Healthcare facilities in Nebraska: Comprehensive healthcare network statewide. Renowned medical centers in Omaha. Access to rural healthcare services. Affordable health insurance options. Specialized treatment centers available. Telehealth services widely offered. Medicaid expansion in place. Emphasis on preventive care initiatives. Several mental health facilities. Diverse healthcare professionals' community.
Comprehensive healthcare network statewide
Nebraska's Heritage Health program combines physical health, behavioral health, dental, and pharmacy programs into a single comprehensive and coordinated program for Medicaid and CHIP enrollees. Members can enroll in one of three statewide health plans to receive their health care benefits. For more detailed information about the program, you can visit the Heritage Health Contacts page.
Renowned medical centers in Omaha
Omaha is home to several renowned medical centers, including CHI Health, Methodist Hospital, Nebraska Medicine/UNMC, Children's Hospital & Medical Center Omaha, Boys Town Hospital, and the Omaha VA Medical Center. These facilities offer a wide range of specialized care, including transplant services, pediatric care, and veterans' health services, with Nebraska Medical Center being consistently ranked as one of the best hospitals in the state and nationally.
Access to rural healthcare services
Nebraska's rural areas face significant challenges in accessing healthcare services, including a declining population, primary care physician shortages, and higher health disparities. However, initiatives such as expanding specialty services in Critical Access Hospitals, telehealth for mental health, and legislative support for workforce development are being implemented to improve access to high-quality healthcare in rural communities. For more information on these initiatives, visit I Love Rural Health to learn about the ongoing efforts to enhance healthcare accessibility in these areas.
Affordable health insurance options
In Nebraska, residents can access affordable health insurance through the federally run HealthCare.gov marketplace, where five private insurers offer coverage statewide. Most enrollees qualify for financial assistance that can significantly lower premiums and out-of-pocket costs.
Specialized treatment centers available
Nebraska's approach to addiction treatment encompasses a diverse range of services tailored to meet the varying needs of individuals battling substance use disorders. Facilities like those operated by Valley Hope in Nebraska offer specialized treatment options, including dual diagnosis programs and family care, all conducted by accredited and licensed clinicians. With locations in Omaha and O'Neill, Valley Hope provides intensive outpatient programs and residential addiction treatment to address different stages of recovery. Complementing these facilities, the Nebraska Behavioral Health System ensures a full continuum of care through trauma-informed and culturally competent services available statewide. From crisis response to inpatient care, their programs extend support to children and families, featuring innovative initiatives like the System of Care. Additionally, the state is home to various drug rehab centers such as Revive Ministries' Horizon Recovery Center and Canku Teca Treatment Center, which offer culturally specific and Christ-centered programs, emphasizing comprehensive and personalized recovery paths.
Telehealth services widely offered
In Nebraska, telehealth services are widely offered, particularly through the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services' implementation of Avel eCare's telemedicine platform in over 65 ambulances across more than two dozen rural EMS departments, providing critical support during transports and access to emergency physicians, paramedics, and nurses. Additionally, healthcare providers like Nebraska Medicine offer various telehealth options, including immediate care video visits, pre-scheduled video visits, and e-visits for a range of common conditions.
Medicaid expansion in place
Medicaid expansion in Nebraska, which began on October 1, 2020, provides full Medicaid benefits, including dental, vision, and over-the-counter drug coverage, to adults with incomes up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level, following a voter-approved initiative and the eventual termination of a tiered benefits system and work requirements. For more information, visit the Nebraska Appleseed website.
Emphasis on preventive care initiatives
Nebraska ICAP emphasizes preventive care through initiatives such as the Clostridioides difficile prevention project, the NE Respiratory Protection Task Force, and the mentorship program, all aimed at enhancing infection prevention and control in healthcare facilities.
Several mental health facilities
The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services operates two public psychiatric hospitals: the Lincoln Regional Center, which provides inpatient and residential treatment for severe and persistent mental illnesses, and the Norfolk Regional Center, a Sex Offender Treatment Center offering Phase I services in the Nebraska Sex Offender Treatment Program. Additionally, various mental health facilities in Nebraska, such as Blue Valley Behavioral Health, Boys Town National Research Hospital, Lutheran Family Services, and Community Alliance Cole Creek, offer a range of services including outpatient treatment, residential care, telehealth, and specialized therapies for different age groups and mental health conditions. One notable organization is the Nebraska Mental Health Centers, a family-owned clinic providing comprehensive psychological care through individual, marital, family, and group therapy, with offices in Lincoln, Beatrice, and Wahoo, alongside offering telehealth options for broader accessibility.
Diverse healthcare professionals' community
The healthcare workforce in Nebraska faces significant challenges due to a lack of demographic diversity, with a predominance of professionals identifying as White, non-Latino/a, despite the state's increasingly diverse population. Efforts to address this disparity are crucial, as there is a pressing need to attract more diverse healthcare professionals, especially in rural areas where shortages are particularly acute. Initiatives and strategies are being implemented to tackle these challenges and enhance the diversity of the workforce, ensuring it better reflects the community it serves. For further insights into these efforts and their impact, the Health Care Workforce Report highlights these challenges and accomplishments in detail on the UNMC Newsroom.