Nebraska Hospital Association

10/29/2025

When Medicare Advantage plans delay or deny post-acute care, it leads to delayed or premature discharge from hospitals and a reduced ability for patients to access necessary skilled nursing and rehab services. In fact, those on Medicare Advantage plans are more likely to experience longer hospital stays and less likely to receive certain follow-up care than those on Traditional Medicare. The result is often worse health outcomes and higher medical costs.

10/28/2025

Over 90% of Nebraska hospitals find it more difficult to get post-acute care approved for Medicare Advantage patients than Traditional Medicare patients.

According to a 2024 U.S. Senate investigative report, Medicare Advantage plans deny post-acute care at significantly higher rates than Traditional Medicare. These denials, often using AI-driven prior authorization, lead to delayed or premature discharge from hospitals and a reduced ability for patients to access necessary skilled nursing, rehabilitation, or home health services, resulting in poorer health outcomes and increased costs for seniors.

View the full Senate report: https://loom.ly/RsORGnQ

10/27/2025

That’s a wrap on our 2025 Annual Convention & Trade Show!

Last Friday, we concluded the three-day event with a Closing Keynote from Dr. Thom Mayer on “Leading in Times of Crisis: Leadership is Worthless… But Leading is Priceless.”

Hospital leaders Jeff Francis, Michael Hasselberg, and Steven Leitch then joined Jim Ulrich for a dynamic panel on the Innovative Uses of AI in Nebraska Hospitals.

We ended the day with our cherished Caring Kind Awards Luncheon, celebrating 46 years of honoring Nebraska’s most compassionate and dedicated health care professionals.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and made this year’s event such a success!

10/24/2025

Day 2 Recap!

We began the day with a keynote presented by Shawn DuBravac on the digitization of health care, which explored how artificial intelligence is transforming the industry and reshaping how organizations view the role of AI.

During lunch, we proudly hosted Nebraska’s largest health care trade show, featuring 100+ vendors.

In the afternoon, top decision-makers shared important public policy updates, and how they are working to support Nebraskans and strengthen health care across the state.

We extend our sincerest thanks to U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer, Representative Mike Flood, Representative Don Bacon, Senator Mike Jacobson, Senator Carolyn Bosn, Senator Bob Hallstrom, Senator Dan Quick, and Dr. Steve Corsi for taking the time to speak with our audience and share their perspectives.

10/23/2025

What a great way to kick off our 2025 Annual Convention & Trade Show!

Yesterday we started the day with our opening keynote speaker, Nate Kaufman, who shared timely insights on the administrative challenges hospitals face and how to navigate through times of crisis.

Throughout the day, breakout sessions covered a wide range of topics from federal policy updates and operational performance in hospitals to behavioral health and more.

Jeremy Nordquist and Jed Hansen followed later in the afternoon with an update on the Rural Transformation Program and what’s ahead for our communities.

We closed the evening with our awards banquet and a lively performance from Omaha’s own Finest Hour.

We can’t wait to see what today has in store!

10/21/2025

Stories have poured in from hospitals across the state about how Medicare Advantage plans prior authorization requirements can delay necessary care and increase administrative burdens for patients and hospitals.

The Medicare enrollment period is now through December 7th. Does your plan make you wait for care or deny it? Seniors should know the facts about Medicare Advantage and consult with their health care provider before enrolling or switching plans.

10/20/2025

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 plan policies. And a whopping 91% of providers feel that the administrative requirements of Medicare Advantage plans contribute to physician and staff burnout.

Meanwhile, workforce shortages continue to be a persistent threat to health care access in Nebraska.

10/17/2025

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.

Meghan Chaffee, chief advocacy and legal officer at the Nebraska Hospital Association, says the stoppage is affecting seniors, individuals with chronic conditions, behavioral health patients, and those in rural areas.

“If those chronic conditions are going untreated and unmonitored, those patients could end up in emergency rooms at a much higher cost of care if left unmanaged.”

Learn more from Nebraska Public Media News: https://loom.ly/Zc3W_KI

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.

10/17/2025

We have been hearing from hospitals and patients across our state about Medicare Advantage plans barriers to accessing care. Do you have the best plan for your health care needs and location?

Medicare open enrollment is now through December 7 and Nebraska seniors need to fully understand their Medicare enrollment choices. Nebraska SHIP & SMP provides free, unbiased, and personalized counseling on Medicare to help seniors understand their options. Call 1-800-234-7119 to make an appointment.

10/16/2025

Did you know Medicare Advantage plans can delay patients from receiving necessary care and increase overall health care costs? Medicare Advantage plans are often promoted as being a lower cost option, but there can often be higher costs to both patients and hospitals.

The Medicare enrollment period is now through December 7th. Seniors need to know the facts before enrolling in or switching to a Medicare Advantage plan.

10/15/2025

We are officially one week out from our 2025 Annual Convention & Trade Show!

A big thank you to our generous event sponsors for helping make this conference possible:

Nebraska Medicine | CHI Health | Bryan Health | Children's Nebraska | Faith Regional Health Services | Baxter International Inc. | Methodist Health System | Corpay | Jackson Physician Search | Medica Health Plans

🔗 Explore event details and secure your spot today: https://loom.ly/M4-Qk2w

10/14/2025

Medicare Advantage plans deny care more often than traditional Medicare and can delay your treatment when you need it most. A staggering 98% of hospitals say prior authorization requirements from Medicare Advantage plans negatively impact clinical care by delaying necessary treatment.