Nebraska currently has a TEFRA program and two HCBS 1915(c) waivers that serve children. All programs waive parent income. See this overview of Nebraska programs or see this summary document for more detailed information.

Nebraska plans to add a Family Support Waiver for children 0-21 who have developmental disabilities beginning in 2024. More information will be provided when it becomes available.

Advocacy Organizations in Nebraska:

Last updated 9/29/23

Programs in Nebraska

  • Target Population: Children who would otherwise require care in an institution with any type of disability, including medical, developmental, intellectual, or psychiatric conditions. In Nebraska, the program is typically restricted to children with trachs, vents, or a need for home nursing care.
  • Ages: 0-18
  • Levels of Care: Intermediate Care Facility, Nursing Facility, Hospital
  • Income Waiver: Yes, the program is based on the child’s income only. Parent income is not counted.
  • Waiver Type: TEFRA
  • Spots: unlimited
  • Expiration Date: NA
  • Description: Provides Medicaid coverage only.
  • Online State Information: Katie Beckett Program or this guidebook
  • How to Apply: Contact your local DHHS office and apply for Medicaid and then request the DHHS Pediatric Nurse Consultant assess for the Katie Beckett program.
  • Waiting List: none
  • Target Population: Children and adults with developmental or intellectual disabilities.
  • Ages: all
  • Levels of Care: Intermediate Care Facility
  • Income Waiver: Yes, the waiver is based on the child’s income only. Parent income is not counted.
  • Waiver Type: 1915(c)
  • Spots: 4500
  • Expiration Date: 2/28/2027
  • Description from medicaid.gov: Provides prevocational, residential habilitation, respite, supported employment – individual, adult day, assistive technology, behavioral in-home habilitation, child day habilitation, community integration, consultative assessment, day supports, environmental modification assessment, home modifications, homemaker, independent living, medical in-home habilitation, personal emergency response system (PERS), small group vocational support, supported employment – follow along, supported family living, therapeutic residential habilitation, transitional services, transportation, and vehicle modifications for individuals with autism, intellectual disabilities, and developmental disabilities, ages 0 to no max age.
  • Online State Information: Division of Developmental Disabilities or this guidebook
  • Official Federal Information
  • How to Apply: Follow the instructions on the Eligibility page.
  • Waiting List: There are 2418 people with developmental disabilities on Nebraska’s waiting list.

Also called Aged and Disabled Waiver

  • Target Population: Children and adults with physical or other health disabilities.
  • Ages: all ages
  • Levels of Care: Nursing Facility
  • Income Waiver: Yes, the waiver is based on the child’s income only. Parent income is not counted.
  • Waiver Type: 1915(c)
  • Spots: 8900
  • Expiration Date: 7/31/2026
  • Description from medicaid.gov: Provides adult day health services, personal care, respite care, assisted living service, assistive technology, chore, companion, extra care for children with disabilities, home again, home and vehicle modifications, home delivered meals, independence skills building, non-medical transportation, and personal emergency response system (PERS) services for aged individuals 65 – no max age and individuals with physical disabilities 0-64 years.
  • Online State Information: Aged and Disabled Waiver or this guidebook
  • Official Federal Information
  • How to Apply: Contact your local DHHS office and tell them you want to apply for the waiver.
  • Waiting List: There are 2418 people with developmental disabilities on Nebraska’s waiting list.

Additional Information

  • According to Nebraska’s Waiver Applications, parents/guardians of minors cannot be paid for personal care services. However, Nebraska does allow parents to train non-legally responsible individuals to be paid for “childcare” in the Aged and Disabled Waiver, including skilled nursing tasks, while they work.