Convening resources for refugees

Medicaid Updates

Updated 6/25/26

Important: Information on this page is based on the best available guidance at this time. Federal and state Medicaid policies are evolving, and additional guidance from the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is still pending. Details may change as new information becomes available. Please check back regularly for updates and consult DHHS or your healthcare coverage provider for the most current information.

 

The ORTF Health Committee is following these developments.  If you have information to share or are interested in coordinating efforts please email committee chairs diana.ortiz@douglascounty-ne.gov and abdi.hussein@icrius.org.

Changes to Medicaid Eligibility for Non-Citizens

New federal laws will stop Medicaid for some people who are not U.S. citizens. Starting October 1, 2026, only the following groups of non-citizens will be eligible for Medicaid:

  • Lawfully permanent residents (Green Card holders)
  • Cuban/Haitian entrants
  • COFA migrants (i.e. people from Micronesia, the Marshall Islands, and Palau)
  • Children under 19 (*awaiting confirmation and further details from DHHS)
  • Pregnant or post-partum people (*awaiting confirmation and further details from DHHS)

The changes in Section 71109 or H.R. 1 do not change existing immigration rules under earlier federal laws (PRWORA and CHIPRA). 

Under current law, some noncitizens are eligible for Medicaid without the five-year waiting period after approved for a green card. This includes people such as refugees, asylees, Amerasians, and Afghan and Iraqi special immigrants. So, for example, refugees who later receive a green card are eligible for Medicaid right away and do not need to wait five years. This law will not change under H.R. 1.

While refugees will no longer be eligible for Medicaid starting October 1st, refugees who adjust to lawful permanent resident status and receive their green card will be eligible and are not subject to the five-year waiting period. 

For pregnant individuals without a legal immigration status:

  • Nebraska has a program called 599 CHIP. It only covers medical care related to the pregnancy because the coverage is technically for the unborn baby. After the baby is born, the mother’s coverage will end. The baby can continue receiving Medicaid after the birth is reported. 

For pregnant individuals with a legal and valid immigration status:

  • They may qualify for regular Medicaid. This covers both mom and baby during pregnancy, continues to cover baby until the age of 1, and gives mom 12 months of postpartum coverage after birth. 

How will I know if this change will affect my Medicaid?

The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) will tell you if your Medicaid will end because of this new federal law before the change happens. Open any notices you get from DHHS.

You will get a notice:

  • In your iServe account
  • And by mail or email if you have it set up

What should I do now?

Update your address and phone number so DHHS can reach you:

  • Visit iserve.nebraska.gov and select “Log in.”
  • Email DHHSANDICenter@nebraska.gov
  • Call Access Nebraska – Medicaid – 855.632.7633 (TDD 402.471.7256)
  • Fax 402.742.2351

Other tips:

  • Open and read all mail from DHHS or Medicaid
  • Complete all Medicaid renewal forms right away
  • Keep copies of your health paperwork

If I lose my Medicaid, can I get health insurance another way?

You can still buy a health insurance plan for you or your family, but you may not be able to get financial help because of federal changes.  If you are concerned about losing medicaid coverage, contact a refugee serving organizaion, healthcare enrollment navigator, or DHHS for assistance.  Children, pregnant individuals, and some other groups may still qualify for Medicaid or CHIP.

  • Call ACCESSNebraska, (855)632-7633 to determine if you may qualify for another category, or discuss available programs
  • Contact a local Federally Qualified Health Center to determine if you may qualify for another category, or discuss available programs:
    • OneWorld Community Health Centers, (402)734-8888
    • Charles Drew Health Center, (402)451-3553
  • Visit HealthCare.gov to explore health insurance options and apply for coverage.
  • Explore health insurance options through your job or a parent or spouse’s job.

If I lose my Medicaid, how can I get healthcare?

There are places you can go to get healthcare no matter your insurance or immigration status.

Community Health Centers in Nebraska: Click Here to Find a Health Center

Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics: Click Here to Find Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics


Note: Local hospitals are required by law to give emergency medical care for serious or life-threatening problems, no matter your insurance or immigration status.

More Information & Shareable Resources

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Partners and providers:

Help your clients and patients understand if they will be impacted by these changes and share information about other health insurance and health care options.