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Medicaid A&D Waiver in Nebraska: What It Is, Who Qualifies, and How to Apply

Your Complete Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Support at Home
Explore how the Nebraska A&D Waiver can help you get care at home—or even get paid to care for a loved one.
Explore how the Nebraska A&D Waiver can help you get care at home—or even get paid to care for a loved one.

If you’ve been wondering how to stay at home instead of moving to a facility — or even asking yourself, “Can I get paid to care for a family member in Lincoln?” — the Nebraska Medicaid Aged & Disabled (A&D) Waiver could be the answer.

This waiver helps eligible Nebraskans receive home care Lincoln, medicaid waiver home care Omaha, medicaid waiver home care North Platte, home care assistance Kearney, or medicaid waiver home care Scottsbluff instead of entering a nursing home.

Below, you’ll find everything you need to know — from who qualifies, to how to apply, to what to expect once you’re approved.

 

What Is the Medicaid A&D Waiver?

The A&D Waiver is a Nebraska Medicaid program designed to help seniors and individuals with qualifying disabilities receive in-home care rather than being placed in a nursing facility. It covers non-medical services, including:

  • Personal care (bathing, grooming, dressing)
  • Meal preparation and nutrition support
  • Medication reminders and help managing health needs
  • Companionship and social engagement
  • Respite for family caregivers

 

For families asking, “Can I get paid to care for a family member in Lincoln?” — the answer is yes. Once approved, you may qualify for the Legally Responsible Individual (LRI) program, which allows eligible family members to get paid for providing care.

 

Who Qualifies for the A&D Waiver

To be eligible, you must meet all of the following criteria:

  • Be a U.S. citizen or a qualified alien lawfully present in the United States
  • Be a Nebraska resident
  • Be 65 or older, or under 65 with a qualifying disability
  • Be eligible for Nebraska Medicaid based on income and resource guidelines
  • Meet the Nursing Facility Level of Care requirements, meaning you need assistance with daily living tasks typically provided in a nursing facility.

 

How to Apply for the A&D Waiver

Step 1: Choose How to Apply

  • Online: Visit iServe Nebraska
  • Paper Application: Contact AmanaCare, and we’ll help you get one.
  • By Mail: Call DHHS at 877-667-6266 to request a paper application.
  • Submit Completed Applications:
    • Mail: DDD Eligibility, PO Box 98947, Lincoln, NE 68509-8947
    • Email: DHHS.HCBSWaiverApp@nebraska.gov
    • Fax: 402-328-6257

 

Step 2: Gather Required Documentation

You’ll need:

  • A valid photo ID
  • Proof of Nebraska residency
  • Proof of income and assets
  • Medical records or physician documentation showing care needs

 

Step 3: Level of Care Assessment

  • Within 14 days of your application, DHHS will schedule an assessment.
  • This determines if you meet the Nursing Facility Level of Care requirements.
  • Be prepared to answer detailed questions about daily living activities and care needs.

 

Step 4: Service Coordination

Once approved:

  • You’ll be assigned a Service Coordinator to help create a person-centered care plan.
  • This plan outlines the type and number of service hours you’ll receive.
  • At this point, AmanaCare can start providing care.

 

How the LRI Program Works

The Legally Responsible Individual (LRI) program allows certain family members — like adult children or spouses — to get paid for caring for their loved one.

Important: To qualify for the LRI program, your loved one must already be enrolled in the Medicaid A&D Waiver.

 

Why Work with an Agency

The Area Agency on Aging can assist with the application and help you understand available services and resources.  The League of Human Dignity helps individuals with disabilities apply for Medicaid Waivers and promotes independent living.  Both of these agencies go through the process with you, as processing it alone can be overwhelming.

The service coordinators at the Area Agencies on Aging and the Leagues of Human Dignity will walk you through eligibility, documentation, and applications.  They can help handle the paperwork to avoid delays.

For a list of Nebraska Area Agencies on Aging, visit Nebraska State List: Area Agencies on Aging.  To find contact information for the League of Human Dignity locations, go to League of Human Dignity – Lincoln, Nebraska

 

Choosing Your Home Care Provider

Once approved, you have the right to choose who provides your care.

Why so many Nebraskans choose AmanaCare:

  • Faith-based & family-owned — Serving all of Nebraska.
  • Above-average caregiver pay — Leading to better retention and more consistent care.
  • Care360 Method — Our holistic approach focuses on family, activity, spirituality, and safety.
  • Personalized Care Plans — You decide the schedule; we provide the care.

 

Final Thoughts

Applying for the Medicaid A&D Waiver can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Utilize your local service coordinators at the Area Agency on Aging or the League of Human Dignity, and remember that the team at AmanaCare is here to support you, as well.  For more details about our Medicaid Waiver Programs, visit Medicaid Waiver Services | Lincoln | AmanaCare In-Home Assistance

 

 

 

If you or an aging loved one is considering home care in Lincoln, NE, please contact the caring staff at AmanaCare today. Call (402) 440-5878 | For Central Nebraska, Call 308-663-3828

AmanaCare Provides Senior Home Care Services in Lincoln, Kearney, Grand Island, North Platte, Hastings, Omaha, Columbus, Broken Bow, Scottsbluff, Norfolk, and surrounding areas.

AmanaCare Staff

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