Area Agencies on Aging in Nebraska

Complete Guide to Area Agencies on Aging in Nebraska (2026)

Last updated: January 19, 2026

If You Need Emergency Help

Call 911 immediately if you or someone you know is in immediate danger, experiencing a medical emergency, or being abused or neglected.

For urgent aging or disability assistance:

• Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services: 1-800-652-1999 – Statewide assistance line
• Nebraska Adult Protective Services: 1-800-652-1999 – Report elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation
• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 – Free, confidential support
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988 – Mental health crisis support
• Nebraska Crisis Hotline: 1-800-366-8877 – State-specific mental health crisis support

For immediate food assistance:

• Contact your local Area Agency on Aging for emergency food programs
• Nebraska 2-1-1 – Dial 2-1-1 for local emergency resources

Key Takeaways

• Nebraska has 8 Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) serving all 93 counties across the state
• All services are free or low-cost for seniors 60+ and people with disabilities of any age
• Each AAA also operates an Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC) – your single entry point for information
• No income requirements for basic information and assistance services
• Most AAAs coordinate home-delivered meals, transportation, legal help, and Medicare counseling
• Aged and Disabled (A&D) Waiver program can help you stay in your home instead of moving to a nursing facility
• Nebraska has relatively short waiting lists for waiver programs compared to many states
• Strong agricultural and rural focus with services adapted to Nebraska’s farming communities

What Are Area Agencies on Aging?

Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) are regional organizations that coordinate and provide essential services for older adults and people with disabilities. Created under the federal Older Americans Act in 1973, these agencies serve as the coordination center of Nebraska’s aging services network.

Nebraska’s AAAs cover large geographic areas to serve the state’s predominantly rural population across 93 counties. Each AAA typically covers 10-15 counties and adapts services to meet the unique needs of both urban centers like Omaha and Lincoln, and the many small farming communities that define much of Nebraska.

All Nebraska AAAs operate as Aging & Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs), providing streamlined access to information about aging, disability, and long-term care services. This means you can contact any AAA for help, and they’ll either assist you directly or connect you with appropriate resources.

The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, State Unit on Aging, oversees all AAAs statewide and provides funding through federal, state, and local sources. Nebraska’s approach emphasizes helping seniors age in place and supporting the state’s agricultural communities.

Nebraska’s AAAs are particularly skilled at serving rural populations and understanding the unique needs of farming families, from succession planning to seasonal work patterns.

Nebraska’s 8 Area Agencies on Aging: Complete Directory

Note: Some counties may be served by multiple AAAs. Contact the State Unit on Aging at 402-471-2307 for verification of your local AAA.

Core Services Provided by Nebraska AAAs

Information and Assistance

Every AAA provides free information and assistance through their ADRC to help you navigate Nebraska’s aging and disability services. Staff members are trained to answer questions about:

• Available programs and services in your area
• Eligibility requirements for different programs
• How to apply for benefits and services including Nebraska Medicaid
• Referrals to other agencies and organizations
• Benefits counseling for Medicare, Medicaid, and other programs
• Long-term care options counseling

This service is available to anyone who calls, regardless of age, income, or situation. Nebraska’s rural focus means extensive phone-based assistance and mailed information packets.

Nutrition Programs

Nebraska AAAs coordinate comprehensive nutrition programs that address food insecurity while supporting the state’s agricultural communities and understanding rural challenges.

Congregate Meals: Nutritious meals served at senior centers, community centers, churches, and other gathering places throughout Nebraska. These programs provide vital social interaction opportunities, especially important in rural communities. Meals typically have a suggested donation of $3-5 for seniors 60+, though no one is turned away for inability to pay.

Home-Delivered Meals: For seniors who have difficulty leaving their homes, AAAs coordinate meal delivery programs across Nebraska’s vast rural areas. Services include hot meals, frozen meals, and shelf-stable options depending on location and delivery logistics.

Nutrition Education: Programs often include information relevant to rural lifestyles, including food preservation, cooking for one or two people, and managing diabetes and other conditions common in agricultural communities.

Transportation Services

Transportation is a critical challenge in Nebraska due to the state’s rural nature, vast distances between communities, and limited public transportation. AAAs address this need through various innovative approaches:

Medical Transportation: Priority service for getting to medical appointments, including long-distance trips to specialty care in Omaha, Lincoln, or other urban centers. Programs often coordinate multi-passenger trips to maximize efficiency.

General Transportation: Scheduled transportation for essential trips like grocery shopping, banking, pharmacy visits, and social activities. Service frequency varies greatly between urban and rural areas.

Volunteer Driver Programs: Many Nebraska AAAs rely heavily on volunteer drivers who use their own vehicles to transport seniors, often covering hundreds of miles per round trip.

Nebraska Reality Check: Transportation services are extremely limited in rural areas and may require booking weeks in advance. Weather conditions can cancel services without notice, and same-day transportation is rarely available except for medical emergencies.

Legal Assistance

AAAs coordinate free legal services for seniors 60+ in civil matters that affect their health, safety, and economic well-being. Nebraska’s legal assistance often includes issues specific to agricultural communities:

• Medicare and Medicaid problems and appeals
• Social Security and disability benefit issues
• Farm succession and estate planning
• Property and agricultural land issues
• Consumer protection from scams and fraud
• Housing problems and landlord-tenant disputes
• Family law matters affecting seniors

Legal assistance is provided through partnership with Legal Aid of Nebraska and volunteer lawyers, including the ElderAccessLine toll-free service.

Medicare and Insurance Counseling (SHIP)

Nebraska’s State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) provides free, unbiased counseling through AAAs and trained volunteers. Services include:

• Medicare enrollment assistance and plan comparisons
• Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan reviews
• Medicare Part D prescription drug plan selection
• Medicare Advantage plan evaluations
• Help resolving billing problems and claim denials
• Assistance understanding Medicare statements and coverage

This counseling is completely unbiased – counselors don’t sell insurance and provide objective advice based on individual needs.

Case Management and Care Coordination

For seniors with complex needs, AAAs provide case management services to help coordinate multiple services and support systems:

• Comprehensive assessment of needs and preferences
• Development of individualized service plans
• Connection to appropriate services and benefits
• Coordination with healthcare providers and facilities
• Ongoing monitoring and plan adjustments
• Advocacy with service providers and agencies

Family Caregiver Support

Nebraska AAAs operate National Family Caregiver Support Programs that provide assistance to family members caring for older adults:

Information and Education: Training on caregiving techniques, stress management, understanding chronic conditions, and navigating Nebraska’s service system.

Counseling and Support Groups: Individual counseling and peer support groups, including virtual support groups to connect rural caregivers across vast distances.

Respite Care: Temporary care services that provide family caregivers with breaks, including in-home companions, adult day programs, or short-term facility care.

Supplemental Services: Limited funding for services not covered elsewhere, such as home modifications, assistive devices, or emergency response systems.

Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program

Nebraska AAAs coordinate the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, which advocates for residents of nursing homes and assisted living facilities:

• Investigating complaints from residents and families
• Educating residents about their rights
• Monitoring quality of care in facilities
• Advocating for policy changes to improve care
• Providing information about facility options

Nebraska Medicaid Waiver Programs Through AAAs

Nebraska offers Medicaid waiver programs that help qualify seniors and people with disabilities receive care in their homes instead of nursing facilities.AAAs serve as entry points and case management providers for these programs.

Aged and Disabled (A&D) Waiver

The Aged and Disabled (AD) Waiver is Nebraska’s primary home and community-based services program for seniors and adults with physical disabilities.

Services Include:

• Service Coordination: Case management to help navigate the system.
• Personal Care Services: Assistance with activities of daily living (bathing, dressing, mobility).
• Homemaker Services: Housekeeping, meal preparation, and laundry.
• Adult Day Services: Socialization and supervision in a community setting.
• Respite Care: Temporary relief for family caregivers.
• Home Modifications & Assistive Technology: Ramps, grab bars, and adaptive devices.
• Personal Emergency Response Systems (PERS): Electronic medical alert buttons.
• Transportation: Non-medical and medical transportation services.
• Home-Delivered Meals: For those unable to prepare their own food.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Residency: Must be a resident of Nebraska.
• Age/Disability: Age 65+ or aged 18-64 with a physical disability as defined by Social Security.
• Care Needs: Must meet the Nursing Facility Level of Care (NFLOC).
• Financial Limits (2026):
  • Assets: $4,000 for a single individual ($8,000 for a couple if both apply).
  • Income: Under 100% of the Federal Poverty Level (approx. $1,367/month for 2026*).
  • Note: Applicants with income over this limit may still qualify through a “Medically Needy” (Spend-Down) process where medical expenses are deducted from countable income.
• Living Situation: Must choose to receive services in a home or community setting (including Assisted Living) rather than a nursing facility.

*Federal Poverty Levels are typically updated annually in late January/February. The 2026 figure is an estimate based on projected inflation adjustments.

Nebraska Advantage:Nebraska continues to prioritize home-based care access. The state has actively worked toward eliminating waitlists for waiver services (including a major initiative completed in mid-2025 for developmental disabilities), ensuring that eligible seniors on the AD Waiver generally face shorter wait times for services compared to national averages.

Personal Assistance Services (PAS)

Nebraska offers Personal Assistance Services through its Medicaid State Plan, which is an entitlement program (no waiting list).

Services Include:

• Personal care assistance with activities of daily living
• Help with instrumental activities of daily living
• Up to 40 hours per week of assistance (more in some cases)
• Assistance with medication reminders
• Light housekeeping related to health and safety

Key Features:

• No waiting list – entitlement program
• Lower income limits than waiver programs
• Does not require nursing facility level of care
• Available to those not eligible for waiver programs

Consumer Direction Options

Nebraska allows participants in some programs to direct their own care:

• Participants can hire, train, and manage their own caregivers
• Family members may be hired as paid caregivers in some cases
• Flexible scheduling based on individual needs and preferences
• Support provided for managing employer responsibilities

Special Population Services

Rural and Agricultural Communities

Nebraska’s predominantly rural and agricultural character requires specialized approaches to serving seniors:

Agricultural-Specific Services:

• Understanding of seasonal work patterns and income fluctuations
• Farm succession planning assistance and resources
• Coordination with agricultural extension services
• Support for aging in place on farm properties
• Emergency planning for isolated rural properties

Rural Service Adaptations:

• Mobile service delivery using specially equipped vehicles
• Volunteer networks including farmers and rural residents
• Coordination with grain elevators, co-ops, and rural businesses
• Flexible service schedules around farming seasons
• Emergency supply programs for severe weather isolation

Small Town Communities

Nebraska’s many small towns (population under 1,000) have unique service needs:

Small Town Adaptations:

• Partnerships with local churches, community centers, and civic organizations
• Coordination with local businesses for service delivery
• Use of community volunteers for service delivery
• Integration with existing community events and gatherings
• Support for maintaining community senior centers

Native American Seniors

Nebraska has four federally recognized tribes, and AAAs coordinate with tribal aging programs:

Tribal Coordination:

• Partnerships with tribal aging programs
• Cultural competency training for service providers
• Coordination with Indian Health Service facilities
• Respect for traditional healing practices and cultural values

Key Tribal Resources:

• Omaha Tribe of Nebraska
• Ponca Tribe of Nebraska
• Santee Sioux Nation
• Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska

German-Russian and Other Ethnic Communities

Nebraska has significant populations of German-Russian and other ethnic communities with unique cultural needs:

Cultural Adaptations:

• Bilingual services where available
• Cultural competency in service delivery
• Understanding of traditional family structures and values
• Coordination with ethnic community organizations and churches

Veteran Seniors

Nebraska has a significant veteran population, and AAAs coordinate with the Nebraska Department of Veterans’ Affairs:

Veteran-Specific Services:

• Help applying for VA benefits and healthcare
• Transportation to VA medical facilities in Omaha, Lincoln, and Grand Island
• Assistance with VA pension and disability claims
• Coordination with Veterans Service Officers
• Honor guard and burial assistance coordination

How to Access Services

Step 1: Contact Your Local AAA

Contact your local AAA directly using the directory above, or call the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services at 1-800-652-1999 for assistance finding your local AAA. Services are typically available Monday-Friday, 8 AM – 5 PM.

Step 2: Initial Information Gathering

AAA staff will ask questions about:

• Your location (county and nearest town)
• What type of assistance you’re seeking
• Your current living situation and support system
• Whether you have urgent needs requiring immediate attention
• Basic information about your resources and income

This conversation helps staff understand your situation and determine the best way to assist you.

Step 3: Assessment (If Needed)

For ongoing services, you may need a more detailed assessment:

• Phone assessment for information and referral services
• In-person assessment at AAA offices, senior centers, or satellite locations
• Home visits for complex care coordination (may involve long-distance travel)

Assessments evaluate your functional abilities, safety concerns, support system, and service preferences.

Step 4: Service Coordination

Based on your assessment, AAA staff will:

• Explain available services in your specific area
• Help you apply for relevant benefits including Nebraska Medicaid
• Make referrals to local service providers
• Develop service plans for complex situations
• Provide ongoing case management as needed

Step 5: Ongoing Support

AAAs provide continued support through:

• Regular check-ins by phone or in person
• Help accessing new services as needs change
• Advocacy when problems arise with service providers
• Annual reassessments for waiver programs

Costs and Financial Assistance

Free Services

These services are available at no cost to eligible participants:

• Information and assistance through ADRC
• Benefits counseling (Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security)
• Legal consultations through ElderAccessLine
• Case management and care coordination
• Long-term care ombudsman services

Donation-Based Services

These services have suggested donations but cannot turn away those unable to pay:

• Congregate meals ($3-5 suggested donation)
• Transportation ($3-8 suggested donation depending on distance)
• Home-delivered meals ($3-5 suggested donation per meal)

Income-Based Services

Some services use sliding fee scales based on income:

• In-home care services
• Adult day programs
• Respite care services
• Home modification assistance

Insurance and Medicaid Coverage

Many services can be covered by:

• Nebraska Medicaid including A&D Waiver
• Medicare (for medically necessary services)
• Private insurance
• Veterans benefits
• Other federal and state programs

Nebraska Financial Reality: Rural service delivery costs are high due to distances, which means:

• Services may cost more due to travel time and mileage
• Waiting lists exist for some popular services
• Weather can impact service delivery and costs
• Donations help programs maintain rural routes
• Some services may only be available on specific days or routes

Quality and Accountability

Program Standards

All AAAs must meet federal and state standards for:

• Staff qualifications and ongoing training
• Service quality and safety protocols
• Financial management and accountability
• Non-discrimination and accessibility policies
• Consumer rights and confidentiality protections

Oversight and Monitoring

AAAs are monitored by:

• Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, State Unit on Aging
• Federal Administration for Community Living
• Independent financial auditors
• Local advisory councils (required for each AAA)
• Consumer feedback systems

Complaint Process

If you have concerns about services:

1. Talk to your service provider first – Many issues can be resolved directly
2. Contact the AAA director – Each AAA has procedures for handling complaints
3. Call the State Unit on Aging – 402-471-2307 for state-level review
4. Contact the Long-Term Care Ombudsman – Available through AAAs for facility-related complaints

Your Rights

As a service recipient, you have the right to:

• Be treated with dignity and respect regardless of background or location
• Receive services without discrimination
• Have your personal information kept confidential
• Participate in decisions about your care and services
• File complaints without fear of retaliation
• Receive services that meet established quality standards

Resources by Region

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do Nebraska’s AAAs serve such vast rural areas with limited population?

Nebraska AAAs use innovative approaches including volunteer driver networks, mobile service units, partnerships with local businesses and churches, and efficient routing systems. Services are often scheduled on specific days to maximize efficiency, and AAAs coordinate with local organizations to extend their reach.

What happens during severe weather like blizzards or tornadoes?

Nebraska AAAs have comprehensive emergency protocols including welfare check systems, emergency supply pre-positioning, coordination with local emergency management, and priority service restoration. Personal Emergency Response Systems are prioritized for isolated seniors, and AAAs work with neighbors and local businesses for emergency assistance.

Can I get services if I live on a farm or ranch far from town?

Yes, though service delivery may be less frequent due to distance and may be coordinated with other rural residents. AAAs understand rural lifestyles and can provide services adapted to agricultural schedules. Emergency services and long-distance medical transportation are prioritized.

How do AAAs work with agricultural seasons and farming schedules?

Nebraska AAAs understand agricultural rhythms and adapt services accordingly. This includes flexible scheduling around planting and harvest seasons, understanding seasonal income patterns, and providing services that support aging farmers and ranchers who want to continue living on their land.

What services are available for farm succession planning?

AAAs coordinate with Legal Aid of Nebraska and other organizations to provide farm succession planning assistance, including estate planning, tax considerations, and family transition planning. This helps ensure family farms can successfully transition to the next generation while supporting aging farmers.

Are there waiting lists for Nebraska’s Medicaid waiver programs?

Nebraska has relatively short waiting lists compared to many states. The A&D Waiver typically has minimal waiting times, and Personal Assistance Services is an entitlement program with no waiting list. However, specific services within programs may have limited availability in some rural areas.

How do AAAs coordinate with the state’s agricultural extension services?

Nebraska AAAs work closely with the University of Nebraska Extension services to coordinate programs for aging farmers and rural residents. This includes joint programming on topics like farm safety, succession planning, and health education tailored to rural lifestyles.

What transportation options exist for long-distance medical care?

AAAs coordinate long-distance transportation to medical specialists in Omaha, Lincoln, and other urban centers. This may include volunteer driver programs, contracted transportation services, or coordination with medical facilities. Some AAAs organize group trips to maximize efficiency and reduce costs.

Do AAAs serve the state’s immigrant and refugee populations?

Yes, AAAs provide services to all eligible residents regardless of immigration status. They work with community organizations and provide interpretation services as needed. Some areas with significant immigrant populations have culturally specific programming.

How do severe weather and natural disasters affect service delivery?

Nebraska’s AAAs have robust emergency planning due to the state’s severe weather patterns. They coordinate with state emergency management, maintain emergency supply programs, and have protocols for service restoration after disasters. Rural areas may be particularly vulnerable to service interruptions during severe weather events.

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Disclaimer

Program details, contact information, and services can change without advance notice. While this guide uses the most current available information as of January 2026, we strongly recommend verifying all details directly with the relevant Area Agency on Aging before making decisions or applying for services.

This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional legal, medical, or financial advice. Always consult with qualified professionals for advice specific to your situation.

For the most current information, contact:

• Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services: 1-800-652-1999
• State Unit on Aging: 402-471-2307
• Your local Area Agency on Aging

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About This Guide

Researched and Compiled by Grants for Seniors

This guide has been carefully researched using publicly available government resources and official program websites. We systematically review federal and state program information to create comprehensive, accurate guides for older Americans seeking assistance.

Our Sources: All information comes from official sources including federal agency websites (HHS, ACL, CMS), Nebraska state government departments, official program documentation, and verified nonprofit organization resources.

Verification Process: Each program listing undergoes thorough verification by cross-referencing information across multiple official sources, checking current program status, verifying contact information, and confirming eligibility requirements.

Information Currency:

• Last Updated: January 2026
• Sources Verified: January 2026
• Next Review: May 2026

Important Note: Government programs can change without advance notice. While this guide uses the most current available information, we strongly recommend verifying all details directly with program administrators before applying.

Found an Error? If you discover outdated information or additional programs that should be included, please contact us at info@grantsforseniors.org.

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Always confirm program details with official sources before applying.

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This resource is independently researched to help seniors access available assistance programs.