Welcome to THE SOURCE of free, accurate, unbiased Medicare assistance.

Navigating Medicare can often feel like learning a new language. At Volunteers Assisting Seniors (VAS), we serve as your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). Our mission is to provide the Omaha community with free, unbiased, and confidential information. We want you to feel confident in the healthcare decisions you make.

Why Work With VAS?

• Completely Unbiased: We are not insurance agents. We do not sell any products or represent any specific plans. Our only goal is to provide the facts.

• Expert Guidance: Our volunteers are extensively trained to help you understand your benefits and your rights.

• Local and Accessible: We are your neighbors here in Omaha. We understand the local healthcare landscape and are ready to help.

Join a “New to Medicare” Workshop

Are you approaching age 65 or are you newly eligible due to a disability? Our workshops are designed specifically for you. We break down the “alphabet soup” of Medicare Parts A, B, C, and D into simple terms. These sessions are perfect for those who are just starting their journey or those who need a refresher on how the system works.

Douglas County:

New Cassel Retirement Community-900 N 90th Street.  Workshops monthly on the third Wednesday of the month. Click on a link below to register.

• Wednesday, September 16
• Wednesday, October 21
• Wednesday, November 18

Digital Express at Metropolitan Community College Fort Omaha Campus-30th and Fort, Bldg 10. Workshops monthly on the second Thursday. Click on a link below to register.

• Thursday, September 10
• Thursday, October 8
• Thursday, November 12

Get Personalized Help: To find a workshop near you or to schedule a one on one session with a counselor, please call our Omaha office at 402-444-6617.

The core of your coverage begins with Original Medicare, which is managed by the federal government. It is divided into two main parts that work together to cover your hospital and medical needs.

Part A: Hospital Insurance

Part A helps pay for inpatient care in hospitals and skilled nursing facilities. It also covers hospice care and some home health services. Most people do not pay a monthly premium for Part A because they paid Medicare taxes while working.

2026 Costs for Part A:

• Deductible: $1,736 for each benefit period. A benefit period begins the day you are admitted and ends once you have been out of the facility for 60 days in a row.

• Hospital Coinsurance: $0 for the first 60 days of each benefit period. For days 61 through 90, you pay $434 per day.

• Skilled Nursing Facility: $0 for the first 20 days. For days 21 through 100, you pay $217 per day.

Part B: Medical Insurance

Part B covers services from doctors and other health care providers, outpatient care, home health care, durable medical equipment, and many preventive services. Unlike Part A, almost everyone pays a monthly premium for Part B.

2026 Costs for Part B:

• Monthly Premium: The standard premium is $202.90. This amount may be higher depending on your income.

• Annual Deductible: $283 per year. You must meet this amount before Medicare starts to pay its share.

• Coinsurance: After you meet your deductible, you typically pay 20% of the Medicare approved amount for most doctor services and outpatient care.

Medicare Supplement (Medigap)

Because Original Medicare does not cover everything, many people in Nebraska choose to buy a Medigap policy from a private insurance company. These plans help pay for some of the remaining costs like deductibles and coinsurance. You must have both Part A and Part B to buy a Medigap policy.

Need Help Deciding? Our counselors can help you compare these costs against other options like Medicare Advantage. Call our Omaha team at 402-444-6617 to discuss which path fits your budget and health needs.

Medicare Advantage is an alternative way to receive your Medicare benefits through private insurance companies. These plans bundle your coverage into a single package that often includes extra benefits not found in Original Medicare.

The All-in-One Alternative

Medicare Advantage plans, which are also known as “Part C,” are offered by private companies that have been approved by Medicare. When you join one of these plans, the private insurer provides all of your Part A (Hospital) and Part B (Medical) coverage. These plans must follow the strict rules set by the federal government to ensure you receive the same level of care as those in Original Medicare.

Key Features and Benefits

• Comprehensive Coverage: Most plans include prescription drug coverage (Part D) in the same package.

• Extra Benefits: Many plans offer “extras” such as routine dental, vision, and hearing care. Some even include fitness memberships or transportation to medical appointments.

• Predictable Costs: Instead of the 20% coinsurance found in Original Medicare, many Advantage plans use flat copayments for doctor visits and services.

• Safety Net: All plans have an annual limit on what you pay out of pocket for medical services. Once you reach this limit, the plan pays 100% for the rest of the year.

Things to Consider

While these plans offer many conveniences, there are specific factors to keep in mind:

• Provider Networks: Most plans require you to use a specific network of doctors and hospitals. If you see a provider outside of this network, your costs could be much higher.

• Prior Authorization: You may need to get approval from the insurance company before certain procedures or specialist visits are covered.

• Service Areas: These plans are typically tied to the county where you live. If you travel frequently or live in another state for part of the year, your coverage may be limited to emergencies only.

2026 Costs and Limits

• Plan Premiums: Many plans in the Omaha area offer a $0 monthly premium, though you must continue to pay your standard Part B premium of $202.90.

• Annual Out-of-Pocket Maximum: For 2026, the maximum limit for in-network medical services is $9,250. Many local plans set their limits much lower than this federal maximum.

• Drug Cost Cap: If your plan includes prescription coverage, your out-of-pocket drug costs are capped at $2,100 for the year.

Get a Side-by-Side Comparison: Choosing between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage is a big decision. Our volunteers can help you compare specific plans available in Nebraska to see which network includes your favorite doctors. Call our Omaha office at 402-444-6617 for free, unbiased help.

Understanding Part D Coverage

Medicare Part D helps cover the cost of your prescription medications. You can get this coverage in two ways:

• Stand-Alone Prescription Drug Plans (PDPs): These plans add drug coverage to Original Medicare.

• Medicare Advantage Plans: Many of these “all-in-one” plans already include Part D coverage.

Vital Changes for 2026

The most important update for the 2026 plan year is the new limit on what you pay for your medications. This change makes your healthcare costs much more predictable.

• New Out-of-Pocket Cap: In 2026, your yearly out-of-pocket costs for covered drugs are capped at $2,100. This limit is an increase from the $2,000 cap introduced in 2025 and applies to all Medicare drug plans. Once you reach this amount, you will pay $0 for your covered prescriptions for the rest of the calendar year.

• Maximum Deductible: For 2026, the maximum annual deductible for a Part D plan is $615. While some plans may offer a $0 deductible, no plan can charge more than this set limit.

The Annual Open Enrollment Period

Every year from October 15 through December 7, you have the opportunity to review and change your Medicare drug coverage. Because plans can change their costs and the list of drugs they cover each year, we strongly recommend that every senior performs an annual review.

During this period, our volunteers can help you:

• Check if your current plan will still cover your specific medications next year.

• Compare premiums and deductibles across different providers in the Omaha area.

• Ensure your pharmacy is still considered a “preferred” provider for your plan.

Extra Help for Prescription Costs

If you have limited income and resources, you may qualify for the Extra Help program (also known as the Low-Income Subsidy). This federal program can help pay for your monthly premiums, annual deductibles, and prescription co-payments. Our team can help you determine if you are eligible and assist with the application process.

Let Us Compare for You: Do not guess when it comes to your medications. Bring your list of current prescriptions to our office, and we will run a personalized comparison to find the plan that saves you the most money. Call us at 402-444-6617 to get started.

Medicare Open Enrollment

October 15-December 7

You could save money on your Medicare prescription drugs by reviewing your prescription drug plan during Open Enrollment! You may also review, compare, and switch Medicare Advantage Plans during Open Enrollment.

Medicare drug plans can increase their premiums, deductibles and prices at the pharmacy each year. Medicare Advantage plans can also change what services and drugs they cover each year, in addition to potentially increasing premiums, deductibles and copays.

Scheduling of Open Enrollment appointments begins September 1, 2026.

In addition to the events above, appointments will be available in person at our office (900 S 74th Plaza, Suite 403, Omaha) or by phone.

We do not have the staff to answer every phone call. Please leave a voicemail with your name, phone number, preferred location, and best time to reach you. We will return your phone call as soon as we can.

Please add us to your contacts to prevent an unknown number alert.
(VAS 402-444-6617)

Or click here to preregister. We will call you to schedule your appointment.
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This section is dedicated to programs that help seniors with limited income and assets manage their healthcare expenses. Many Nebraskans qualify for these programs without realizing it, and our team is here to help you navigate the application process.

Medicare Savings Programs (MSP)

These state-administered programs help pay for your Medicare premiums and, in some cases, your deductibles and coinsurance. If you qualify for an MSP, you are also automatically eligible for the Extra Help program for your prescriptions.

2026 Eligibility Guidelines for Nebraska:

Note: Your primary home and one vehicle do not count toward the asset limit.

Extra Help (Part D Low-Income Subsidy)

Extra Help is a federal program that helps pay for your Medicare drug plan costs. It is estimated to be worth about $6,200 per year for those who qualify.

2026 Qualifications:

• Income: Your monthly income must be below $2,015 for an individual or $2,725 for a married couple.

• Resources: Your total resources (savings, stocks, and bonds) must be below $18,090 for an individual or $36,100 for a couple.

If you qualify, you will pay no more than $5.10 for each generic drug and $12.65 for each brand-name drug. Once your total out of pocket drug costs reach $2,100 for the year, you will pay $0 for all covered drugs.

How to Apply

There are several ways to get started with these programs. We recommend having your recent bank statements and proof of income ready when you apply.

• Online: Visit the iServe Nebraska portal at iserve.nebraska.gov to apply for the Medicare Savings Programs through the state. For Extra Help, you can apply directly through the Social Security website at ssa.gov.

• By Phone: Call the Nebraska DHHS ACCESSNebraska line at 855-632-7633 for state programs or the Social Security Administration at 800-772-1213 for federal assistance.

• In Person: Visit your local DHHS office here in Omaha or Lincoln.

Get Free Assistance: Applying for these programs can be overwhelming. Our volunteers can help you review your eligibility and walk you through the application forms at no cost. Call our Omaha office at 402-444-6617 to schedule an appointment.

Protecting Your Benefits and Your Rights

Medicare is a valuable benefit, but it can also be a target for scammers. Additionally, there may be times when you disagree with a coverage decision. At Volunteers Assisting Seniors (VAS), we help you protect your benefits through the Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) and guide you through the formal appeals process.

Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP)

The Nebraska SMP is a program that empowers seniors to prevent, detect, and report healthcare fraud, errors, and abuse. Fraud costs the Medicare program billions of dollars every year and can lead to higher costs for everyone.

Protect, Detect, and Report

• Protect: Treat your Medicare number like a credit card. Do not give it to anyone over the phone or in person unless you initiated the contact or they are a trusted healthcare provider.

• Detect: Review your Medicare Summary Notice (MSN) or Explanation of Benefits (EOB) every month. Look for services, supplies, or equipment that you did not receive.

• Report: If you suspect a mistake or fraud, call the provider first to see if it was a simple billing error. If the issue is not resolved, contact our office or the Nebraska SMP hotline at 1-800-234-7119.

Common Scams in 2026

Be on the lookout for unsolicited offers for “free” genetic testing kits, medical braces, or catheters. Scammers often use these offers to steal your Medicare number and bill the government for services you never requested. Remember that Medicare will never call you uninvited to ask for your personal information or to sell you a new plan.

Understanding the Appeals Process

If Medicare or your private insurance plan refuses to pay for a service or drug that you believe should be covered, you have the right to file an appeal. This is a formal process that allows you to ask for a review of the decision.

How to Start an Appeal

1. Review Your Notice: When a claim is denied, you will receive a notice in the mail explaining why. This notice will include specific instructions on how to file an appeal.
2. Gather Evidence: Ask your doctor for a letter or medical records that support why the service or item is medically necessary for your health.
3. Observe Deadlines: In most cases, you must file your first appeal within 120 days of receiving the denial notice.

For 2026, there are specific financial thresholds if your appeal moves to higher levels. For example, to request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (Level 3), the amount in dispute must be at least $200. To reach the Federal District Court level (Level 5), the amount must be at least $1,960.

We Are Your Advocates: You do not have to handle a fraud report or a complicated appeal on your own. Our trained volunteers can help you organize your paperwork and understand your rights at every step of the process. Call us at 402-444-6617 for free, local assistance.