Approximately 94,000 Nebraskans are expected to be eligible for Nebraska’s Medicaid expansion program, known as Heritage Health Adult. Many Nebraskans previously unable to apply for health insurance will now be qualified for coverage this year.

With the application period beginning on Saturday, Aug. 1, Brodstone Memorial Hospital is prepared to offer free help to people in the surrounding area to understand their coverage options and apply.

Heritage Health Adult coverage begins on Oct. 1. Nebraskans are urged to not delay applying or seeking help to see if they are qualified for coverage under the new plan. Those being paid up to 138 percent of the Federal Poverty Level (or up to $1,467 per month for an individual and $2,498 for a family of three) may be eligible.

“More than 90,000 Nebraskans have been locked out of coverage for nearly seven years because they earned too much for Medicaid and too little to qualify for help buying through the Health Insurance Marketplace.

Everyone should see if they qualify as soon as possible,” said Angela Garver, social services director at Brodstone. “We want to make sure everyone in the area is able to get the health coverage they and their families need.”

If you want to explore getting health insurance through the new expanded Medicaid program in Nebraska or have questions about the program, you can set up an appointment for free. Call Brodstone Memorial Hospital at 402-207-1531.