2024 Community Benefits Report Released
Nebraska hospitals are vital to our communities -providing care, giving back and creating opportunities
The Nebraska Hospital Association recognizes the importance of hospitals in Nebraska and the 50,000 health care heroes working to provide top quality patient care across the state. Today, the Nebraska Hospital Association released its 2024 Community Benefits Report, which identifies the collective impact of Nebraska’s hospitals.
Nebraska hospitals are available 24/7 and are there to meet the needs of individuals in the communities they serve, whether it be illness, injury, treatment, rehabilitation, education, wellness care, prenatal care or palliative care. Hospital doors are always open, providing care for every Nebraskan. “Nebraska hospitals are the lifeblood of our communities,” commented Jeremy Nordquist, President, Nebraska Hospital Association. “They provide essential patient care as well as significant economic benefits throughout Nebraska communities.”
Combined, Nebraska hospitals provide approximately $1.56 billion in community benefits annually. 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. 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 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.
Hospitals support important educational initiatives. They fund health professional programs like medical internships, residencies, and fellowships to grow the next generation of health care professionals. They also engage in community building activities like workforce training and engagement with K-12 students interested in health care careers.
Nebraska hospitals consistently provide nationally recognized, award-winning excellence in quality, patient care, patient satisfaction and state-of-the-art technology. Nebraska’s hospitals and health systems remain committed to providing access to high-quality, affordable health care while innovatively transforming Nebraska into a center of excellence. “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,” said Nordquist.
About the NHA
The Nebraska Hospital Association has been the guiding force of its members since 1927. The NHA serves as the influential voice of its members in the health care legislative and public arenas, promoting the delivery of quality health care and influencing public opinion of hospitals and health networks. Members depend on the Association for information, advice, education and changes in health care regulations, legislation, trends and other issues