Paying for Senior Care in Nebraska: Smart Ways to Afford the Help Your Loved One Deserves

Paying for Senior Care in Nebraska: Smart Ways to Afford the Help Your Loved One Deserves

When it comes to caring for aging loved ones, one of the first questions families in Nebraska ask is: “How can we afford senior care?” Whether your parent needs assistance at home, in an assisted living community, or long-term skilled nursing, understanding your financial options can lift a huge burden off your shoulders.

The good news? Nebraska offers several ways to help seniors get the care they need without draining the family savings—and Medicaid and waiver programs are two of the most important tools available.

In this blog, we’ll break down:

  • The true cost of senior care in Nebraska

  • What Medicaid covers (and how to qualify)

  • What waiver programs offer for in-home care

  • Other smart ways to pay for senior care

  • Where to get help navigating the system

The Real Cost of Senior Care in Nebraska

Here’s a quick look at average monthly senior care costs in Nebraska (2025 data):

  • In-home care (non-medical): $5,200 - $6,000/month

  • Assisted living: $4,800 - $5,500/month

  • Skilled nursing care: $7,500 - $9,500/month

These numbers can be overwhelming—especially for middle-class families who earn too much to qualify for public aid, but not enough to pay out-of-pocket for years.

So how do Nebraskan families afford it? Let’s start with the biggest resource available.

Option 1: Nebraska Medicaid for Senior Care

Medicaid is a federal and state-funded program that provides health coverage to low-income individuals, including the elderly. In Nebraska, Medicaid covers long-term care services, including:

  • Skilled nursing facilities

  • In-home personal care

  • Adult day services

  • Medical equipment and supplies

Who Qualifies?

To be eligible, seniors must meet both income and asset limits, which are adjusted annually. As of 2025:

  • Monthly income limit: Around $1,255 (individual), $1,703 (married couple)

  • Asset limit: $4,000 or less for individuals (excluding home, car, and personal belongings)

Pro tip: Even if your loved one’s income is slightly over the limit, there are legal spend-down strategies to help them qualify. It’s worth speaking to a Medicaid planning expert.

Option 2: Nebraska Medicaid Waiver Programs

Nebraska offers a special Medicaid Aged & Disabled (AD) Waiver, which allows seniors to receive care at home instead of in a facility.

Services Covered by the Waiver:

  • In-home care attendants

  • Home modifications (like wheelchair ramps)

  • Meal delivery

  • Transportation assistance

  • Respite care for family caregivers

This is perfect for families who want to keep their loved ones at home as long as possible. Many Nebraska home care agencies, like Xtrakare, accept waiver clients and help with the application process.

How to Apply:

You can apply through Nebraska’s ACCESSNebraska portal or get help from your local Area Agency on Aging. Keep in mind that waiver programs may have waitlists, so apply early.

Other Ways to Pay for Senior Care in Nebraska

If Medicaid or waiver options don’t apply, consider these additional strategies:

1. Veterans Benefits

Veterans and their surviving spouses may be eligible for Aid & Attendance, a monthly pension bonus that can help pay for in-home or facility care.

2. Long-Term Care Insurance

If your loved one has a policy, it can help cover part of the cost for in-home care, assisted living, or nursing homes.

3. Life Insurance Conversion

Some policies can be converted into a long-term care benefit plan, allowing you to use the death benefit to pay for care now.

4. Reverse Mortgage or Home Equity

For homeowners, this can unlock funds to cover care expenses while staying in the home.

5. Private Pay with Sliding Scale Agencies

Some home care providers offer sliding scale rates or flexible payment plans for families paying out-of-pocket.

Let Xtrakare Help You Navigate the Journey

At Xtrakare, we specialize in helping Nebraska families find affordable in-home care solutions. We:

✅ Accept Medicaid and waiver clients
✅ Assist with application paperwork
✅ Offer personalized care plans
✅ Serve Omaha and surrounding areas with compassion

Our mission is to make sure every senior gets the quality care they need—without sacrificing their dignity or your peace of mind.

Final Thoughts: Plan Early, Ask for Help

Paying for senior care in Nebraska doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By exploring Medicaid, waivers, and other funding options, you can create a realistic plan to ensure your loved one gets the support they need.

Don’t wait until it’s urgent—reach out today and start building a care plan that works for your family and your finances.

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