Ollie Webb Center, Inc.

02/02/2026

Apply here: https://go.unmc.edu/all2026

01/28/2026

News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 27, 2026

MEDIA CONTACT
Erin Maier erin.maier@nebraska.gov, 531-893-1359



Governor Pillen Directs DHHS to Make Critical Changes to AD Waiver Nebraska Families’ Input Drives Key Changes Ahead of Waiver Renewal

Lincoln, NE – At the direction of Governor Jim Pillen, and following a thorough review and extensive public input process, the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is revising proposed changes to the Aged and Disabled (AD) Waiver.

“I am truly appreciative of the Nebraskans who reached out to my office and participated in the public feedback process,” said Governor Pillen. “Based on my conversations with dedicated family members and AD Waiver recipients, I directed DHHS to take a second look at the proposal and make necessary changes to ensure Nebraska families continue receiving the support they need.”

The AD Waiver is a Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver that allows older adults and individuals with disabilities to receive long-term care in their homes or communities rather than in institutional settings. As part of the federally required five-year renewal process, DHHS initially proposed updates aimed at addressing significant cost growth which has increased by more than 300 percent since 2016.

The revised proposal balances fiscal responsibility with the continued delivery of critical services, ensuring participants can remain safe, independent, and supported in their communities while addressing unsustainable cost trends.

Key revisions include:

* Removal of Previously Proposed Personal Care and Companion Hour Limits

* The 40-hour weekly cap on personal care services for live-in caregivers has been eliminated.

* The 70-hour combined limit on Legally Responsible Individual (LRI) personal care and companion services has also been removed.

* Revised Provider Qualifications

* DHHS has altered the previously proposed Institutional Cost Limit.

* A 150% modified cap will remain in place with an exception process available when services provided by out-of-home caregivers are necessary to protect the participant’s immediate health and safety.

These revisions will initiate a second public review period. The public comment period will be open from February 2, 2026, through March 4, 2026. Written comments must be postmarked or received by DHHS no later than March 4, 2026.

Public input remains a critical component of the waiver renewal process, offering individuals, families, caregivers, and stakeholders the opportunity to share insights on services that best meet the needs of Nebraskans.

“DHHS is grateful for the time and thoughtful feedback Nebraskans have shared throughout this process,” said Tony Green, Director of the DHHS Division of Developmental Disabilities. “We believe these revisions will allow us to continue providing high-quality care while responsibly managing costs.”

As part of the initial waiver amendment process, DHHS opened a public comment period from December 5, 2025, through January 5, 2026, and hosted four virtual public comment sessions. Nearly 600 individuals participated via Zoom with hundreds of additional comments submitted through email and mail.

Following the close of the second public comment period DHHS will review and post public comments on its website and submit a summarized response to Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services as part of the waiver application.

Additional information about the public comment period is available at: https://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/DD-Public-Comment.aspx

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Helping People Live Better Lives | dhhs.ne.gov

DHHS recognizes the value of our team and the important work they do for Nebraska. Great benefits and professional growth are just some of the rewards of helping people live better lives.

01/27/2026

01/23/2026

Hello Friday Families and Participants!

Due to the predicted severe cold weather on Friday, 1/23/26, OWCI classes will still meet, but we will hold them at our offices- located at 1941 S 42nd Street, Suite 122, Omaha, NE 68105.

* Classes will NOT meet at the Florence Community Center or the A.V. Sorensen Community Center.

* The Art of Giving class will NOT be going to volunteer at the Open Door Mission either.

We plan to return to our regular locations/activities on Monday, 1/26/26.

Stay safe and warm and see you at our offices tomorrow!
Jim, Deb, and David

01/07/2026

Due to technical issues, our main phone number (402-346-5220) is out of service.

If you need to reach the office, please call 402-346-5242. We apologize for any inconvenience.

12/23/2025

The OWCI office will be closed Thursday, December 25th, and Friday, December 26, 2025, as well as Thursday, January 1, 2026.

We wish you a happy and healthy holiday season!

12/05/2025

Don't forget to get your honey for the holidays! We will be selling this weekend at Maplewood Lanes on Saturday from 10-2pm and at Pint 9 Brewery from 12-3pm. Sunday, we will be back at Maplewood Lanes from 10am-4pm weather permitting.

Orders can also be placed online at www.olliewebbinc.org for delivery or pick-up at the OWCI office.

12/02/2025

It's ! Today, we hope you will help us continue to make a difference in our community.

Your donation directly impacts the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. Since 1965, we've paved the way for advocacy, services and inclusion.

Every dollar helps, and we appreciate your support. Donations can be made here: https://shareomaha.org/donate?nonprofit=7754.

Please share this post with family and friends.

11/25/2025

Giving Tuesday is December 2, but it is open now! 💙

Join us in supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. Your gift helps fund life-changing programs, advocacy, and opportunities for inclusion here at the Ollie Webb Center.

Every dollar makes a difference—help us reach our $5,000 goal! Click here to donate: https://shareomaha.org/donate?nonprofit=7754

Give today at and spread the word by sharing this post. Thank you for helping make our community brighter! 🌟

11/24/2025

Stop out tonight to grab some honey! We will be there from 5 to 7pm. Specials thanks to Pint 9 for hosting this event.

Tonight we are open from 3 - 8 pm for our special shopping and beer night! Deals on most all of our merchandise to get your Black Friday shopping done early here! We will have discounts of 10% - 60% off as well as a presell to pick your own color of full zip from 21 options! Spend $25 in merch or more & get a free Pint Nine ornament too. Ollie Webb will be out again with their honey too. See you soon!

11/20/2025

Get a Jump on Holiday gift giving. Attend our event on Saturday, just RSVP by Friday afternoon.

11/10/2025

It's not too late to "Sweeten the Season" for your family, colleagues, and friends! We have 160 cases left to sell this holiday season!

Purchase yours today at https://olliewebbinc.org/honey-sunday/ or email lbeck@olliewebbinc.org to line up a delivery! You can purchase bottles or by the case!

All proceeds from honey sales supporting the programming and services of OWCI.