MEDIA CONTACT
Erin Maier, (531) 893-1359,
erin.maier@nebraska.gov
Feedback from Nebraska Families Important to Waiver Process
Lincoln, NE – During the regular renewal period, the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) plans to submit updates to the Aged and Disabled (AD) Waiver to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). These updates are designed to preserve Nebraska's longstanding commitment to providing high-quality, community-based support while ensuring the program remains fiscally accountable and available to all eligible Nebraskans now and in the future.
As part of the waiver amendment process, DHHS opened a public comment period on December 5, 2025. DHHS has hosted four virtual public comment sessions, allowing Nebraskans to join and provide feedback on the proposed waiver changes. Public comments are essential to the waiver renewal process as it is an opportunity for individuals, family members, caregivers, and all members of the public to contribute insights on what is important and necessary to fit the needs of all Nebraskans.
Nearly 600 people attended the four virtual public comment sessions via zoom. Hundreds of comments have been submitted through the virtual sessions, email, and mail. The public comment period will close January 5, 2026. Written comments must be postmarked or received by DHHS by January 5, 2026.
After the public comment period closes, the department will review and post the public comments on the DHHS website. DHHS will also submit to CMS a summarized response to public comment as part of the waiver application.
“The department truly is appreciative of all the public comments submitted and for the time Nebraskans have carved out of their busy schedules to submit their feedback. I attended the virtual public comment sessions and heard directly from individuals and parents," said Tony Green, Director of the DHHS Division of Developmental Disabilities. “If you are not sure how these changes would affect your services or need clarification on your services, please contact the state or set up a time to talk to your Service Coordinator."
Additional information about the public comment period is available at:
https://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/DD-Public-Comment.aspx