The Nebraska Hospital Association is issuing a three-point plan to protect its rural hospitals from closures and cutbacks, News Channel Nebraska reported Jan. 31.
The state currently has 71 rural hospitals, according to a report from the Center for Healthcare Quality and Payment Reform.
The three points of the plan:
- In the last two years, Nebraska hospital labor costs have been up 20 percent. The association is supporting legislation that would increase Medicaid provider reimbursement rates.
- The state is on track to suffer a shortage of 5,435 nurses by 2025. The association is supporting efforts to grow its rural workforce.
- NHA is supporting legislation that would increase oversight of Medicare Advantage, intending to ensure rural hospitals receive adequate reimbursement.