August 1, 2025  – Nebraska has officially eliminated its Medicaid waitlist for home- and community-based services (HCBS) for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), Governor Jim Pillen announced at a press event. The announcement comes four months ahead of schedule, marking a milestone in the state’s efforts to improve access to critical support services for people with developmental disabilities.

The achievement was made possible through a state investment of over $18 million, matched by federal funding, to expand service availability for eligible individuals. “Eliminating the DD waitlist is a great accomplishment for the state of Nebraska,” said Governor Pillen. “Now, children and adults with IDD can access support at the time they need it.”

At the beginning of the reform process in March 2024, more than 2,700 individuals were waiting to receive waiver-funded services. Over a 15-month period, Nebraska’s Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) removed more than 3,000 people from the waitlist, including new applicants who joined after the process began.

Previously, limited waiver slots created delays in services such as supported employment, residential assistance, and personal care. The new delivery model, built through stakeholder engagement and guided by a nationally validated needs assessment, ensures that services are more accessible and timely.

Under the new approach, Nebraska offers:

• Medicaid coverage for I/DD-eligible children meeting care level criteria
• Expanded access to family support and day services waivers
• Case management services for those not requiring waiver-level support
• Employment services for adults with disabilities
• Use of legally responsible individuals as paid personal caregivers
• Implementation of remote support technology and independent providers

Tony Green, Director of Developmental Disabilities at DHHS, celebrated the collaborative efforts. “As of this week, all individuals on the DD waitlist will have received an offer letter,” he said. “Waivers, natural supports, and Medicaid assistance allow those individuals to remain in their communities, seek employment, and explore a future that meets their needs.”

More information about Nebraska’s I/DD programs is available on the DHHS website.