Health Coverage and Healthcare Affordability

Helping you secure the care you need

At Charles Drew Health Center, we believe you should be able to access the care you need, no matter your income level or insurance status. That’s why our certified application counselors personally assist you, helping you locate the right insurance and financial assistance options for you. Call 402.451.3553 to speak to someone who can help.

Patient Resource Specialists are available not only to assist you when applying for benefits, but can help you submit documentation, understand benefits, and renew your healthcare plan.

Here are some of the programs you may be eligible for:

Health Insurance Marketplace

• Health Insurance Marketplace connects Nebraskans to affordable, quality health insurance plans and provides financial assistance to those who are eligible.
• It also offers a variety of insurance plan types to meet your health needs and your budget. You may qualify for premium tax credits, which can help lower your monthly premiums.
• Open Enrollment is the only time you can enroll without qualifying for a Special Enrollment Period (November 1 – January 15). Coverage may begin as soon as January 1.

Nebraska Medicaid

• Nebraska expanded Medicaid benefits to low-income, able-bodied adults of working age (19-64 years old). You must meet income requirements to apply.
• Coverage includes services like doctors’ visits, hospital visits, and prescription drugs, as well as dental, vision and over the counter drug coverage. More information about covered services can be found at Medicaid Services (ne.gov)
• Nebraska DHHS (Department of Health and Human Services) Medicaid provides free or low-cost health coverage to those who are eligible.
• There are a multitude of services that are covered by Nebraska Medicaid, including:
  • Ambulance Services
  • Dental Services
  • Family Planning Services
  • Hearing Aid Services
  • Hospice Services
  • Laboratory and Radiology (X-ray) Services
  • Medical Transportation Services
  • Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services for Children and Adolescents (ages 0-20)
  • Nurse Practitioner & Physician Services
  • Prescribed Drugs
  • Adult Psychiatric, Substance Use Disorder, and Medicaid Rehabilitation Option

Medicaid and CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance Program)

• CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance Program) extends Medicaid health services to children age 18 and younger with no insurance.
• Medicaid or CHIP might be for you if you meet the income requirements and are in one of the following eligible groups:
  • You are under 18 years old
  • You are pregnant
  • You are an adult aged 19 to 64
  • You are aged 65 or over
  • You are under 65 years of age, have a disability, or are visually impaired, according to Social Security guidelines
  • You are the parent or caretaker of a child under 19 years old
  • You are a citizen or lawfully present in the United States
  • You are a former foster care youth who has aged out of the system (under the age of 26)
  • Note: Some women, regardless of their citizenship status, may receive prenatal care for their unborn children through 599 CHIP.
• Learn more about the Medicaid program here. 

Sliding Fee Discount Program

• To see if you qualify for the Sliding Fee Discount Program, you’ll need to apply by reporting your household family size and gross annual income.
• Your family size includes:
  • Patient applying
  • Spouse/Partner
  • Any children being supported in your household
  • Anyone who is included on patient’s federal income tax return
• Bring in one of the following to report gross annual income:
  • Pay stubs (from the past 30 days)
  • Form W-2
  • Unemployment statement
  • Disability/Social Security papers
  • Letter from employer
• All fees are due at the time of your visit. If you are not able to pay your fee at the time of your medical visit, you will need to speak with a Patient Financial Services Advocate to make arrangements for payment.

Family Size	Annual Income Ranges
	Level 1	Level 2	Level 3	Level 4	Level 5	Level 6
1	$0-$15,060	$15,061-$18,825	$18,826-$22,590	$22,591-$26,355	$26,356-$30,120	Over $30,121
2	$0-$20,440	$20,441-$25,550	$25,551-$30,660	$30,661-$35,770	$35,771-$40,880	Over $40,881
3	$0-$25,820	$25,821-$32,275	$32,276-$38,730	$38,731-$45,185	$45,186-$51,640	Over $51,641
4	$0-$31,200	$31,201-$39,000	$39,001-$46,800	$46,801-$54,600	$54,601-$62,400	Over $62,401
5	$0-$36,580	$36,581-$45,725	$45,726-$54,870	$54,871-$64,015	$64,016-$73,160	Over $73,161
6	$0-$41,960	$41,961-$52,450	$52,451-$62,940	$62,941-$73,430	$73,431-$83,920	Over $83,921
7	$0-$47,340	$47,341-$59,175	$59,176-$71,010	$71,011-$82,845	$82,846-$94,680	Over $94,681
8	$0-$52,720	$52,721-$65,900	$65,901-$79,080	$79,081-$92,260	$92,261-$105,440	Over $105,441

 

WIC & SNAP

• Read more about the WIC and SNAP programs here.

Energy Assistance

• The Nebraska Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is available to homeowners and renters who meet income guideline and certain eligibility requirements.