Nebraska hospitals face crisis with 42 counties lacking primary care providers

The Health and Human Services Committee of the Nebraska Legislature convened on March 20, 2025, to address pressing issues within the state's healthcare system. The meeting highlighted significant challenges facing Nebraska's medical landscape, particularly in rural areas.

The session began with a report indicating that 21% of Nebraska hospitals are at risk of closure, with 38% operating at a negative margin. The data revealed a concerning shortage of healthcare providers, with 42 of 82 counties identified as having primary care shortages, and 81 counties lacking adequate mental health services. Additionally, 28 counties face shortages in dental professionals.

A key point of discussion was the impact of proposed budget cuts under LB 261, which would reduce general fund allocations for healthcare programs from $2.1 million to $680,000. This reduction could halt student loan contracts for medical professionals until at least 2026 or 2027, exacerbating the existing workforce crisis.

The committee heard testimony from healthcare professionals, including a representative from a critical access hospital, who emphasized the urgent need for support in recruiting and retaining medical staff. The testimony underscored the importance of community health workers and innovative models to enhance emergency services, particularly in rural settings where response times can exceed 50 minutes.

Senators expressed concern over the aging population of first responders and the need for a sustainable model to train and retain emergency personnel. Suggestions included allowing emergency medical technicians to work in emergency departments and participate in community health initiatives, which could improve patient outcomes and reduce costs.

The meeting concluded with a call for collaborative efforts to address these challenges, emphasizing the need for strategic planning and resource allocation to ensure the sustainability of healthcare services across Nebraska. The committee plans to continue discussions on these critical issues in future sessions.