Challenges Facing Nebraska Hospitals on Medicare
Lincoln, Nevada – Nebraska hospitals are encountering new challenges related to Medicare, particularly with the Medicare Advantage plans.
The Nebraska Hospital Association has indicated that while the Medicare Advantage plan serves a larger population, it may also lead to higher costs for those enrolled.
These Medicare Advantage Plans encompass benefits from Part A and Part B, with many offering Part D, thus serving as a more limited alternative to traditional Medicare.
Jeremy Nordquist, the president of the Nebraska Hospital Association, mentioned:
A recent survey of over 90 hospitals revealed that many are facing issues with delayed payments along with difficulties in obtaining approvals or facing outright rejections from the Medicare Advantage program.
“These delays hinder patient care and create barriers between families and their loved ones, ultimately raising the overall healthcare costs,” Nordquist noted.
Officials are concerned about patient access and the financial stability of numerous rural hospitals in the state.
These facilities often operate on tight budgets with minimal staffing.
“Medicare Advantage plans place significant pressure on insurance companies and healthcare providers, necessitating hours of phone calls each week,” Nordquist explained.
Currently, over half of all Americans eligible for Medicare are enrolled in Advantage plans, with projections suggesting this figure could increase by two-thirds by 2034.
Hospital leaders caution that without changes, these pressures might compromise patient care access statewide.
“We’re a small 21-bed critical access hospital in a town of just 1,000 people,” stated Laura Gamble, CEO of Pender Community Hospital. “Patients increasingly prefer local care from familiar, trusted providers.”
As Medicare enrollment rises, healthcare leaders emphasize that action is urgently needed.
“The underlying issue is how the Medicare Advantage plan restricts and denies patient care,” Nordquist said. “This situation places our healthcare professionals and hospitals on an untenable path.”
