Nebraska Hospital Association

02/27/2026

A new proposal to eliminate retroactive eligibility coverage for Medicaid could strip health care coverage from the state’s most vulnerable, leaving families in debt and further weakening rural hospitals.

The Nebraska Legislature requires a public hearing to receive comments on this matter. Hospital leaders from across Nebraska will testify today on impact and urge the state to not move forward with this proposal.

Learn more from KETV NewsWatch 7: https://loom.ly/iwkuBgM

The change would eliminate retroactive coverage, forcing costs back onto patients.

02/26/2026

Yesterday we kicked off the 2026 Quality Improvement Residency Program!

This year long program includes five two-day training modules held every other month, along with mentor check-ins to support assignments and project progress throughout the year.

Developed through the vision of the Rural Quality Improvement Steering Committee, the program provides an introduction to hospital quality improvement for emerging leaders across rural Nebraska. Participants will build skills in quality improvement, patient safety, data analysis, regulatory readiness and more, all while connecting with peers and mentors across the state.

We are looking forward to a great year ahead!

02/25/2026

We can't believe it, but Advocacy Day is just one week away and WE NEED YOU! Join us in championing a healthier future for every Nebraskan on March 4th.

Be sure to register! 🔗https://loom.ly/qiFBerI

02/24/2026

This week, Michael Johnston, CEO of Bryan Medical Center East Campus Bryan Medical Center West Campus, and Jim Ulrich, CEO of York General, along with their teams, visited the State Capitol to meet with Senator Merv Riepe , Senator Jane Raybould, Nebraska State Senator Stan Clouse, Senator Eliot Bostar, Senator Jana Hughes, Senator Ashlei Spivey, and Speaker of the Legislature Senator John Arch.

Great discussions on the future of health care in Nebraska!

02/23/2026

Senator Brad von Gillern and Senator Beau Ballard joined NHA President & CEO Jeremy Nordquist and hospital leaders this morning to discuss issues impacting health care access for Nebraskans, including HR 1 implementation and Medicaid retroactive eligibility. If retroactive eligibility is eliminated, a patient who is eligible for Medicaid but unable to apply the moment they fall ill could be left with crushing debt, while our hospitals face a spike in uncompensated care.

The Legislature has one more week of committee hearings before running into all day debate next week. Visit the NHA Action Center to make sure your voice is heard on these issues and more: https://loom.ly/7xpBccw

02/20/2026

Last month, the NHA celebrated our 99th birthday. 99 years of advocating for patients and providers. 99 years of promoting access to high-quality care in every community. Nearly a century serving as the trusted voice of Nebraska hospitals, championing a healthier future for all.

We are looking forward to a big celebration for our 100th next year!

02/19/2026

Hospital leaders Julie Rezac, CEO, and Chelsea Russell, CNO at Saunders Medical Center, joined the NHA advocacy team at the state capitol to meet with senators including State Senator Myron Dorn, Senator Paul Strommen, and Senator Loren Lippincott to discuss issues impacting health care in Nebraska.

Visit the NHA Action Center today to contact your state senator about saving the Rural Loan Repayment Program and supporting other critical bills this session: https://loom.ly/7xpBccw

02/18/2026

Being informed about legislative and state health care issues is essential for leaders who want to advocate effectively for their hospitals and communities.

At the NHA Advocacy Day, gain insights from Rebekuh Eley, Health Care Senior Analyst at RSM US LLP, in “From Demand to Delivery: Economic Trends, Pressures, and the Opportunities Ahead,” as she breaks down the economic forces shaping health care delivery and the opportunities for Nebraska providers.

Learn more and register here: https://loom.ly/YFC1Fg8

02/17/2026

LB 1221 supports Nebraska’s early implementation of the Medicaid community engagement requirements by providing clear definitions for key temporary hardship exceptions.

As a community health navigator at Community Medical Center Falls City NE, Natalia Boelhower works with Medicaid patients undergoing treatment for serious illness every day. She understands these definitions support rural health by recognizing the reality of patients who must travel long distances for specialized care and protect vulnerable Nebraskans by ensuring a temporary hardship doesn't become a permanent loss of coverage.

02/16/2026

Jim Ulrich, CEO of York General, recently testified on the ripple effect of implementing high Medicaid co-pays.

For patients, even small fees lead to skipped appointments. Preventable issues quickly turn into medical emergencies.

For hospitals, it’s a hidden reimbursement cut. Between the difficulty of collection and the surge in high cost ER visits, uncompensated care only rises.

We can't improve health outcomes by creating barriers to primary care.

02/14/2026

Roses are red,
Scrubs can be blue,
Nebraska hospitals are stronger because of YOU. ❤️

Happy Valentine’s Day to the incredible health care heroes across Nebraska who deliver the best dose of care!

02/13/2026

The NHA is proud to be a sponsor of the Nebraska HOSA, providing avenues to help our future health care heroes succeed.

NHA advocacy team member David Slattery supported their annual Legislative Day, helping prepare students for a day at the Capitol speaking to Nebraska state senators.