Nebraska Hospital Association

NHA is launching an education-based solution geared towards the future of healthcare - starting with students as young as third grade.

This program is designed to teach kids about different careers and opportunities in the health care field, and then keep track of their progress and learning for prospective employers.

NHA is taking action to help our hospitals thrive!

https://loom.ly/trFT7EI

Congratulations to Home Care Partners for completing Level 1 of Age-Friendly.

Age-Friendly is created to improve the care of older adults in Nebraska by increasing knowledge, expertise and practice skills in implementing and promoting the 4 essential elements of an Age-Friendly Health System.

To learn more or get involved visit our website: https://loom.ly/BZrFd14

The 340B Community Benefits Program plays a vital role in supporting hospitals’ ability to provide essential medications and comprehensive care to underserved populations.

While challenges exist, thoughtful policy considerations can help optimize the program’s impact and ensure that it continues to fulfill its intended purpose of enhancing patient access to affordable prescription drugs.

NHA sends out a weekly member newsletter delivered on Fridays via e-mail. Every issue includes up-to-date information regarding NHA news, educational opportunities and updates from our different NHA departments.

Sign up for our weekly newsletter here: https://loom.ly/KXiYYwA

87% of NE hospitals report that it is more difficult to get post-accute placements approved for Medicare Advantage patients than traditional Medicare patients.

The Maternal Outcomes Matter Showers (M.O.M.S. Tour) is a nationwide public awareness effort, organized and hosted by the U.S. DHHS Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships (The Partnership Center), making stops in select areas where maternal and infant mortality and morbidity rates are high. According to health data, Black women are three times and American Indian/Alaska Native women are two times more likely to die from pregnancy-, birth-, and postnatal-related causes than white women, and over 80% of those deaths are preventable.

Congratulations to these Nebraska hospitals for earning a 5-Star Quality Rating from CMS for providing quality patient care:

CHI Health Good Samaritan (Kearney)
Omaha VA Medical Center
Faith Regional Health Services (Norfolk)
CHI Health Lakeside (Omaha)
Bellevue Medical Center
Boone County Health Center (Albion)

Read more from the report: https://loom.ly/tZLZSl8

381 hospitals with 5 stars from CMS Compared to 2023, CMS has awarded 102 fewer hospitals its five-star quality rating. On July 31, CMS released Overall Hospital Quality Star Ratings for 2024.

Mark your calendars! Join us at our upcoming 2024 Annual Convention this October. Get ready for inspiring speakers, exciting exhibits, and an abundance of networking opportunities. More details to follow soon.

Congratulations to CHI Health Plainview for completing Level 1 of Age-Friendly.

Age-Friendly is created to improve the care of older adults in Nebraska by increasing knowledge, expertise and practice skills in implementing and promoting the 4 essential elements of an Age-Friendly Health System.

To learn more or get involved visit our website: https://loom.ly/BZrFd14

90% of NE hospitals report that Medicare Advantage plans negatively impact the care their hospital is able to provide to patients.

Over 92% of NE hospitals report that prior authorization requirements by Medicare Advantage plans DELAY necessary care.

For over 30 years, the 340B Drug Program has played an essential role in ensuring health care providers have the necessary resources to provide vital programs and services for under-served patients and communities.

In Nebraska, 59 of 62 critical access hospitals (CAHs) utilize the 340B Drug Program and several other clinics across the state are also enrolled in the program.

Out of state manufacturers are now restricting distribution of 340B drugs and jeopardizing access to health care services in our state to increase their profits.

Inadequate Medicaid rates, combined with significant medical inflation and below-cost Medicare rates, have forced Nebraska hospitals to eliminate or reduce needed services, especially in our rural communities. In the last year alone, our hospitals in the state experienced closures of maternal care, behavioral health, home health, hospice, hospital-owned nursing homes, and other services.

Congratulations to our 2024 NHA Education Foundation scholarship winners! Thanks to Medical Solutions for their support. We awarded $100,000 to 29 well-deserving students from across Nebraska.

A growing number of providers in rural communities are slashing obstetric and chemotherapy services, among others. https://loom.ly/zTSHp64

Rural hospital CEOs plead for better reimbursement to avert cuts Three rural hospital operators in Washington, California and Arkansas discuss policy changes that could stave off additional service reductions.

Registration is now open for the 2024 Vulnerable Populations Conference on September 19-20 in Lincoln Nebraska.

Register and learn more today at: https://loom.ly/zPypQNw

Cyberattacks have shown that insurance companies like Change Healthcare, a subsidiary of UnitedHealth, have way too much power and authority in the health care industry. Our policymakers in Washington D.C. need to pay attention and make adjustments to how health care functions.

EMTALA exists to help you get the emergency care you need in a hospital emergency department. Anyone with an emergency medical condition must be offered treatment to stabilize that condition.

Watch a video about EMTALA here: https://loom.ly/SU-A7_Q

More than 41% of rural Nebraska hospitals are at risk of closure and 418 rural hospitals across the country are also at risk.

The major factors affecting these hospitals are Medicaid expansion, average daily census swing, occupancy, government control status, and years of negative operating margin. The hospital's average length of stay and change in net patient revenue also factored into its risk of closure.

418 rural hospitals at risk of closure, breakdown by state There are about 418 rural hospitals at risk of closure, according to a new report from Chartis, a healthcare advisory services firm.

Time spent on prior authorizations shouldn't compromise patient care. The NHA remains committed to advocating for streamlined processes with federal support, aiming to prioritize healthcare over paperwork.

NHA Communications keeps our members informed about the latest news and information that impacts their hospitals. The goal is to provide timely updates on legislation, quality improvement, education, and emergency preparedness.

Through our communications, public relations, and social media efforts, the NHA ensures our members stay informed, make informed decisions, and successfully navigate the evolving complex health care landscape.

Learn more about our member communications:
https://www.nebraskahospitals.org/communications/

Our staff had an absolute blast at our mid-summer picnic-themed lunch yesterday! They enjoyed delicious food and great company, followed by tons of laughter during our watermelon spitting, broomstick races, human ring toss, and hula hoop competitions.

A big thank you to our 'Happiness Committee' for organizing this fantastic event, and to all of our incredible staff for their hard work and dedication every single day!

Access to the 340B program is more important than ever.

Rural hospitals are facing significant financial challenges due to a confluence of factors from historic inflationary cost pressures and critical workforce shortages. They need access to the 340B program to ensure they can maintain access to rural health care services for their patients in the face of these challenges.

Some of our rural hospitals are facing significant financial challenges and the Rural Emergency Hospital model is a way for these facilities to continue to offer needed health care services.

Read more here: https://loom.ly/XDm6R4E

For some rural communities, a stripped-down hospital is better than none at all • Nebraska Examiner A new Medicare program designed to save dying rural hospitals pays them millions to stop offering inpatient services and instead focus on emergency care.

Nebraska hospitals. Here for Nebraskans, 24/7.

"Barely making ends meet or operating at a loss should never be the goal or an acceptable status quo for any nonprofit health care organization. It’s not just bad economics; it also impedes institutions’ ability to deliver services and improve health outcomes."
https://loom.ly/5PWQOSs

Why nonprofit hospitals need to make a margin Providers' mission to deliver care in their communities is impossible without a margin, say hospital association CEOs Sister Mary Haddad and Rick Pollack.

The law that gives everyone in the U.S. protections in the emergency room is the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act, also known as "EMTALA." This law helps prevent any hospital emergency department that receives Medicare funds (which includes most U.S. hospitals) from refusing to treat patients.

Learn more here: https://www.cms.gov/priorities/your-patient-rights/emergency-room-rights

Medicare Advantage. Failing patients and jeopardizing Nebraska hospitals.

On July 4th, we thank the members of the armed forces and their families, as well as the numerous health care workers that put their lives on the line every day to care for their patients.

The NHA Political Action Committee (NHA PAC) is a fund supported through contributions of NHA members. These funds are distributed to state senators and individuals running for office who support and understand the importance of health care in Nebraska.

Did you know all member hospital employees can contribute?

To learn more, visit: https://www.nebraskahospitals.org/advocacy/nhapac.html

Enjoy the beauty of fireworks this 4th of July, but remember to prioritize safety. Check out these tips on firework safety to protect yourself and your loved ones.

Learn more here: https://loom.ly/PEBeK8c