Key takeaways
- Nebraska residents eligible for Medicare can choose from various plans, including Original Medicare (parts A and B), Medicare Advantage (Part C), Part D, and Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap).
- Medicare-approved private insurance companies provide Medicare Advantage, Part D, and Medigap plans. Available plans can vary by location. Medicare’s plan finder tool can help find available plans in a specific area.
- When selecting a Medicare plan in Nebraska, it’s important to consider individual coverage needs, provider preferences, and cost requirements.
Medicare is a health insurance program for people 65 and older, as well as people of any age who have certain health conditions and disabilities.
It is made up of four parts:
- Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance) are known as Original Medicare
- Part C, also known as Medicare Advantage, is an alternative to Original Medicare
- Part D, which is prescription drug coverage
Individuals can also purchase a supplement insurance plan (Medigap) to help cover certain out-of-pocket costs associated with Original Medicare.
Snapshot of Medicare in Nebraska
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) reported the following information on Medicare trends in Nebraska for the 2026 plan year:
- A total of 389,068 residents of Nebraska were enrolled in Medicare.
- The average monthly Medicare Advantage plan premium changed from $21.80 in 2025 to $21.58 in 2026.
- There are 50 Medicare Advantage plans available in Nebraska for 2026, compared with 44 plans in 2025.
- Around 99.64% of Nebraska residents with Medicare have access to buy a Medicare Advantage plan, with 97.84% having access to a $0 premium.
- In 2026, 11 stand-alone Medicare Part D plans are available in [state], and the lowest monthly premium for a stand-alone Part D plan is $4.70.
- 17.01% of people with a stand-alone Part D plan get Extra Help.
- As in most states, 10 different Medigap plans are offered in Nebraska in 2026.
Medicare is more than just one part. Different plans and components cover various aspects of individual healthcare.
- Original Medicare: Original Medicare is managed by the federal government and includes two main parts: Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance). Neither part covers prescription drugs.
- Medicare Advantage (Part C): Medicare Advantage plans are provided by Medicare-approved private insurance companies and offer the same benefits as Original Medicare. They may also cover benefits like vision, dental, or prescription drugs. Some plans have limited provider networks, so people may wish to confirm their doctors and facilities are in-network before enrolling.
- Medicare Part D: Medicare Part D is also offered by Medicare-approved private insurance companies and provides coverage for prescription drugs. If an individual has Original Medicare, they can purchase a stand-alone Part D plan. If a person has a Medicare Advantage plan without prescription drug coverage, they can speak with their insurer to verify if they can purchase a stand-alone Part D plan.
- Medicare supplement (Medigap): Medigap plans help cover some of the costs associated with Original Medicare coverage, which might include copays and coinsurance. Medigap plans are standardized in most states, and individuals can choose among 10 plans to supplement Original Medicare. People cannot use Medigap with Medicare Advantage.
For all private Medicare options, availability varies by county, so individuals can check Medicare.gov for what’s available in their area.
Individuals who live in Nebraska can qualify for Medicare at age 65 if they’re U.S. citizens or legal residents for at least 5 years. If a person is under 65 years, they may also qualify through disability or by living with end stage renal disease (ESRD) or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
When choosing a plan, consider provider networks, costs, and quality ratings. Individuals may be able to join a plan or modify their coverage during one or more of the following enrollment periods:
- Initial enrollment: Enroll 3 months before to 3 months after the month of a person’s 65th birthday.
- Open enrollment: Join or change plans from October 15 to December 7.
- Medicare Advantage open enrollment: Switch Medicare Advantage plans or return to Original Medicare from January 1 to March 31 if a person already has Medicare Advantage.
- Special enrollment period: Enroll after a life change, such as losing job-based coverage.
If an individual is eligible for Medicare due to a disability, they will be automatically enrolled. If a person is eligible based on age, they will need to enroll themselves.
The following resources in Nebraska can help individuals make the best Medicare decisions for their circumstances:
- Medicare: Contact Medicare by phone at 800-633-4227 or online. Representatives are available 24/7 to offer support.
- Nebraska State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP): For further information about Medicare in Nebraska and personalized health insurance counseling, consider contacting Nebraska SHIP at 800-234-7119.
- Social Security Administration (SSA): The SSA website has information about signing up for Medicare, applying for Extra Help, and managing benefits.
Medicare in Nebraska follows the same federal guidelines as elsewhere throughout the United States. Residents may enroll in Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan.
The latter are offered by private insurance companies, and plan options vary across the state based on county of residence. A person can also choose to add a Part D plan to cover drug costs or a Medigap plan to help with the expenses of Original Medicare.
Before picking a plan, people may consider their coverage needs, provider preferences, and cost requirements. For assistance, people can reach out to Medicare, the SSA, or Nebraska SHIP.