Questions about Medicare? We can help.
Call us at 1.800.234.7119
Please note that our office is experiencing telephone issues.
If you are are trying to connect with our Beatrice, Grand Island or Lincoln locations, please call the Department directly at 402.471.2201 and ask to be transferred.
Thank you for your patience as we work through this issue.
Nebraska SHIP, State Health Insurance Assistance Program, empowers, educates, and assists Medicare-eligible individuals, their families, and caregivers through objective outreach, counseling, and training, to make informed health insurance decisions that optimize access to care and benefits.
Nebraska SMP, Senior Medicare Patrol, empowers and assists Medicare beneficiaries, their families, and caregivers to prevent, detect, and report healthcare fraud, errors, and abuse through outreach, counseling, and education.
The federal government, through the Administration on Community Living (ACL), funds a SHIP and SMP in every state. The Nebraska SHIP & SMP is a division of the Nebraska Department of Insurance. SHIP & SMP does not sell insurance, nor does it endorse any insurance company, product, or agent.
Nebraska SHIP & SMP has a statewide network of certified counselors and partner organizations. Our counselors receive extensive training on Medicare and are available to meet for one-on-one counseling, to help with problem solving, provide support during decision making, and assist with identifying potential Medicare fraud, error, or abuse. SHIP & SMP counselors will not recommend policies, companies, or insurance agents, but will provide free, confidential, and unbiased assistance.
The Nebraska SHIP & SMP offers a toll-free hotline that any person eligible for Medicare, relatives, friends, or providers can call for answers to insurance questions, to report potential fraud or abuse, or to arrange a meeting with a SHIP & SMP counselor.
If you would like to speak to your local Nebraska SHIP & SMP office, call our hotline at 1.800.234.7119.
Do you compare? Click on the links below to review 2025 plan options in Nebraska.
2025 Medicare Advantage Plans in Nebraska
Nebraska SHIP & SMP has a podcast! New episodes will be released on the first Wednesday of each month.
Link to Podcast House Media
Link to iTunes
Link to Spotify
Volunteers are crucial to the success of Nebraska SHIP & SMP. SHIP & SMP volunteers gain tremendous satisfaction in knowing that they've made a difference for a senior citizen or someone with a disability. Volunteering is rewarding and volunteers can choose their level of involvement! New volunteers complete an initial training and have a goal of helping a minimum of 24 people with Medicare each year. Additionally, nursing and social work professionals can earn continuing education hours from training hours.
Medicare.gov
The Official U.S. Government Site for Medicare. Compare and enroll in drug and health plans, information regarding Medicare.
Social Security Administration
The Official Website of the U.S. Social Security Administration. Apply for Medicare Parts A and B. Also apply for extra help for prescription drugs.
Medicare Account Login
Medicare's free, secure online service for accessing personalized information regarding Medicare benefits and services.
WPS Medicare
WPS is the CMS Medicare Contractor which provides Medicare Part A and B benefits. Medicare beneficiaries will receive information from this organization when they use Medicare services.
ACCESSNebraska
Part of the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services; individuals can: select a self-screening application to determine the programs for which they may be eligible (including Medicaid, TANF, ADC, and Energy Assistance), complete an online application for programs for which they are eligible, and print a paper application that can be completed and mailed.
Nebraska's Area Agencies on Aging
Nebraska has several Area Agencies on Aging (AAA). The Aging Network in Nebraska is made up of individuals and organizations in the public and private sectors. A comprehensive list of services and resources is available.
Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP)
The goal of the Nebraska SMP is to help individuals identify and report possible Medicare or Medicaid fraud, error or waste and to provide tips on how consumers can protect themselves from healthcare scams.
Livanta is a Beneficiary and Family-Centered Care Quality Improvement Organization (BFCC-QIO). BFCC-QIOs are responsible for medical case review, which supports the rights of people on Medicare.
A Shopper's Guide to Long-Term Care Insurance
A LTC guide published by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC).
