Best Cheap Health Insurance in Nebraska (2026)
Blue Cross and Blue Shield (BCBS) is the best health insurance company in Nebraska, with Silver plans starting at $640 per month before discounts.
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Best and cheapest health insurance in Nebraska
Cheapest health insurance companies in Nebraska
Blue Cross and Blue Shield has the cheapest health insurance in Nebraska, with Silver plans starting at $640 per month before discounts.
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Affordable health insurance plans in Nebraska
Company |
Cost
| |
|---|---|---|
| Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska | $640-$1,196 |
| Oscar Insurance Co. | $681-$877 |
| Ambetter Health | $694-$854 |
| UnitedHealthcare | $801-$1,175 |
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield sells the most affordable Silver health insurance plan for most people in Nebraska.
- Ambetter is more expensive each month on average, but it could be cheaper if you live in a rural area like Antelope, Butler, McPherson or York county.
- UnitedHealthcare's Silver plan premium may be more expensive than both Ambetter and BCBS, but it has the lowest average deductible for a Silver plan.
Lowest deductibles: UnitedHealthcare
UnitedHealthcare (UHC) is a good option if you want lower out-of-pocket costs.
Before your coverage from a UHC plan starts, you'll pay up to $4,000 each year, on average. That's far less than the average deductible from the other companies in Nebraska.
If you go to the doctor often, it can be worthwhile to choose a plan with a low deductible. That way, your plan starts to help with your medical bills quicker. Just be aware of the total amount you may have to pay each year, called the plan's out-of-pocket maximum.
If your medical bills are expensive, consider a plan with a lower out-of-pocket maximum, even if the deductible is higher. The out-of-pocket maximum will help control the total amount you pay each year.
Best health insurance companies in Nebraska
Blue Cross and Blue Shield (BCBS) sells the best health insurance in Nebraska.
Most doctors and hospitals take Blue Cross and Blue Shield insurance, which makes it easier for you to choose where to get medical care. That may be one reason why it's the most popular medical insurance company in the state, making up about 50% of all health plans sold.
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Best-rated health insurance companies in Nebraska
Company |
ACA rating
|
VP rating
|
|---|---|---|
| Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska | ||
| Ambetter Health | N/A | |
| UnitedHealthcare | N/A | |
| Medica | ||
| Oscar Insurance Co. | N/A |
Nebraska BCBS has a history of customer complaints, with 30% more complaints than expected for a company its size.
How much does health insurance cost in Nebraska?
Health insurance in Nebraska costs an average of $960 per month, but the average rate with income-based discounts could be around $270 per month.
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- Your plan tier affects how much you pay for a medical insurance plan. Plans that pay less of your medical bills, like Bronze plans, cost less each month but make you pay more when you go to the doctor.
- But in Nebraska, Gold plans don't cost much more than Silver plans, no matter how old you are. It might be a good idea to compare Silver and Gold plans. You could find a plan that pays for more of your medical bills without costing you much more each month.
Health insurance discount changes in Nebraska for 2026
You could pay an average of $270 per month for an individual health insurance plan in Nebraska if you qualify for discounts based on your income.
For people who can get subsidies, rates could increase from about $147 per month in 2025 to $270 per month in 2026. That's because discounts are changing for 2026. Since 2021, shoppers on HealthCare.gov and state marketplaces have gotten higher discounts called "enhanced subsidies." These better discounts likely won't apply in 2026. While you may still be able to get discounts based on your income, the discounts you get may be lower.
Health insurance rates in Nebraska after subsidies (2025 vs. 2026)
Income | 2025 rate | 2026 rate | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| $30,000 | $49 | $155 | 216% |
| $40,000 | $154 | $287 | 86% |
| $50,000 | $283 | $415 | 47% |
| $60,000 | $423 | $498 | 18% |
| $70,000 | $496 | $710 | 43% |
Average cost after subsidies for a single 40-year-old with a Benchmark Silver plan.
- Who can get subsidies? You may qualify for subsidies if you make between $15,650 and $62,600 each year, or between $32,150 and $128,600 as a family of four. Your subsidies will be higher if you make less money.
- How do subsidies work? You can use subsidies to buy a Bronze, Silver or Gold plan from any company on the marketplace.
- How much do you save? You can use ValuePenguin's subsidy calculator to find out how much a subsidy will lower your health insurance rate.
Cheap Nebraska health insurance plans by city
Oscar Insurance Co. sells the cheapest health insurance plans in Lincoln, with coverage starting at $681 per month before discounts.
However, Blue Cross and Blue Shield has the cheapest Silver plans in Omaha, Bellevue, Grand Island and Kearney. But just because a plan is the cheapest doesn't mean it's the best option for you. Compare your options and think about your medical needs as well as your monthly budget.
Cheapest health insurance plans by NE county
County | Cheapest plan | Monthly rates |
|---|---|---|
| Adams | BCBS HeartlandBlue Silver | $755 |
| Antelope | Ambetter Health Standard Silver | $778 |
| Arthur | Ambetter Health Standard Silver | $826 |
| Banner | Ambetter Health Standard Silver | $826 |
| Blaine | Ambetter Health Standard Silver | $778 |
Cheapest Silver plan with rates for a 40-year-old
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Best health insurance plan by level of coverage
The best health insurance plan in Nebraska for you will depend on how much you can spend each month and how high your medical bills usually are.
Generally, if you have high medical costs, you should buy a Silver or Gold plan. If you have low medical costs, a Bronze plan could be a good option.
Gold plans: Best for high medical costs
| Gold plans pay for about 80% of your medical care. |
Gold plans cost an average of $989 per month in Nebraska.
A Gold plan is usually the best choice if you have expensive or ongoing medical costs. If you need expensive treatments, have a chronic condition to manage or take prescription drugs, for example, a Gold plan is likely the best option.
Gold plans pay the largest part of your medical bills, which can offset the high monthly cost. In Nebraska, Gold plans don't cost much more than Silver plans, so it can be worth comparing both options.
Silver plans: Best for most people
| Silver plans pay for about 70% of your medical care. |
Silver plans cost an average of $960 per month in Nebraska.
Silver plans are a good middle-ground option, and they're the best for most people. They give you more coverage than Bronze plans but typically have more affordable quotes than Gold plans. But be sure to review Gold plans, too, since they are only slightly more expensive than Silver plans in Nebraska.
If you have a low income, a Silver plan can be an especially good idea. Silver is the only plan tier that has an extra discount that lowers the cost of your medical care if you qualify.
Bronze plans: Best for minimal medical costs
| Bronze plans pay for about 60% of your medical care. |
Bronze plans cost an average of $727 per month in Nebraska.
If you don't go to the doctor often, a Bronze medical insurance plan can be a good choice. These plans are usually best if you are young and healthy. Make sure you have emergency savings to pay a large share of your medical bills in case you develop a serious health issue.
For most people, a Silver plan is a better balance of affordability and coverage. Though Silver plans may cost more each month, they cover more of your medical care costs up front. If you go to the doctor often, this could save you money.
Cheap or free health insurance in Nebraska if you have a low income
Medicaid is a good option if you have a low income and can't afford to buy a health insurance plan. And if you have a Silver health plan, you might qualify for an extra discount if you have a low income.
Medicaid in Nebraska
Medicaid can give you cheap or free health insurance if you have a low income.
To qualify for Medicaid in Nebraska, you have to make less than about $22,000 per year for individuals or $44,000 per year as a family of four. Nebraska has several Medicaid programs, including for low-income adults, caretakers, pregnant women and seniors.
Use cost-sharing reductions for cheaper medical care
A Silver plan could be a good choice if you are part of a household with a low income but you don't qualify for Medicaid. Low-income households may qualify for discounts that lower what you pay for health care by giving you smaller copays, coinsurance and deductibles.
These discounts are called cost-sharing reductions or CSRs, and you can only get them on Silver plans. To qualify, you have to make between $15,650 and $39,125 per year as an individual or between $32,150 and $80,375 as a family of four. They aren't the same as rate subsidies, which can get you a more affordable quote. You can combine both discounts.
Are health insurance rates going up in NE in 2026?
Health insurance in Nebraska is more expensive for 2026 compared to 2025. Bronze plans cost an average of 26% more per month. Silver plans went up by 29%, and Gold plans increased by 28%.
Since 2022, rates for a Silver plan have gone up by 40%.
Bronze
Silver
Gold
Year | Cost | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $413 | – |
| 2023 | $530 | 28% |
| 2024 | $559 | 5% |
| 2025 | $575 | 3% |
| 2026 | $727 | 26% |
Monthly costs are for a 40-year-old. Expanded Bronze plans are included in 2024, 2025 and 2026 averages, when they're offered.
Bronze
Year | Cost | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $413 | – |
| 2023 | $530 | 28% |
| 2024 | $559 | 5% |
| 2025 | $575 | 3% |
| 2026 | $727 | 26% |
Monthly costs are for a 40-year-old. Expanded Bronze plans are included in 2024, 2025 and 2026 averages, when they're offered.
Silver
Year | Cost | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $685 | – |
| 2023 | $652 | -5% |
| 2024 | $691 | 6% |
| 2025 | $743 | 8% |
| 2026 | $960 | 29% |
Monthly costs are for a 40-year-old.
Gold
Year | Cost | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $724 | – |
| 2023 | $664 | -8% |
| 2024 | $720 | 8% |
| 2025 | $775 | 8% |
| 2026 | $989 | 28% |
Monthly costs are for a 40-year-old.
Why is health insurance expensive in Nebraska in 2026?
Health insurance in Nebraska is getting more expensive because of rising health care costs and expiring tax credits.
Insurance companies have raised rates by an average of 28%. That's much higher than a normal annual price adjustment. Reasons for this sudden rate hike include a greater use of more expensive prescription drugs such as Wegovy and Ozempic, costlier health services, general inflation and the loss of federal subsidies that expire at the end of 2025.
How to save on Nebraska medical insurance in 2026
- If you're young, generally healthy and you can afford to cover a large, unexpected medical bill from your savings, consider a plan tier with a low monthly rate, such as a Bronze or Silver plan.
- Get cheaper quotes and a lower tax bill by choosing a high-deductible health plan (HDHP) and a health savings account (HSA).
- Don't forget to compare quotes from the companies available in your area on HealthCare.gov. You can save hundreds of dollars per month without sacrificing customer service or coverage simply by switching to a lower-priced plan.
- Check to see if you're eligible for free government health insurance, called Medicaid.
Essential health services for Nebraska ACA plans
Nebraska marketplace insurance, also called Affordable Care Act (ACA) or "Obamacare" insurance, refers to plans that you buy on HealthCare.gov.
Every plan level has to cover at least 10 health situations, like doctor visits and emergency care.
Health insurance companies can use five things when calculating your quote.
- Your age
- The plan tier you choose
- Where you live
- How many people are on your plan
- Whether or not you smoke or use tobacco
Even if you have severe health issues, you can still shop for and buy a health insurance plan on HealthCare.gov. Your health can't be used to charge you higher rates or deny you coverage. And medical insurance companies have to cover preexisting conditions.
Average cost of health insurance by family size in Nebraska
In Nebraska, a family of four pays an average of $3,070 per month for a Silver health insurance plan.
Every child age 14 and under costs $575 each month. That's because age doesn't affect health insurance rates for young children. As soon as a child reaches age 15, their rate changes each year.
Family size | Average monthly cost |
|---|---|
| Individual | $960 |
| Individual and child | $1,535 |
| Couple | $1,921 |
| Family of three | $2,496 |
| Family of four | $3,070 |
Averages based on a Silver plan for 40-year-old adults and children who are under age 15.
COBRA insurance in Nebraska
It's worthwhile to see how much COBRA would cost if you left your job.
COBRA insurance costs an average of $767 per month for an individual person in Nebraska. That's cheaper than a Silver plan from HealthCare.gov, which costs an average of $960 per month (before discounts). In Nebraska, COBRA may be the more affordable option if you quit, are fired or retire from your job and need time to get new coverage. In most other areas of the country, COBRA is usually more expensive than a marketplace plan.
COBRA is a program that lets you keep the health insurance you had with a job when you leave. Coverage usually lasts up to a year and a half after you leave, but it can sometimes last up to three years. Once you leave your job, though, you have to pay the full cost for your medical insurance plan.
Short-term health insurance plans in Nebraska
In January 2025, the Trump administration canceled a new rule that would limit short-term health coverage to three months. Currently, there isn't a timeline for when this change will happen. But, you may be able to buy short-term health insurance plans in Nebraska for up to 364 days sometime in the coming year.
Short-term health insurance is an option if you only need a plan for a short window of time, like if you're between jobs. It's important to remember that these plans usually have worse coverage than marketplace health insurance.
Pros of short-term health insurance plans in Nebraska
Cons of short-term health insurance plans in Nebraska
Health insurance enrollment by income level in Nebraska
The changes to health insurance discounts in 2026 impact people with lower incomes the most.
That's because people with lower incomes are likely to buy health insurance through the marketplace. For example, in Nebraska in 2025, 59% of people with a marketplace plan made less than $37,651.
Enrollment by income
Income | % of total enrollment |
|---|---|
| Less than $15,060 | 0% |
| $15,060 to $20,783 | 6% |
| $20,784 to $22,590 | 18% |
| $22,591 to $30,120 | 18% |
| $30,121 to $37,650 | 17% |
Enrollment in 2025 marketplace plans made during the 2024-2025 open enrollment period. Total may not be 100% due to rounding.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get health insurance in Nebraska?
The best way to get health insurance in Nebraska is by shopping for coverage on the state marketplace. You can easily compare quotes from companies in your area. The website automatically adjusts prices to reflect any discounts, called subsidies, you may be eligible for.
Is $200 a month expensive for health insurance in Nebraska?
No, $200 per month for medical insurance in Nebraska is affordable. That's well below the state average for full price coverage before discounts, called subsidies.
How can I qualify for discounts on my health insurance in Nebraska?
You may qualify for subsidies if your income falls below a certain limit. You'll qualify if you make between $15,650 and $62,600 as an individual, $21,150 and $84,600 as a couple and $32,150 and $128,600 as a family of four. Consider entering your income information when shopping for coverage. This way, you'll have an idea of how much of a discount you could get before you buy a policy.
What's the best health insurance company in Nebraska?
Blue Cross and Blue Shield is the best health insurance company in NE because of its low prices and high-quality plans. But if you're looking for the lowest deductible for a Silver plan, UnitedHealthcare may be a better choice.
How much is health insurance in Nebraska per month?
Health insurance in Nebraska costs an average of $960 per month for a 40-year-old with a Silver plan. Your quote will be different depending on the plan tier you choose, your age, how many people you insure on your plan, where you live, the company you pick and whether you smoke or use tobacco.
Who is eligible for Medicaid in Nebraska?
You may qualify for free or low-cost health insurance through Medicaid in Nebraska if you make less than about $22,000 as an individual or $44,000 as a family of four. If you qualify, Medicaid will cover routine health care services like doctor's appointments, hospital stays, diagnostic tests, surgeries, urgent care and more.
Methodology
Nebraska health insurance rate data for 2026 is from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) website. ValuePenguin used the CMS public use files (PUFs) to find average rates for different plan tiers, geographic locations and family sizes.
Rates
Rates are based on a 40-year-old with a Silver plan, unless otherwise noted. Rates for Bronze plans include regular and Expanded Bronze plans for 2024, 2025 and 2026, when the plans are available. Your costs and plan options will vary; plans aren't always available in all parts of a state or county.
Subsidies
Rates after subsidies are estimates for a 40-year-old with a Benchmark Silver plan and are based on how subsidies were structured before 2021. Prices are calculated using KFF's rates for full-price Benchmark plans, federal poverty levels (FPLs), IRS rules about premium tax credits and Congressional reports about expanded tax credits. The total cost in the state uses rates calculated by income, which are weighted using CMS data on the incomes of those who purchased plans during 2024-2025 open enrollment. The median was used for each income range. Unknown incomes were excluded from the calculations. Incomes of 100% of the federal poverty line and 500% of the federal poverty line were assumed for enrollees who earn less than 100% FPL and more than 500% FPL, respectively. Information about state subsidies, when available, was sourced from state marketplaces.
Ratings
ValuePenguin's experts rank companies based on cost, coverage options, customer satisfaction and unique value. Ratings are out of 100 possible points. ACA ratings show how the company performs in Nebraska for medical care, member experience and plan administration. The 2026 plan quality data from CMS is based on data from the previous year. Ratings are not available for new plans or plans with low enrollment.
More sources
Enrollment trends, including plan selections by tier and enrollment by income, are from CMS data for the 2024-2025 open enrollment period.
Other sources include S&P Global Capital IQ, KFF and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC).
Insurance Writer
Cate Deventer is a ValuePenguin writer who specializes in health insurance, Medicare, auto and home insurance. She's been a licensed insurance agent since 2011.
She started her insurance career working as a customer service agent for State Farm. She later moved to an independent agency, where she worked with several insurance companies and hundreds of clients. She quoted policies, filed claims and answered insurance questions. In 2021, she pivoted her career and began writing about insurance for Bankrate. She moved to ValuePenguin in 2023 and began writing about health insurance and Medicare.
Cate has a passion for helping readers choose insurance to fit their needs. She enjoys knowing that her research and knowledge help people choose insurance products that make a positive difference in their lives.
How insurance helped Cate
Cate used her health insurance knowledge to navigate a surgery in 2023. Understanding how her policy worked let her focus on recovery instead of worrying about bills.
Expertise
- Health insurance
- Medicare & Medicaid
- Auto insurance
- Home insurance
- Life insurance
Credentials
- Licensed Life, Accident & Health Insurance Agent
- Licensed Property & Casualty Insurance Agent
Referenced by
- CBS
- NBC
- Wall Street Journal
Education
- BA, Theatre, Purdue University
- BA, English, Indiana University
Editorial note: The content of this article is based on the author's opinions and recommendations alone. It has not been previewed, commissioned or otherwise endorsed by any of our network partners.
