Nebraska
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.
Nebraska
Nebraska Dept. of Agriculture proposes ban on food and beverages containing any amount of THC
LINCOLN, Neb. — A public hearing Thursday drew strong opposition to proposed rules that would label food adulterated and illegal if it contains any amount of THC and its derivatives, potentially decimating Nebraska’s hemp and CBD industry.
The regulations would affect products like gummies, beverages and oral tinctures. Over 490 people wrote in opposition to the new regulations, while only three supported them.
The rule changes stem from an executive order issued by Gov. Jim Pillen in January requiring state agencies to review laws regarding the use of synthetic THC in food and beverages. The order was made to align with federal law coming in November 2026, which bans synthetic THC products and limits total THC concentrations in hemp products to not exceed 0.4 milligrams per container.
The proposed Nebraska rule goes beyond that federal standard.
“I would say it’d be similar other than it does say no THC. It is zero THC,” said Andrew Bish, chief operating officer of Bish Enterprises. “It’s not we are deferring to the federal government standard and aligning with the federal government standard. It is, in fact, a different standard.”
Fifteen speakers testified during the hearing, with many calling for the Department of Agriculture to regulate the industry rather than enforce outright bans.
“I respectfully urge the department to pursue a balanced science-based approach that protects public safety, targets specific problems, strengths and standards where necessary and holds bad actors accountable without unnecessarily eliminating access to products that may Nebraskans find valuable and beneficial,” said Dr. Andrea Holmes, a professor of chemistry at Doane University.
Many who testified were shop owners who said the regulations would result in major business losses and reduced state revenue.
“In 2025, we pay over $1 million in sales tax. We expect to be over $1.3 million in 2026,” one speaker from The Cannabis Factory said. “We’re not opposed to regulation, or oversight, or even additional taxation.”
The Department of Agriculture will review comments and decide if any changes need to be made. If not, the regulations go to the attorney general and the governor for approval.
The regulations include a carve out for the medical cannabis acts, meaning people with medical cannabis cards could get prescriptions that would not be affected by this proposed regulation change.
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Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen said Thursday that he has asked President Donald Trump to issue a major disaster declaration for damage caused by storms that hit the state May 15-18.
The storms spawned tornadoes and flash flooding across Buffalo, Fillmore, Gage, Howard, Jefferson, Nemaha, Thayer and Thurston counties. There were numerous downed power poles and lines as well as extensive damage to schools, building and roadways. Damage just to public infrastructure is estimated at nearly $5 million.
In addition to the disaster declaration request, Pillen said he also has requested access to the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, which provides funding to governments to allow them to rebuild in ways that will reduce or mitigate future disaster losses. Approval would allow the state to apply for such grants.
Thursday’s disaster declaration request is the second in two months. Back in May, Pillen requested one for historic wildfires in March that impacted Arthur, Garden, Grant, Lincoln and Morill counties. At the time of the request, it was estimated there was at least $9.7 million in damage from the fires, which were the worst in Nebraska’s history.
Nebraska
Bandits back in the win column with tournament-opening victory in Nebraska – East Idaho News
OMAHA, Neb. – The Bandits opened the Omaha, Nebraska tournament with a 7-4 win over Fremont.
The Bandits, coming off two losses to Billings at last week’s Bandits Invitational, trailed 4-3 in the fifth, but tied it up on a sac fly by Cole Croft.
They scored three runs in the bottom of the sixth for the win.
Carter Bowen finished 3 for 3 with an RBI and two runs scored. Conner Cannon and Taye Lords each knocked in two runs for Idaho Falls (10-2).
Tyson Christenson picked up the win with four innings of relief.
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