Nebraska Medicaid is dedicated to improving maternal and infant health for Nebraskans. Compared to other states in the Midwest, Nebraska faces significant challenges in maternal healthcare. According to the Nebraska Perinatal Quality Improvement Collaborative (NPQIC), Nebraskans face higher rates of maternal mortality, maternity care deserts, and disparities that affect Black and Native infants.
As frontline healthcare providers, you can help us ensure that eligible Nebraskans have access to the care they need. By identifying and addressing these needs early, we can positively impact health outcomes.
Early Notification of Pregnancy
Early entry to prenatal care is important for the health and well-being of the mother and child. Nebraska Medicaid encourages providers to notify the mother's health plan as soon as you are aware of the pregnancy. You can notify their health plan by filling out and submitting an Obstetric Needs Assessment Form (ONAF) via fax.
1-800-508-6965
Fax: 833-352-2359
1-844-385-2192
Fax: 844-305-8372
1-800-822-5353
Fax: 402-445-5730
If the mother is not already on Medicaid but you think she may qualify, you may be able to make a presumptive eligibility (PE) determination. If you are not a PE provider, the mother can learn more about Medicaid by contacting ACCESSNebraska in the following ways:
Presumptive Eligibility
Clinics and hospitals can sign up for training to make Medicaid eligibility determinations for pregnant individuals. Presumptive eligibility (PE) determinations fastrack the time it takes for eligible mothers to get Medicaid and access the healthcare they need.
Clinics and hospitals that have completed the training process are encouraged to utilize PE when caring for low-income individuals.
Clinics and hospitals who are not trained in making PE determinations can find more information about becoming a PE provider online at: https://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Medicaid-Provider-Presumptive-Eligibility.aspx.
The requirements for pregnancy PE providers can be found on the Nebraska Secretary of State page under 471 NAC 28. The basics of the requirements state that the provider must:
- Have a current provider agreement with Medicaid;
- Be an outpatient hospital, rural health clinic, or a clinic under the direction of a physician; and,
- Meet requirements regarding funding or program participation.
Resources for Presumptive Eligibility
Information on PE determinations, materials for provider training, and more can be found online at: https://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Medicaid-Provider-Presumptive-Eligibility.aspx.
Care and Case Management
When the ONAF is received by the pregnant individual's health plan, an automatic referral is generated to care and case management.
Care and case management can help provide resources and support throughout the pregnancy and postpartum period. Such services include:
- Comprehensive support using teams of doctors, nurses, therapists, pharmacists, community health workers, and social workers.
- Discernment of social determinants of health needs, and assistance with connecting to the necessary resources.
- Mental health screenings and assessments to address behavioral health needs.
- Referrals to programs like WIC and home visiting services to support families in need.
- Patient education throughout pregnancy and the postpartum period, and monitoring to ensure that while there are no gaps in care.
- Assistance with transportation and appointment scheduling to ensure that patients access the care they need without barriers.
Information on Maternal Health in Nebraska