State Medicaid Waiver Directory
Find your state's Katie Beckett waiver, TEFRA pathway, HCBS programs, and Medicaid eligibility rules for children and adults with disabilities. Each guide covers waitlists, application steps, income limits, and parent caregiver pay options.
For informational purposes only — not legal, medical, or financial advice. Medicaid rules, eligibility, and waitlists change frequently. Always verify with your state's official Medicaid agency before making decisions. Cross-check with Medicaid.gov's official waiver page.
Nebraska
Program Overview
Overview
Nebraska has a Medicaid HCBS system including the Developmental Disabilities Waiver and the Aged and Disabled Waiver. The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services administers these programs.
Katie Beckett or similar pathway
Nebraska has both a TEFRA State Plan Option (SPA) and a Katie Beckett-style waiver that disregard parental income for eligible children with disabilities needing institutional-level care. Contact Nebraska DHHS and ask specifically about the TEFRA or Katie Beckett option for children.
Child-relevant waivers
The Developmental Disabilities (DD) Waiver is the primary route for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Nebraska also has an Aged and Disabled Waiver for adults who are elderly or have physical disabilities and need nursing-facility level of care but choose to live at home. It covers personal care, home health aide, adult day services, homemaker services, and other community supports.
Eligibility
Who qualifies
DD Waiver serves individuals with developmental disabilities who meet ICF/ID level of care and financial eligibility.
Financial and income rules
Nebraska Medicaid financial eligibility applies. Waiver-specific rules also apply.
Level of care
ICF/ID level of care is required for the DD Waiver.
Age rules
DD Waiver serves individuals of various ages including children.
Getting Started
How to apply
Contact Nebraska DHHS Division of Developmental Disabilities for intake and applications.
Documents needed
Disability documentation, level-of-care assessment, and financial information are typically required.
Waitlist information
Nebraska's DD Waiver has had limited enrollment periods. Confirm current status with DHHS.
Practical next step
Contact Nebraska DHHS Division of Developmental Disabilities and ask about DD Waiver intake and current availability.
Services & Support
Services available
DD Waiver can cover day services, residential services, employment supports, and in-home supports.
Parent caregiver pay
As of July 2025, parents who qualify as legally responsible individuals can be paid for personal care services through all Nebraska waivers when the care is considered extraordinary, meaning it exceeds what a parent would typically provide for a child of the same age without a disability.
Equipment exchange & assistive technology
Nebraska Assistive Technology Partnership / AT4ALL (dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Assistive-Technology.aspx) — free device demonstrations, short-term loans, reuse programs, and AT financing statewide.
Mental health and Medicaid coverage
Nebraska Medicaid covers behavioral health services including outpatient therapy, psychiatric evaluations, medication management, crisis services, and community mental health services. The Division of Behavioral Health (DBH) within DHHS oversees public behavioral health. Community behavioral health centers provide most direct services. Children can access mental health services through the EPSDT benefit. Nebraska has invested in early childhood mental health and school-based mental health services.
Additional notes
Beginning the intake process with the Division of Developmental Disabilities early is important, as enrollment capacity can be limited.
State-Specific Resources
Nebraska — Respite Care Options for Family Caregivers
Nebraska's Lifespan Respite Subsidy Program (dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Respite.aspx) pays eligible unpaid primary family caregivers up to $125 per month for respite, for a care recipient of any age with a disability. Respite is also a covered service under the Aged and Disabled and DD waivers. See the Provider Directory for Nebraska respite and community programs.
Nebraska — Fitness, Sports, and Community Programs
Omaha is a strong hub for adaptive fitness: Special Strong, Adaptive Physical Fitness, Adaptive Crossroads, and Nebraska Adaptive Sports (Move United) all serve children and adults with disabilities. Lincoln's YMCA and city Parks & Recreation run adaptive sports and recreation programs. The Munroe-Meyer Institute at UNMC offers community outings and recreation for adults with I/DD.
Recent news for Nebraska
Nebraska Public Media · October 14, 2026 · Education, Funding & Budget
The Nebraska Department of Education is considering hypothetical budget cuts that would significantly impact services and educational support for students and adults with disabilities.
Nebraska Public Media · October 13, 2026 · Medicaid & Waivers, Funding & Budget
Nebraska health officials are proposing significant budget cuts that include reducing services at state facilities and adjusting Medicaid programs.
Community Tips & Experience
Comments reflect the personal experiences and opinions of individual community members only. They do not represent the views, positions, or endorsements of National Disability Resource Project or any of its staff, volunteers, or affiliated members. Always verify information with official agencies and qualified professionals before making decisions.
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