UPDATED: SEPTEMBER 05, 2023 | 2 MIN READ
Purchasing health insurance in Nebraska doesn’t have to be complicated. There is no need to wade through all the options in the health insurance Marketplace alone. Finding a plan that works best for you is easier than ever, and we’ll help you.
Nebraska Open Enrollment dates for health insurance
Nebraska’s Open Enrollment period for health insurance runs annually from November 1st to January 15th.
Nebraska demographics
Demographics are considered when it comes to quoting health insurance in Nebraska. Below are some things that are considered:
- Average Household Income: The average household income is $82,306. The median household income is $63,015.
- Median Age Range: The median age range is 36.6 years of age.
- Education: On average, 25.7% of Nebraska residents aged 25 years and older have a high school degree as their highest level of education.
What type of health insurance Marketplace does Nebraska have?
Nebraska has a federally facilitated health insurance Marketplace with a plan management model. Four insurers offer individual and family plans on the exchange, meaning residents enroll in coverage through HealthCare.gov. The state oversees various aspects of the programs available on the exchange.
How many people are insured through the Nebraska health insurance Marketplace?
There are 88,688 people enrolled in Nebraska’s health insurance exchange. That’s down 2% since the last Open Enrollment Period. For 2021, most states saw an increase in enrollment, while Nebraska did not.
Did Nebraska implement the ACA’s Medicaid expansion?
Yes. The Heritage Health Adult Program is the Medicaid expansion that took effect in October 2020. It happened under the terms of the ballot initiative that the state’s voters approved in the 2018 election.
When can you purchase ACA health insurance in Nebraska?
The Open Enrollment Period for 2022 coverage in the Nebraska health insurance Marketplace ran from November 1, 2021, to January 15, 2022. Afterward, you require a qualifying event to enroll or change your coverage.
Types of ACA plans in Nebraska
Many types of affordable family and individual plans are available on the Marketplace. Below, we discover the best ones available to you.
What carriers offer ACA health insurance in Nebraska?
Four insurers offer plans statewide in Nebraska for 2023:
- Medica
- Bright
- Ambetter from Nebraska Total Care
- Oscar
Oscar and Ambetter were new for 2022. Medica and Bright also offer plans and continue to do so.
How much does health insurance cost in Nebraska?
The insurance plans in the Marketplace go by metal tiers. It goes from cheapest to highest premium amounts.
Cheapest health insurance by metal tier in Nebraska
| Metal Tier | Cheapest Plan | Monthly Premium | Deductible | Maximum Out-of-Pocket |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Catastrophic | NHN/BHC Catastrophic 8700 Direct | $267 | $8,700 | $8,700 |
| Bronze Expanded | NHN/BHC Bronze 8700 | $385 | $8,700 | $8,700 |
| Silver | NHN/BHC Silver 5000 | $550 | $5,000 | $8,700 |
| Gold | Medica with CHI Health Gold | $575 | $1,250 | $8,450 |
Cheapest health insurance by county
| County Name | Cheapest Plan | Individual, Age 40 | Couple, Age 40 | Couple, Age 40 & Child |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buffalo | Medica with CHI Health Silver | $575 | $1,145 | $1,490 |
| Douglas | NHN/BHC Silver 5000 | $550 | $1,100 | $1,430 |
| Hall | Medica with CHI Health Silver | $575 | $1,145 | $1,490 |
| Sarpy | Statewide Silver 5000 | $550 | $1,100 | $1,430 |
| Lancaster | Medica with CHI Health Silver | $575 | $1,145 | $1,490 |
Are health insurance subsidies available in Nebraska?
There are subsidies available in the Nebraska health insurance marketplace. 95% of Nebraska enrollees received a subsidy as an Advanced Premium Tax Credit (APTC). Enrollees received an average of $709 in subsidies in 2020.
Can you purchase off-exchange health coverage in Nebraska?
Nebraska has a federally facilitated exchange but a Marketplace plan management model. Residents enroll through HealthCare.gov. The state oversees aspects of the health insurance plans available for sale in the exchange.
Can you purchase short-term health insurance in Nebraska?
In Nebraska, short-term health insurance lasts from one month to 364 days. The average cost of a plan is $91 per month.
Health insurance options for low-income people in Nebraska
There are plenty of great options available for low-income people in Nebraska. Medicare and Medicaid are available for those who qualify. Below are some great options to choose from.
What Medicare options are available in Nebraska?
More than 357,000 Nebraska residents have Medicare. Premiums for the program range from $7 to $105 per month. Per-enrollee spending for Nebraska Medicare is about 4% lower than the national average.
Medicaid in Nebraska
Medicaid is available in Nebraska for low-income people who fall under the following categories:
- A former foster care youth
- A pregnant woman
- 65 years of age or older
- Person with disabilities
- A parent or caretaker
- An adult aged 19-64
- An individual 18 years of age or younger
Your income is also a consideration of whether or not you qualify for Medicaid.
Cheapest health insurance plans in Nebraska
There are many ways to get low-cost health insurance in Nebraska. Whether you’re looking for low premium or out-of-pocket costs, there’s a plan for you.
Cheapest health plan with low out-of-pocket maximums
A plan with low out-of-pocket maximums might be the best option if you typically have high medical expenses. High monthly premiums but low out-of-pocket maximums mean you reach your limit quickly, and your insurer covers your medical expenses faster. Medica with CHI Health Bronze HAS is the cheapest health insurance plan at $417 monthly.
Cheapest health plan with high out-of-pocket maximums
You might opt for a low premium plan with high out-of-pocket costs if you have few medical expenses. You will only have to pay the high medical fees if you have an emergency. The cheapest health insurance plan is Medica with CHI Health Catastrophic at $221 monthly.
Cheapest health plan with an HSA option
A Health Savings Account (HSA) is a good option for people in Nebraska who are in good health with low medical expenses. It’s a low-cost plan that allows you to make pre-tax contributions. The cheapest HSA is Medica with CHI Health Bronze HSA at $417 monthly.
Cheapest HMO/PPO/POS health plans
The only plan available in Nebraska is an Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO) plan. It’s cheap but restricted to a specified provider network except in an emergency. Medica with CHI Health Silver Copay is the cheapest at $417 monthly.
FAQs
Does Nebraska have free healthcare?
Medicaid and Medicare are available for low-income people as long as they qualify.
How much does healthcare cost per month in Nebraska?
Depending on your tiered plan, health insurance in Nebraska costs between $344-$707 monthly.
Does Nebraska have a penalty for no health insurance?
There is an individual mandate in Nebraska that has a penalty for not having qualifying coverage. Qualifying falls under $95 per adult and $47.50 per child or 1% of your taxable income.
Who qualifies for Nebraska Medicaid?
If you are over the age of 65 or under the age of 18, you qualify for Medicaid. A person with disabilities also qualifies for Medicaid.
Does Nebraska have state insurance?
There are four insurers offering plans statewide in Nebraska’s exchange. Bright, Oscar, and Medica are all available for 2023.
How to buy cheap Nebraska health insurance plans
Purchasing affordable health insurance is easy. Use our online quote tool to get your free health insurance quote today.
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