Nearly 60% of rural Nebraska hospitals losing money on operations, officials report

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Rural hospitals in Nebraska are struggling to keep some services open due to economic pressures.

The Nebraska Hospital Association reported that nearly 60% of rural hospitals are losing money on operations.

That’s because of inflation and low Medicaid and Medicare rates.

In just the last year, hospitals have shut down maternal care centers, nursing homes and hospices.

Hospital officials are worried closures will continue if nothing changes.

Legislative Bill 1087, introduced by State Sen. Mike Jacobsen of North Platte, aims to prevent that.

The proposal, which has 30 co-sponsors, would give hospitals federal reimbursement for Medicaid services.

“The closures of services that we’ve experienced in the last year are going to continue if we don’t have this type of action,” said Jeremy Nordquist, president of the hospital association.

A committee hearing for the bill is scheduled for Friday.