Nebraska Rural Health Association

10/21/2025

At Callaway District Hospital, CEO Brett Eggleston and his team embody what it means to care for neighbors — inside and outside the hospital.

This is the story of how Callaway District Hospital shows up for the people it serves, providing trusted care while investing in local tradition. From the hospital hallways to the annual Oconto Barbecue Festival, where Brett leads efforts to support the local fire department, community connection runs deep.

Through leadership, service and an unwavering commitment to neighbors, Callaway District Hospital illustrates how rural health care is more than medicine.

This I Love Rural Health story is brought to you by Lutz, Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services Office of Rural Health, and the Nebraska Hospital Association.

10/20/2025

A requirement for Medicare to reimburse medical providers for telehealth services has expired due to the federal government shutdown. While the government is closed, Medicare recipients’ access to previously covered telehealth visits is no longer guaranteed. The solution, says Jed Hansen, Executive Director of the Nebraska Rural Health Association, is permanent legislation. That way, Medicare coverage for telehealth services wouldn’t be dependent on changes in budget bills.

“It really just leaves the mode of care up to the patient and how they're wanting to receive that care, whether that's an in-person visit, a full telehealth visit or even just audio only in some cases.”

Learn more from Nebraska Public Media News: https://loom.ly/omt1tgg

Medicare coverage for telehealth visits expired when the federal government shut down. Without permanent legislation, Nebraska’s medical providers aren’t guaranteed reimbursement for remote visits that patients have grown to rely on since the pandemic.

10/16/2025

Dive deep into the state of veteran oral health in Nebraska. Join a data-driven virtual session with the Nebraska Rural Health Association and the The American Institute of Dental Public Health. Explore, discuss, and shape the future of dental care for our heroes.

Register here: https://loom.ly/1HJVEgU

10/13/2025

The Medicare enrollment period begins on October 15th extending through December 7th. Qualifying residents in Greater Nebraska need to know the facts before enrolling in or switching to a Medicare Advantage plan. Medicare Advantage plans are often promoted as being a lower cost option, but there can often be higher costs to both patients and hospitals.

10/10/2025

Did you know insurance agents and brokers are not required to give seniors all their coverage options?

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.

Learn more: https://loom.ly/-sYXouE

Medicare Open Enrollment Begins October 15.  Have questions about your Medicare options?  We can help.  Call us at 1.800.234.7119 to make your appointment.    Nebraska SHIP, State Health Insurance Assistance Program, empowers, educates, and assists Medicare-eligible individuals, their families,...

10/08/2025

The Nebraska Rural Health Association joined the Nebraska Hospital Association and hospital leaders to warn seniors to closely review their health coverage before enrolling in Medicare Advantage this fall, citing widespread issues with care denials, delayed treatment, and financial strain on local hospitals.

Jed Hansen, Executive Director of the Nebraska Rural Health Association, said the growing administrative and payment burdens threaten the future of small-town hospitals.

“Rural health care can’t be managed from an out-of-state call center,” Hansen said. “It needs local care kept local.”

Medicare's open enrollment period begins on October 15th and runs through December 7th.

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

Nebraska hospitals are warning seniors to closely review their health coverage before enrolling in Medicare Ad...

10/07/2025

Medicare Advantage (MA) is failing rural patients and jeopardizing Nebraska hospitals. Lured by lower out-of-pocket prices and shrewd sales tactics, more than half of statewide Medicare-eligible seniors are now enrolled in an MA plan. Meanwhile, a growing number of Nebraska hospitals refuse to contract with at least some MA plans, citing undue financial burdens and a lower standard of care.

Rural Nebraskans must understand their options when it’s time to enroll in a plan. What does it really mean to sign a Medicare Advantage contract?

10/01/2025

NeRHA Executive Director Jed Hansen and Nebraska Hospital Association Chief Nursing & Informatics Officer Margaret Woeppel presented on Age Friendly health communities in rural Nebraska to attendees at the National Rural Health Association CAH Conference last week. With rural populations aging faster than urban areas, ensuring seniors receive thoughtful, personalized care close to home is more important than ever.

Learn about how Nemaha County Hospital in City of Auburn, Nebraska is implementing Age-Friendly for older adults in their community: https://loom.ly/2jEWWvE

09/25/2025

NeRHA Executive Director Jed Hansen recently partnered with M. Bryant Howren, PhD, MPH on a new article for JAMA, a peer-reviewed medical journal published by the American Medical Association.

The article, "The One Big Beautiful Bill Act—Implications for Rural Health Care," extrapolates on the profound implications of this law for rural clinicians and the hospitals, clinics, and systems they work in, and the effect on the health and well-being of rural individuals and their communities.

Learn more: https://loom.ly/3307tvc

09/17/2025

We are excited to partner with the The American Institute of Dental Public Health on the Nebraska “stop” of the Veteran Oral Health Virtual Road Tour! Join us on October 30th at 12:00pm CT for a dynamic one-hour session designed to empower state-based stakeholders to illuminate gaps and identify solutions for Nebraska veterans and their oral health.

Register here: https://loom.ly/1HJVEgU

09/12/2025

September is Healthy Aging Month! Access to care should never be a barrier to healthy aging. Together, our NeRHA members and leaders work to identify health concerns across our state and collaborate on strategies to improve services in our communities.

09/10/2025

NeRHA hosted a quarterly board meeting and annual NeRHA Day at the Park at Werner Park this week. What a great day supporting the Omaha Storm Chasers with rural health advocates from across the state.

Thank you to all who joined us!