Partnerships Made to Support Medicaid Recipients in Meeting New Requirements

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – The U.S. Congress passed the H.R.1, or the Big Beautiful Bill, on May 1. Nebraska was the first state in the nation to implement the Medicaid work requirements. The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has partnered with SHARE Omaha and United Way of the Midlands; Lincoln and Lancaster County; Dodge and Washington Counties; and South Central Nebraska.

The new work-related activities needed to be done to be able to receive or maintain Medicaid coverage include community volunteer services or participation in a work program. DHHS has created partnerships with Omaha Share and United Way of the Midlands with the goal of connecting individuals to volunteer opportunities. DHHS states that this could be the beginning of a ‘broader statewide collaboration strategy’.

Both organizations partnered with DHHS bring different things to this goal.

“This partnership connects expansion members with opportunities to volunteer, strengthen their community, and remain in compliance with federal requirements,” said Shawna Forsberg, President and CEO of United Way of the Midlands. “We’re also proud to work alongside a broad network of nonprofit organizations, sharing information and providing access to volunteer engagement resources to create even greater impact.”

United Way has data and a trusted presence that will help individuals with volunteer opportunities. Additionally, SHARE Omaha shares being a trusted presence and can connect community members to nonprofits and companies.

“SHARE Omaha is proud to help all in our community connect with meaningful volunteer opportunities throughout the Omaha metro area,” said Teresa Mardesen, Executive Director of SHARE Omaha. “We celebrate every act of generosity that strengthens our area’s wellbeing.”

DHHS states the anticipation of ‘expanding this network of partners’ in order to help people with Medicaid requirements is in the cards.