Continued health care system evaluation proposed
A partnership established to examine how best to control costs and improve quality in Nebraska’s health care system would be continued under a proposal heard Feb. 21 by the Health and Human Services Committee.
LR422, introduced by Lincoln Sen. Kathy Campbell, would build on a resolution adopted by the Legislature in 2013, which designated the Health and Human Services Committee, in cooperation with the Banking, Commerce and Insurance Committee, to evaluate the state’s health care system.
Campbell said that resolution resulted in a conference involving policymakers and stakeholders that examined what Nebraska’s health care system should look like in 15 years.
“We have reintroduced this concept in LR422 to continue the work that was started,” she said, “We want to continue to provide a comprehensive review.”
Under LR422, the committees would bring together policymakers and stakeholders at all levels to work toward the following goals:
• providing a comprehensive review of Nebraska’s health care delivery, cost and coverage demands;
• defining opportunities for expansion of health care delivery to rural and medically underserved regions;
• determining the role of team-based care;
• assessing opportunities for loan forgiveness for health care providers who practice in designated underserved counties;
• engaging partners in dialogue, roundtable discussions and public policy discourse;
• developing a framework for health care system transformation to meet public health, workforce, delivery and budgetary responsibilities; and
• developing cooperative strategies and initiatives for the design, implementation and accountability of services to improve care, quality and value while advancing the overall health of Nebraskans.
The Health and Human Services Committee would hold additional hearings and make recommendations in conjunction with the Banking, Commerce and Insurance Committee regarding health care for all Nebraskans.
Funding for activities outlined in the resolution would be provided by existing appropriations from the Nebraska Health Care Cash Fund.
Dr. Rowen Zetterman testified in support of the resolution, saying the state requires a comprehensive vision for the future of health care delivery. Mortality rates in several Nebraska counties have increased since the 1990s, he said, mostly from preventable diseases related to lifestyle choices.
“All Nebraskans deserve to have access to health care that emphasizes good habits, wellness and prevention,” Zetterman said.
Jennifer Carter of Nebraska Appleseed also supported the measure. Implementation of the federal Affordable Care Act has provided Nebraska with a unique opportunity to examine the state’s health care delivery system, she said.
No one testified in opposition and the committee took no immediate action on LR422.
