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Nebraska Health Insurance Companies
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Nebraska Health Insurance Resources
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How to Get the Most Savings
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Nebraska Health Insurance FAQS
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How to Enroll in Health Insurance in Nebraska
Nebraska Health Insurance Companies
Nebraska only has a few health insurance companies that offer coverage in the state. But all companies offer plenty of plan options to choose from. We’ve highlighted two of the most popular plans:
Medica
Individuals of various ages and phases of life, including those in- between jobs, and those who are self-employed, have a wide range of health insurance options available to them from Medica. Additionally, this insurer offers Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries a wide variety of health coverage options and related services.
Nebraska Blue
Operating under the umbrella of Blue Cross Blue Shield, Nebraska Blue is one of the largest carriers in the state. They offer individual and family plans, supplemental critical illness and hospital recovery plans, travel insurance, and even Medicaid plans. Since Nebraska Blue is part of the Blue Cross Blue Shield family, policy holders get access to their expansive provider network.
Health Insurance Marketplace in Nebraska
If you’re looking for health insurance in Nebraska, a good place to start is the health insurance Marketplace. During the Open Enrollment Period (OEP) you can purchase a Marketplace health insurance, which was created by the Affordable Care Act, offers certain consumer protections, guarantees coverage for pre-existing conditions, and includes coverage for what are known as the “10 essential health benefits”:
- Ambulatory patient services (outpatient care)
- Emergency services
- Hospitalization
- Pregnancy, maternity, and newborn care (both before and after birth)
- Mental health and substance use disorder services, including behavioral health treatment (including counseling and psychotherapy)
- Prescription drugs
- Rehabilitative and habilitative services and devices
- Laboratory services
- Preventive and wellness services and chronic disease management
- Pediatric services, including oral and vision care (but adult dental and vision coverage aren’t essential health benefits)
You can purchase Marketplace plans during the Open Enrollment Period (OEP) every year. The exact dates change from year-to-year, and some states have their own OEP dates, but generally it’s between November and mid-January. This is the time frame when you’ll find the best plans with the most protections.
The ACA-compliant plans offered on the Marketplace are divided into different types, known as metal tiers: Bronze, Silver, and Gold. These tiers do not signal a difference in quality of care, though. The tiers differ in your out-of-pocket costs versus what your plan covers.
It’s important to remember that the Marketplace only offers the plans of participating providers. So unfortunately, while the Marketplace is a great tool, you may not be able to compare every plan available to you.
Whether you want a Marketplace plan, or a plan from a private insurer, an EZ agent can help. We work with all carriers in your state to compare all options available.
Over half of the uninsured in Nebraska who qualify for Marketplace insurance coverage could get a Bronze plan for FREE.
Nebraska’s Short-Term Health Insurance Guidelines
If you’ve missed the health insurance Open Enrollment Period (OEP) or need health insurance for a short amount of time, short-term plans are a great option. It’s important to note, though, that these policies tend to only cover the basics, and you can be denied one of these plans if you have a pre-existing condition.
There are some rules around short-term plans, both at the federal and the state level. Some states choose to have their own guidelines separate from federal guidelines, or to not offer short-term plans at all, but Nebraska has chosen to follow federal guidelines. That means plans can be purchased for an initial term of 364 days; you can then renew your plan up to three times, giving you just under 3 years of coverage.
Nebraska Health Insurance Resources
Utilizing the resources available to you in your state, you can find health insurance easily. One of the resources you have available to you is your employer. Ask them if they offer health insurance, since employer-sponsored group plans are often less expensive than individual plans, because your employer receives discounts for purchasing group coverage.
The government can actually also be a helpful resource. Check if you are eligible for government-assisted healthcare: Medicare or Medicaid. Medicare offers health insurance to people 65 and older, and adults with certain disabilities. Medicaid offers low-income individuals and families free or cheap health insurance.
But the best resource you have available to you is an insurance agent. With an EZ agent’s assistance, you can compare both on- and off-Marketplace options. We can make sure that all of your medical needs are covered by your insurance.
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How to Get the Most Savings
Nebraska is one of the ten most expensive states in the country for healthcare. Out of all 50 states, it has the 6th highest healthcare spending per capita, with an average individual annual cost of healthcare of $9,974. You can, though, take measures to lower the price of your health insurance.
The best place to begin is with your health. Insurance carriers assess risk when deciding your rates, and having a high BMI is considered a big risk because obesity can lead to a lot of health problems. The obesity rate in Nebraska is 34.1%, and if you’re in this category, you’ll most likely be paying more in premiums. You can get the most affordable health insurance rates by maintaining a healthy BMI.
Tobacco use is another factor that affects how much your health insurance costs. The cost of health insurance for smokers can be up to 50% higher than it is for non-smokers. And since smoking it linked to so many health problems, quitting is not only good for your health, but also for your wallet as well.
But the quickest way to save is to work with a trained agent. The professionals at EZ are pros at uncovering any local discounts and finding plans that are within your price range. Working with an EZ agent can mean saving hundreds of dollars a year, and all our services are free!
Nebraska Health Insurance FAQS
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Does Nebraska require you to have health insurance?
The Affordable Care Act no longer mandates health insurance for all Americans – or at least, there is no longer a tax penalty for not having coverage. Some states still have a penalty, but Nebraska is currently not among the states that have established their own health insurance requirements independent of the ACA.
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What is the cheapest health insurance in Nebraska?
The cheapest health plan will be a Bronze plan, which can start as low as $446 a month. Remember, though, health insurance plan prices can vary depending on age, zip code, gender, and other factors.
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How much does health insurance cost in Nebraska?
The average monthly premium for health insurance in Nebraska is $570, or $6,840 per year, with plans as low as $446 a month to as high as $1,096. But do not let these numbers scare you. More than half of uninsured people in Nebraska qualify for a $0 Bronze plan and don’t even know it.
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Which insurance companies offer plans in Nebraska?
BCBS Nebraska, Nebraska Blue, UnitedHealthcare, and National General are all insurance providers in Nebraska.
How to Enroll in Health Insurance in Nebraska
A health insurance plan can be purchased in a variety of ways. You can buy directly from your preferred insurance company or enroll in your employer’s group plan, if they offer one. Additionally, Nebraskans can use the federal Health Insurance Marketplace, since there is no state-run exchange in Nebraska. The federal exchange allows you to compare and shop for health plans provided by participating companies.
Keep in mind though, that both of these options have downsides. Employer-sponsored plans tend to be more limited in coverage and may not have everything you need. And the Marketplace doesn’t have every insurance carrier available. So, neither way gives you a full view of every plan available to you.
But EZ is here to help, no matter how you choose to enroll. One of our agents can search both on and off the Marketplace to find every plan available to you. This way you know the plan you choose truly is the best fit and most affordable for you. After reviewing all the information, you supply, we will assess all of your options and assist you in choosing the best plan for you. Then, we will walk you through the enrollment process step-by-step and get you covered as quickly as possible.
If you still have questions, feel free to give us a call at 877-670-3557. When you call, you will be directly connected to a local insurance agent who can answer all of your questions and help you find the health insurance plan that works best for you.
