Assisted Living in Omaha, NE

Assisted Living Costs in Omaha

The Genworth 2018 Cost of Care study states that the average monthly cost of assisted living in Omaha is $4,285, which is higher than both the state ($3,844) and national ($4,000) averages. In Lincoln, the cost is more than $1,000 higher, while Grand Island is about $1,000 less. In neighboring states, assisted living costs are similar to Omaha. For example, Des Moines, Iowa’s average cost is just a few hundred dollars less, and Kansas City, Missouri, is also just slightly lower. 

Cost of Assisted Living Comparison Chart

• Omaha area: $4,285
• National average: $4,000
• State average: $3,844
• Grand Island: $3,240
• Lincoln: $5,429
• Des Moines, Iowa: $3,950
• Kansas City, Missouri: $4,050

Care Cost Comparison

Senior care costs vary quite a bit depending on the type of care required. In Omaha, the average monthly cost of nursing home care is $6,965, which is nearly $2,700 more than that of assisted living. While homemaker and home health care services cost only slightly more than assisted living, it’s important to consider the additional expenses that come with living at home, including rent/mortgage, groceries and some utilities, which are normally included with assisted living. 

Cost of Homemaker/Home Health Aide Comparison Chart

• Assisted living: $4,285
• Homemaker services: $4,338
• Home health aide: $4,767
• Adult day health: $1,354
• Nursing home care (semiprivate room): $6,965

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Omaha

Medicaid in Nebraska

The Nebraska Medicaid program covers the cost of health care-related expenses for low-income Nebraskans. It’s administered by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services and must operate within parameters set forth by the federal government. Typical clients include families with children, pregnant women, disabled persons and elderly individuals. Covered services include physician and hospital services, laboratory tests, dental care and prescription medications. 

To qualify for Nebraska Medicaid as a senior, applicants must be 65 years of age or older and a state resident. The income limit for individuals is $1,041 per month, and for married couples, it’s $1,410. Applicants may not have resources greater than $4,000 if single and $6,000 if married. Some assets are exempt, including a primary home valued at less than $585,000, a single vehicle and an irrevocable burial fund. 

Seniors living in the Omaha area can apply online for Nebraska Medicaid. Alternatively, they can call (402) 595-1178 or visit the Omaha Department of Health and Human Services office at 1313 Farnam Street. 

The Aged and Disabled waiver is available to seniors who require a nursing level of care yet choose to live at home or within an assisted living community. The program is overseen by the Nebraska Medicaid and Long-Term Care Home and Community-Based Services Waivers Unit and partners participants with a services coordinator or social worker to determine the services required. If deemed necessary, the program covers the cost of assisted living, as well as some additional expenses that may include adult day services, assistive technologies and nonmedical transportation. 

To be eligible for this program, seniors must meet the financial qualifications for Nebraska Medicaid and be able to safely live outside of a skilled nursing facility. 

Seniors can apply online at ACCESS Nebraska or call (800) 358-8802. 

Other Financial Assistance Programs for Assisted Living

PACE

PACE is available to all residents of Douglas County. It provides seniors with coordinated, all-inclusive health care services through Immanuel Pathways. Those who participate in the program receive all services from a single provider to ensure they get the appropriate care for their individual needs. While PACE does not cover assisted living facility room and board, it does provide an array of medical and supportive services, including primary care, prescription medications, transportation, emergency services, physical therapy, social services and personal care.

Services are free of charge to those eligible for Nebraska Medicaid. Premiums and private-pay rates are charged for services if participants are exclusively eligible for Medicare or not eligible for either Medicaid or Medicare. To qualify for PACE, seniors must reside within the program’s service area and be age 55 or older. They also must require a nursing level of care and be able to safely reside within their community with supportive services. 

Seniors living in Omaha can contact Immanuel Pathways online for more information or apply for PACE by calling (402) 512-6199. 

Aid to the Aged, Blind or Disabled 

The AABD program is available to seniors aged 65 and older as well as blind or disabled persons who are unable to receive Supplemental Security Income. The program provides a cash payment that can be used toward the cost of long-term care, including room and board, in assisted living or other care facilities. 

To qualify for this benefit, seniors must be financially eligible for SSI but have been denied due to a lack of duration. The SSI income limits are $771 per individual and $1,157 for a couple before any allowed exclusions.

Seniors can submit their application to the AABD program via ACCESS Nebraska or call (800) 383-4278. 

Optional State Supplement

Seniors and disabled individuals who require financial assistance beyond Medicaid coverage may be able to apply for Nebraska’s Optional State Supplement program, which provides a cash benefit of up to $438 per month. The benefit exists to help those receiving long-term care pay for costs that aren’t covered by Medicaid, particularly room-and-board expenses. 

To qualify for the supplement, seniors must be 65 years of age or older and eligible for the federal SSI benefit. Applications can be filed by calling the Social Security Administration in Omaha at (800) 772-1213. 

Assisted Living Resources in Omaha

Omaha Senior Centers

Seniors centers in Omaha and throughout Nebraska provide activities and special events for those aged 60 and older. Common activities include cards, bingo, outings and lunches. 

Millard Senior Center
2304 South 135th Ave, Omaha, Nebraska 68144
(402) 546-1270

Intercultural Senior Center
5545 Center St, Omaha, Nebraska 68106
(402) 444-6529

Camelot Community Center
9270 Cady Ave, Omaha, Nebraska 68134
(402) 444-5972

Area Agency on Aging

Nebraska’s Area Agencies on Aging provide seniors with a variety of services that include care management, benefits assistance and nutrition programs. They are nonprofit agencies that act on the behalf of seniors and their best interests. 

Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging
4780 South 131st St, Omaha, Nebraska 68137
(402) 444-6536

Veterans Affairs

Veterans living in the Omaha area can access a variety of benefits provided by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Depending on eligibility, these benefits may include financial assistance and health care services that can be accessed at the Omaha VA Medical Center or any other VA clinic in the country. 

Douglas County Veterans Services
1111 South 41st St, Omaha, Nebraska 68105
(402) 444-7180

Omaha VA Medical Center
4101 Woolworth Ave, Omaha, Nebraska 68105
(800) 451-5796