About 350,000 Nebraska Medicare beneficiaries are in the entire state. A significant portion of enrollees has Original Medicare than Medicare Advantage.

In the following sections, we’ll discuss the available Nebraska supplement plans and Original Medicare.

Nebraska Medicare Facts & Figures

  • Nebraska’s Medicare Part A beneficiary total is over 287,700.
  • The state’s Part B enrollee total stands at 259,185.
  • More than 26,000 disabled enrollees have Part A and Part B, while around 230,000 beneficiaries aged into a plan.
  • Just over 65,000 Nebraskans have a Medicare Advantage plan.
  • Around 50,000 people in Nebraska have prescription drug coverage from Medicare Advantage, while nearly 200,000 have a standalone Medicare Part D plan.

Medicare Costs in Nebraska for 2024

Nebraska Medicare Part A is typically free if you have a work history of 10 or more years, but you’ll pay a Part B premium depending on your income and plan. Medicare costs include the Part A annual deductible and daily charges for inpatient stays.

These and the following costs are the same in every state.

Medicare Part A Costs in 2023 Medicare Part B Costs in 2023
  • Part A is premium-free for most
  • Part A deductible is $1,600 per benefit period
  • Inpatient hospital stay days 61-90 is $400
  • The standard Part B premium is $164.90
  • The annual deductible for Part B is $226
  • Medicare pays 80%, you pay 20% out-of-pocket

Original Medicare Coverage

Nearly 300,000 Nebraskans enrolled in Part A and Part B Medicare. Over 30,000 of these enrollees have a disability, and more than 250,000 start Original Medicare at age 65.

Part A covers inpatient hospital fees and facility visits, and Part B covers outpatient charges, medical equipment, and other offsite services.

Medicare Part A (Hospital Coverage)

  • Inpatient care in hospitals
  • Skilled nursing facility care
  • Hospice care
  • Home health care
Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance)

  • Services from doctors and health providers
  • Outpatient care
  • Home health care
  • Durable medical equipment
  • Some preventive services

Supplemental Medicare Plans in Nebraska

Nebraskans have many options for supplemental Medicare plans. Your choices include Medigap, Medicare Advantage (Part C), and Medicare Part D. While Parts A and B don’t rely on factors for cost determinations, supplemental options do depend on elements like age, gender, location, and your plan’s details.

Medicare Supplement

Medicare Supplement plans are used to bridge the gaps between Original Medicare and your wallet. These standardized letter plans are the same in most states, but costs among plans vary. Many carriers have nationwide availability. You can find the same benefits in many areas.

Medicare Advantage

Some plans offer additional benefits. Medicare Part C, or Medicare Advantage, combines coverage for Part A and Part B Medicare and often prescription drug coverage. You’ll still pay a Part B premium depending on your income and may incur a higher charge if it exceeds a certain amount.

Part D

Since traditional Nebraska Medicare doesn’t include prescription coverage, Nebraska patients often purchase a standalone Part D plan to cover medication costs. If you go without a prescription drug plan when you first become eligible for enrollment, you may incur a higher premium if you sign up later. You’ll pay little to nothing for medications and some durable medical equipment.

You can’t combine a Medigap plan with a Medicare Advantage plan. However, many plans have benefits that cover various charges. There’s something for every budget and medical need.

Nebraska Cities with Estimated Premiums for Supplemental Coverage

The accompanying charts provide an estimation of premiums for various supplemental coverages for the cities mentioned:

Nebraska Medicare Resources

Those interested in a Nebraska Medicare plan have several resources available. The Nebraska State Health Insurance Assistance Program assists residents. You can also find information on your area’s insurance programs from the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services or the Nebraska Department of Insurance.

If you need information on applying for Part C, Part D, or Medigap, we’re your complete resource for plan comparisons and can answer your questions!

FAQs

How do I apply for Medicare in Nebraska?

Most people don’t need to apply for Medicare in Nebraska because Social Security will automatically enroll them when they turn 65. To apply for Original Medicare, you must do so through your local Social Security office. Contact your choice carrier directly to enroll in a Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplement plan.

If you already receive Social Security benefits, you likely already have Medicare Part A and can sign up for Part B or additional coverage during the Annual Enrollment Period or other parts of the year.

How do I enroll in Medicare Part B in Nebraska?

To enroll in Nebraska Part B Medicare, you must visit your nearest Social Security office. Alternatively, you can apply quickly and easily online or call the toll-free number.

Nebraskans who worked for the railroad should contact the Railroad Retirement Board.

When should you apply for Medicare in Nebraska?

You should apply for Nebraska Medicare three months before you turn 65. Doing so ensures that you’ll have health coverage on your 65th birthday.

If you don’t sign up when you’re initially eligible, the Open Enrollment Period, General Enrollment Period, or Special Enrollment Period gives you multiple opportunities.

How do I qualify for dual Medicaid and Medicare in Nebraska?

You must meet both programs’ requirements to qualify for dual Nebraska Medicare and Medicaid benefits. Medicare qualifications include being 65 or older, a US resident or citizen for at least five years, or having a life-threatening disability like End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) or Lou Gehrig’s Disease (ALS).

You must meet your state’s income requirements to be eligible for Medicaid. Some patients may have an income limit disqualifying them.

What are the four types of Medicare in Nebraska?

The four types of Medicare in Nebraska include Original Medicare with Part A and Part B, covering inpatient and outpatient expenses, respectively. Part C Medicare is a bundled plan with Original Medicare and prescription coverage. Part D only covers prescription medications.

How to Sign Up for Supplemental Medicare in Nebraska

Get the assistance you deserve by visiting Medigap.com before enrolling. We have information on supplemental options, prescription drug plans, and Original Medicare.

Whether you need help signing up for a Medicare Supplement or want to compare plans, we can help. We work with the top carriers and plans to locate the best one in your area. Our comparison service is completely free.

No matter your requirements, there’s a supplemental Nebraska Medicare plan for you. Call the experts at Medigap.com today or fill out our quote form to get rates for plans in Nebraska.

Written By:
Picture of the author
Lindsay Malzone, Lindsay Malzone is the Medicare editor for Medigap.com. She's been contributing to many well-known publications since 2017. Her passion is educating Medicare beneficiaries on all their supplemental Medicare options so they can make an informed decision on their healthcare coverage.
Reviewed By:
Picture of the expert
Rodolfo Marrero, Rodolfo Marrero is one of the co-founders at Medigap.com. He has been helping consumers find the right coverage since the site was founded in 2013. Rodolfo is a licensed insurance agent that works hand-in-hand with the team to ensure the accuracy of the content.