Nebraska Hospital Association

11/20/2025

The Nebraska Hospital Association is celebrating Rural Health Day alongside the NOSORH, the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services Office of Rural Health, and rural communities across Nebraska! Together, we’re elevating the people, hospitals, and clinics that help rural communities flourish.

11/19/2025

Medicare Advantage (MA) plans have long relied on extended observation stays to avoid admitting patients as inpatients -- a strategy that helps them reduce costs but shifts financial burden onto hospitals. Recent data show that this practice is worsening. In 2019, MA patients had observation stays 28.6% longer than those in Traditional Medicare. By 2024, the gap widened to 36.9%.

These prolonged observation stays drive up hospital costs without a corresponding increase in reimbursement, further straining hospital finances. Compared to inpatient admissions, observation stays are reimbursed at lower rates — or in some cases, not at all — leaving hospitals to absorb much of the cost. In 2024, MA plans reimbursed just 49% of the actual cost for patients held in observation status, according to industry benchmark data from Strata Decision Technology, LLC.

11/18/2025

Nebraska seniors need to fully understand their Medicare enrollment choices this fall. Does your plan make you wait for care or deny it? Do you have the best plan for your health care needs, budget, and location?

The Nebraska State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) provides free, unbiased, and personalized counseling on Medicare to help seniors understand their options. Call 1-800-234-7119 to make your appointment.

Know the facts about Medicare Advantage and consult with your health care provider before enrolling or switching plans.

Learn more: https://loom.ly/ebbw4gk

Medicare Open Enrollment Begins October 15.  Have questions about your Medicare options?  We can help.  Click on the Medicare Classes and Events button to view where our enrollment events will be hosted.  Call us at 1.800.234.7119 to make your appointment.    Nebraska SHIP, State Health Insura...

11/17/2025

Medicare Advantage (MA) plans now cover 54% of all Medicare eligible individuals nationwide, a sharp increase from just over a third less than a decade ago. 50% of Nebraska hospitals report that if their service area continues to experience growth in MA enrollments, they may be forced to reduce clinical services. 39% may require cutbacks in staff.

11/14/2025

This week, we gathered in Kearney, NE for our 2025 Nebraska Critical Access Hospitals & Rural Health Clinics Conference on Quality! 🏥

Across two days, participants listened in on engaging sessions and expert led presentations on topics ranging from patient safety and behavioral health to workforce development, nursing support, continuous quality improvement, and more.

We also hosted an optional pre-conference workshop and featured an awards luncheon honoring standout quality leaders from across the state.

Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to such a productive and inspiring conference!

11/12/2025

Nebraska hospitals reported some of their biggest challenges with Medicare Advantage plans are prior authorization related issues, payment delays and denials, and care denials.

93% of Nebraska hospitals report that their overall cost to comply with MA policies has increased in the last three years. Almost 87% of hospitals have incurred additional staffing costs related to MA plans, with 48% reporting a significant increase. Nearly 30% of hospitals report that MA plans force them to incur a 25% or more additional administrative cost per patient versus Traditional Medicare, with 73% reporting at least 10% more.

11/11/2025

Across Nebraska, we proudly honor the veterans who have served our country and continue to serve in health care every day. The Nebraska Hospital Association thanks you for your service to our nation and our communities. 🇺🇸

11/10/2025

Hospitals are spending more time and money fighting insurance companies, time that could be spent on patient care. In fact, 93% of hospitals report increased costs just to comply with Medicare Advantage policies - policies that 98% of hospitals say delay necessary care.

11/07/2025

We had an amazing time teaching a RIGHT RESPONSE® class over the past two weeks! 🎉 A huge thank-you to Chase County Community Hospital & Clinics and Melham Medical Center for hosting our team. We always love working with our members to strengthen skills that make a real difference.

RIGHT RESPONSE® is a nationally recognized program that empowers participants with proactive strategies to prevent conflict, de-escalate tense situations, and respond effectively during moments of crisis. 🚨

We’re already looking forward to teaching more sessions and continuing to spread these vital skills across Nebraska! Interested in attending a course, bringing RIGHT RESPONSE® to your facility, or earning your certification through the training? Send us a message - we’d love to connect!

11/07/2025

Shoutout to our 2025 Quality sponsors! Thank you for your continued partnership.

Bamboo Health | ChartSpan | COPIC Companies | NAHQRS | Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska | Flood Communications | Medical Solutions | USI

11/06/2025

Did you know Medicare Advantage can delay patients from receiving appropriate care? Nebraska hospitals consistently find it more difficult to get post-acute placements like skilled nursing facility and rehab approved for Medicare Advantage patients.

This isn't just a coincidence. A 2024 Senate investigation found that these plans deny post-acute care at significantly higher rates than Traditional Medicare.

11/05/2025

The 2025 Quality Conference is officially one week away!

Designed for health care professionals including quality and nursing leaders, clinic managers, pharmacists, CEOs, providers, and board members, this program will highlight national and state best practices while fostering thoughtful discussion around the future of Critical Access Hospital (CAH) Quality in Nebraska.

🔗 Learn more and register now: https://loom.ly/KKUn1UA