Continued health care system evaluation approved

A partnership established to examine how best to control costs and improve quality in Nebraska’s health care system is continued under a resolution adopted March 7.

LR422, introduced by Lincoln Sen. Kathy Campbell, builds 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 the initial resolution resulted in a conference attended by 157 stakeholders from across Nebraska to discuss challenges and opportunities facing the state’s health care system. She said she hears weekly from people who wish to attend future conferences and be part of the dialogue.

“We’re tying to take a look at what health care in Nebraska should look like in 15 years,” she said.

Grand Island Sen. Mike Gloor spoke in support of the resolution, saying the Legislature needs to focus more on long-term strategic planning.

Under LR422, the committees will 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, round-table 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 will 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 will be provided by existing appropriations from the Nebraska Health Care Cash Fund.

The resolution was adopted on a vote of 26-1.