Nebraska

Rural Nebraska hospitals plead for higher reimbursement, say some are at risk of closing

Published

1 year ago

January 7, 2025

Rural Nebraska hospitals plead for higher reimbursement, say some are at risk of closing

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – For many rural hospitals in Nebraska, the challenge isn’t just providing care; it’s staying open.

They said at a press conference Tuesday that they’re facing a financial crisis and struggling to meet the needs of their communities.

In rural Nebraska, a single hospital is often the only source of care for miles.

But they are facing a tough battle as they deal with a shortage of funds.

SEE ALSO: ‘It will save lives’: As rural Nebraska hospitals struggle, one gets a boost

They said large urban hospitals such as the University of Nebraska Medical Center receive higher reimbursement rates from insurance and government programs, while smaller rural hospitals are left to scramble for resources.

“We need to make sure that reimbursement models are fair, and they bring dollars to the table for the services that we do have,” said Arlan Johnson, CEO of Howard County Medical Center.

Sen. Brian Hardin said as health care costs rise, the financial gap only widens.

“In 2023, the average retail value of a Tier 4 drug in America was $257,000 for the year,” he said. “Who can afford that? Short answer, no one.”

He wants to make sure rural hospitals can participate in the 340B program, which allows them to purchase drugs at a discount.

“In order to give top-notch care and provide extra services in the community we have, we have to ensure that Medicaid and 340B programs are protected,” said Laura Gamble, CEO of Pender Community Hospital.

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

Health officials said if rural hospitals don’t get higher reimbursement, some will have to close.

For families living in remote areas, those closures mean longer drives to receive basic care and, sometimes, delayed treatment.

State leaders are aware of the challenges and said it’s one of their top priorities this upcoming legislative session.

But the solutions are far from simple.

Sen. Mike Jacobsen of North Platte said this upcoming year, he plans to work with the Nebraska Medical Association to work on a bill that would allow higher reimbursement for doctors and other practitioners.

Hardin said Congress needs to step up and remodel 340B.

Tags: 340b program, Arlan Johnson, drug prices, Gering, hospitals, Howard County Medical Center, Laura Gamble, medical provider reimbursement rates, Memorial Hospital, North Platte, Pender Community Hospital, reimbursement, reimbursement rates, rural hospitals, Senator Brian Hardin, Senator Mike Jacobsen, Seward Memorial Hospital

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Nebraska

$3,125 Nebraska Pick 4 winning ticket sold in York

Published

9 hours ago

January 10, 2026

Press Room

,125 Nebraska Pick 4 winning ticket sold in York

LINCOLN, Neb. (KSNB) – One lucky player who bought a Nebraska Pick 4 ticket for the Thursday drawing is holding a ticket worth $3,125.

The ticket was sold at Pump & Pantry #16, 109 Lincoln Avenue, in York. The winning numbers from Thursday’s Nebraska Pick 4 draw were 09, 06, 01, 02.

Winning Nebraska Lottery Lotto tickets expire 180 days after the drawing. Tickets with total prize amounts of $501 to $19,999 must be claimed by mail or at a Regional Lottery Claim Center. Additional information about claiming prizes can be found at the Nebraska Lottery website, nelottery.com, or by calling 800-587-5200.

Nebraska Pick 4 is a daily Lotto game from the Nebraska Lottery. Players select four numbers, each from a separate set of digits 0 through 9, for a chance to win up to $6,000. Players decide what type of play style and potential prizes to play for by choosing from one of six bet types. The odds of winning the $3,125 prize in Nebraska Pick 4 are 1 in 10,000.

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Nebraska

How Nebraska men’s basketball’s historic start to the season could end its NCAA tournament drought

Published

21 hours ago

January 9, 2026

Press Room

How Nebraska men’s basketball’s historic start to the season could end its NCAA tournament drought | NCAA.com

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Nebraska

Britt Prince scores 20 for No. 25 Nebraska women in 78-73 win over Indiana

Published

1 day ago

January 9, 2026

Press Room

Britt Prince scores 20 for No. 25 Nebraska women in 78-73 win over Indiana

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Britt Prince scored 20 points and Jessica Petrie added 17 for No. 25 Nebraska in a 78-73 win over Indiana on Thursday night.

Prince, who buried her 700th career point in the fourth quarter, scored 15 of her points in the second half after holding off a late surge from the Hoosiers (11-6, 0-5 Big 10) in the third quarter. Logan Nissley added 11 points.

Indiana went on a 14-1 run in the third to take the lead from Nebraska (14-2, 3-2) for the first time since the beginning of the game, leading briefly at 51-49. Indiana took a 1-point lead with 5:32 to play, but Nebraska scored 16 points over the final 6:14.

Shay Ciezki scored 31 points on 13-of-21 shooting for Indiana, her fourth time this season scoring more than 30 points. Zania Socka-Nguemen added 19 points and 11 rebounds. Maya Makalusky had 12 points. The Hoosiers shot 51% as a team from the field compared to Nebraska’s 42%, but have dropped their fourth straight game.

Up next

Indiana: Hosts No. 14 Iowa on Sunday.

Nebraska: Hosts No. 4 UCLA on Sunday.

___ Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here. AP women’s college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-womens-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/womens-college-basketball

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