By Jeremy Nordquist
President, Nebraska Hospital Association
Congressional leadership in Washington, DC is considering substantial cuts to health care, including the federal Medicaid program. Medicaid is a major source of health care coverage for Nebraskans in rural areas, with nearly half of enrollees living in rural counties. These potential cuts endanger both patients and the rural hospitals that serve them.
Nebraska hospitals provide high-quality care to all patients in every community. Hospitals are open to everyone, regardless of ability to pay, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year.
But hospitals are operating on razor thin margins, and many are still struggling to operate in the black. In Nebraska, 52 percent of all hospitals and 54 percent of all rural, independent Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) are operating at a loss. The average operating margin was 2.2 percent for all hospitals and 1.4 percent for independent CAHs, well below a sustainable operating margin. This has already led to service reductions and eliminations for one in five hospitals, impacting crucial areas like labor and delivery and mental health services. When hospitals close or reduce services, patients are forced to travel longer distances for essential care, leading to delayed treatments and worse health outcomes. Further federal cuts would severely compound these difficulties, putting the future of these essential rural health care providers at risk.
Rural communities need accessible health care to stay strong. Across rural Nebraska, Medicaid plays a crucial role in funding services like mental health care, emergency medical services, home health, hospice, long-term care for seniors, and maternity care. In our rural county hospitals, Medicaid pays for 26 percent of all Emergency Room visits, 33 percent of all births, 43 percent of all behavioral health services, and 44 percent of all services provided to minor patients. Strong rural health care means stronger families, a more resilient workforce, and thriving communities.
Rural hospitals and patients need meaningful support from lawmakers. Medicaid is a fundamental element for protecting hospitals and other vital services in rural Nebraska, ensuring all Nebraskans have access to essential health care. Meaningful support from our elected officials is critical for rural hospitals to survive and the individuals they serve to thrive.
We need Nebraskans to stand up and speak out against cuts to health care that will shatter access to care in rural communities.
Please act today! Visit ProtectRuralHealthCare.com to make your voice heard.