Governor Jim Pillen announced Tuesday afternoon that he is directing the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services to revise proposed changes to the Aged and Disabled Waiver. The waiver allows older adults and individuals with disabilities to receive long-term care in their homes or communities rather than in institutional settings.
As part of the federally required five-year renewal process, DHHS initially proposed updates aimed at addressing significant cost growth which has increased by more than 300 percent since 2016. “I am truly appreciative of the Nebraskans who reached out to my office and participated in the public feedback process,” Governor Pillen says.
“Based on my conversations with dedicated family members and AD Waiver recipients, I directed DHHS to take a second look at the proposal and make necessary changes to ensure Nebraska families continue receiving the support they need.”
Key revisions include removing the previously proposed personal care and companion hours limit. The 40-hour weekly cap on personal care services for live-in caregivers has been eliminated and the 70-hour combined limit on Legally Responsible Individual personal care and companion services has also been removed.
DHHS has altered the previously proposed Institutional Cost Limit. A 150% modified cap will remain in place with an exception process available when services provided by out-of-home caregivers are necessary to protect the participant’s immediate health and safety.
These revisions will initiate a second public review period. The public comment period will be open from February 2, 2026, through March 4, 2026. Written comments must be postmarked or received by DHHS no later than March 4, 2026.
“DHHS is grateful for the time and thoughtful feedback Nebraskans have shared throughout this process,” says Tony Green, Director of the DHHS Division of Developmental Disabilities. “We believe these revisions will allow us to continue providing high-quality care while responsibly managing costs.”