Page Reviewed / Updated – March 8, 2023

This webpage will assist residents of Nebraska in understanding the cost of elderly care throughout the state. The cost of assisted living, in-home care, and adult day care will be covered. Financial assistance programs and care assistance programs, be that in the home or in residential care, will also be explored.

The programs listed on this page include all of the programs offered by the state of Nebraska. However, it does not include programs that come from other financial sources, such as programs on a national level. That being said, it is highly recommended that one explores all options of care assistance in order to find the most suitable program for care needs and circumstances. To assist in your search, we have made our Resource Locator Tool available at no charge.

Nebraska Eldercare Costs for 2023

Cost of Care Calculator

Answer the questions below to see the cost of care in your area.

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Assisted Living / Memory Care

As of 2020, according to Genworth’s Cost of Care Survey 2019, the average monthly cost of assisted living throughout the state of Nebraska is $3,819. Grand Island metropolitan area and Omaha have an average monthly cost just over the statewide average at approximately $3,945 – $4,000 / month . However, there is one highly populated area within the state that has a monthly average higher than the state average. This is Lincoln at $5,860 / month. 

Memory Care, also known as Alzheimer’s Care, exists in assisted living facilities for those who have dementia related to Alzheimer’s. Due to the need for increased security and supervision, expect to pay approximately $954 to $1,465 / month more.

Home Care

Statewide, in 2020, the average cost of in-home supportive care throughout Nebraska is $24.50 / hour, as indicated by Genworth’s 2019 Cost of Care Survey. The most affordable home care can be found in Hall County (Grand County) and Douglas County (Omaha), where the average hourly rate is $22.25 to $24.25. In Lancaster County (Lincoln), the hourly average rate of care is higher than the statewide average at $26.63. 

In-home medical care, also called home health care, is also available and costs an average of $26.00 / hour statewide. Put differently, it can cost nearly 10% higher more the cost for non-medical care.

Adult Day Care

Adult day care is one of the cost efficient options when it comes to senior care. As of 2020, per Genworth’s Cost of Care Survey 2019, the average daily cost for adult day care is $84 throughout the state of Nebraska. In Grand Island, the average daily cost is just under the statewide cost at $80. However, in some larger cities of the state, the average daily cost of adult day care is under the statewide average. For instance, Omaha ($50 / day) and Lincoln ($49 / day) have the most affordable daily cost for adult day care.

Nebraska Medicaid Financial Assistance Programs

Medicaid Programs & Waivers for the Elderly

Medicaid Program Explanation
Medicaid is a health insurance program for low-income residents of the United States. It is a program that is set forth by the federal government and then state run as determined by each state within the federal set parameters. Via the state Medicaid plan, nursing home care is covered, as well as in-home personal assistance.

Programs and Waivers
The Personal Assistance Services (PAS) Program is intended for disabled individuals and those who have a chronic medical condition that calls for a level of care consistent with an assisted living facility. Provided services are meant to avoid residential placement and may include medication management, homemaker services, adult day care, and assistance with mobility, toiletry, eating, and hygiene. PAS is part of the state Medicaid program and is an entitlement, which means anyone who is eligible for services via this program is able to receive them. Eligible applicants may self-direct caregiving services. This means they are free to choose their caregiver, including some family members.

The Aged and Disabled Medicaid Wavier is a Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Waiver that is not an entitlement, meaning there is a limit to how many people may receive services via this Waiver. This program is intended to assist the elderly and disabled in aging in place, either at home or in an assisted living facility. Supports include assistive technology, independence skills training, adult day care, chore and homemaker services, home modifications, and respite care. 

Medicaid Eligibility

In order for the elderly to be eligible for Medicaid in Nebraska, there are both income and asset restrictions that must be met. As of 2023, an individual’s monthly income cannot be in excess of $1,215 a month, which is currently equivalent to 100% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). The asset limit is set at $4,000, though certain assets are generally considered exempt (non-countable), such as burial plots, personal belongings, household items, and the applicant’s home, given the equity value is not greater than $688,000 and the applicant or their spouse lives in the home. Make note, eligibility requirements for the state Medicaid plan and Medicaid Waiver may differ.

Nebraska allows for “medically needy spend downs,” which allow applicants who are above the allowable income to still be eligible for Medicaid once they have “spent down” their income. This is often referred to as medically needy or the medically needy pathway.

If one has more assets than is allowed, it is very important that assets not be gifted or transferred for less than fair market value. Doing so is in violation of Medicaid’s Look-Back Period and can result in Medicaid ineligibility for a period of time, which is based on the amount of assets gifted/transferred during the 60-month look-back period. Applying for Medicaid can be complicated, particularly if one has assets and / or income greater than the allowable amount(s). For additional information or for assistance with the application process, it may be helpful to contact a Medicaid expert.

Nebraska Non-Medicaid Assistance Programs

In addition to the Medicaid programs listed above, Nebraska currently has four non-Medicaid programs offering financial and care assistance for the elderly.

1) The Lifespan Respite Subsidy Program provides financial assistance to help cover the cost of respite care for Nebraska residents with a chronic condition, such as Alzheimer’s disease. Respite care may be provided in-home or at an adult day care facility.

2) The Social Services for Aged and Disabled Adults (SSAD) Program provides supports both for the individual that requires care and their primary caregiver. Benefits may include chore and homemaker services, non-medical transportation assistance, adult day care, limited personal care assistance, and meal delivery.

3) The Disabled Persons and Family Support (DPFS) Program provides supportive services to delay or avoid nursing home placement of medically disabled individuals, which includes persons with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Home health care, personal care assistance, transportation, home modifications, and assistive technology are all benefits and services available via this program.

4) The Assistance to the Aged, Blind, or Disabled (AABD) Program provides both financial assistance and medical support care for those who are elderly or disabled. For those receiving financial assistance, this may be used towards room and board, home utilities, food, clothing, and home supplies.

PACE Programs in Nebraska

The Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) is a joint initiative between Medicare and Medicaid to help seniors get the care and services they need in the community rather than transitioning to a nursing home for care. Because Medicaid differs in each state, PACE eligibility varies between states.

Nebraska’s PACE program covers the costs of all the services normally provided separately by Medicare and Medicaid, including personal care, primary care, transportation for medical purposes, medications and therapies. These are usually delivered in the senior’s home. However, another location, such as a nursing home, can be used if deemed necessary by the interdisciplinary team charged with the senior’s care. To be eligible for PACE in Nebraska, the applicant must:

  • Require nursing home levels of care
  • Be aged 55 or older
  • Live in an area serviced by a PACE organization
  • Be able to live safely in the community with assistance

How To Get Started With PACE in Nebraska

To discover more about PACE in Nebraska, visit the Department of Health and Human Services website for Home and Community-Based Programs. To apply for Medicaid, go to Nebraska’s dedicated Medicaid website. Immanuel Pathways is currently Nebraska’s only PACE organization. Therefore, those who live outside its areas won’t be able to apply for PACE. However, it does partially cover some counties, so to find out more, please refer to the information in the following table.

PACE Provider

Contact

Areas Served

Immanuel Pathways

(402) 507-4899

All of Douglas and Sarpy counties and parts of the counties of Cass, Dodge, Saunders, and Washington

Other Financial Options for Care

In addition to the state specific programs that assist in covering the cost of elderly care in Nebraska, there are also federal and non-profit programs available. In order to find other programs that assist in paying for care or reduce your out-of-pocket cost, make sure to use our Resource Locator Tool.  This tool makes it easy to locate and consider all of your options and choose the program that best fits the circumstances. Eldercare loans and programs that aid veterans with assisted living are other available options.

Finding Affordable Care in Nebraska

The best way to manage the cost of elderly care is to adequately determine the care needs of your loved one and to find a high-quality provider that is affordable. To aid in your search, we have partnered with several organizations that are able to assist in this process. This service is provided free of charge and will match care needs and budget with reputable care providers in the preferred geographic region. Click here to find affordable care.

Eldercare Financial Assistance Locator

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Top Cities for Senior Care in Nebraska

For more information about the costs and resources available in Nebraska cities, click on the links below.

Top Cities for Memory Care

Top Cities for Assisted Living