The Nebraska Hospital Association has released it’s 2024 Community Benefits report, which identifies the collective impact of Nebraska’s 92 hospitals. “Nebraska hospitals are the lifeblood of our communities,” says NHA President Jeremy Nordquist. “They provide essential patient care as well as significant economic benefits throughout Nebraska communities.”
He says Nebraska hospitals provide more than $1.5 billion in community benefits each year. “This includes traditional charity care for Nebraskans without an ability to pay and covering bad debts for Nebraskans who struggle to pay for the care they receive,” Nordquist says
“Hospitals must subsidize the shortfall from Medicaid and Medicare reimbursement rates that do not cover the full cost to provide services under these programs.” Nebraska hospitals also invest in prevention programs, like free health screenings, engagement at health fairs and outreach to vulnerable populations. They also spend millions on life-saving research studies and clinical trials.
Nordquist says the state’s hospitals also support important educational initiatives. “They fund health professional programs like medical internships, residencies and fellowships to grow the next generation of health care professionals.”
Hospitals also provide workforce training and engagement with K-12 students interested in health care careers. “At the Nebraska Hospital Association, we are extremely proud of the collective impact of our member hospitals and the care they provide in our state,” Nordquist says.