 or at 402-471-0888. Those who prefer email can use this address: [email protected].

Email
Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services – Medicaid Services

Nebraska DHHS’s Medicaid Services offers assistance to Medicare beneficiaries who are dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid. This includes help with benefits coordination, as well as assistance with determining eligibility for specific waivers and programs. 

Contact Info

To contact Nebraska’s Medicaid Services department, seniors can call 402-471-3121.

Local Medicare Advantage Resources

Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging

The Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging acts as one of the state’s Area Agencies on Aging. It provides a broad range of services and supports that are specifically designed to enhance the quality of life for seniors aged 65 and older. This includes assistance with understanding their Medicare options and obtaining Medicaid benefits.

Contact Info

For information about Medicare assistance or other services, seniors can call 888-554-2711. The Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging also has locations in Omaha, Fremont and Blair that can provide assistance to seniors in person. 

Visit Website
Aging Partners – Lincoln

Aging Partners is an Area Agency on Aging that serves Butler, Filmore, Polk, Saline, Saunders, Seward and York Counties. It’s a senior advocacy and social support agency that provides a broad range of services to those aged 60 and older, including Medicare and Medicaid counseling.

Contact Info

Aging Partners is located at 1005 O Street in Lincoln. Seniors can visit in person, or contact the agency by phone at 1-800-247-0938.

South Central Nebraska Area Agency on Aging

Serving fourteen counties in South Central Nebraska, this Area Agency on Aging provides benefits counseling for Medicaid and Medicare beneficiaries, as well as an array of other services to assist seniors and adults with disabilities.

Contact Info

Seniors can visit the agency in person at 620 E. 25 Street, Suite 12, in Kearney or call 1-800-658-4320 for more information.

Aging Office of Western Nebraska

The Aging Office of Western Nebraska serves seniors in 11 counties throughout the Panhandle area. It works with individuals aged 60 and older, providing a wide range of beneficial services that includes insurance counseling for those enrolled in Medicare and Medicaid programs.

Contact Info

The Aging Office of Western Nebraska is located at 1516 Broadway, Suite 122 in Scottsbluff. To obtain more information about available programs, seniors can call the office at 1-800-682-5140.