Capitol Conversations: From Pasture to Policy Strengthening Rural Health Care and Long-Term Care in Nebraska
One of the concerns I hear often from families across rural Nebraska is the challenge of finding quality care for aging loved ones close to home. When a parent or grandparent begins experiencing memory loss or requires additional assistance, families want options that allow them to remain near their community, church, friends, and support network. In many rural areas, however, those options can be limited. In an effort to strengthen access to care in local communities I introduced LB 61 last year, which would have increased the reimbursement rate to assisted living facilities for memory care patients.
Earlier this year, Nebraska launched its Rural Health Transformation Program, a five-year effort supported by $218.5 million in federal funding aimed at strengthening rural health care systems across the state. The program is designed to improve access to care, address workforce shortages, and strengthen long-term care services so that rural Nebraskans can receive quality care close to home. Several key initiatives are now beginning to open for providers and communities.
While LB 61 met challenges due to budget limitations, it did open the door for the discussion that led to the inclusion of these specific funds in the Rural Healthcare Transformation Program; the Assisted Living Facility Special Needs Population Incentive Program. This initiative provides an additional Medicaid reimbursement of $87 per resident, per day for assisted living residents diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias. The purpose is to help offset the higher costs of memory care and support facilities that serve residents with more complex care needs. By strengthening these payments, the program can help keep seniors in their local communities and support rural assisted living providers.
In addition, Facility Modernization Grants are now open to assisted living facilities seeking to improve their physical environments. These grants support upgrades that improve safety, accessibility, and care environments for residents with higher levels of need, including those living with dementia.
Another important component of the Rural Health Transformation Program is the Nebraska Rural Health Workforce Incentive Program. This program provides financial incentives to licensed health care professionals who commit to serving in rural Nebraska for a five-year period. Eligible providers include a wide range of health care professionals such as physicians, nurses, behavioral health providers, dentists, and other licensed practitioners working in approved rural settings. The goal is to strengthen recruitment and retention so rural communities have consistent access to essential health care services.
Together, these initiatives represent the early rollout of Nebraska’s broader effort to strengthen rural health care,from the workforce that delivers care to the facilities that provide long-term support for aging residents.
Strong rural communities depend on strong local health care systems. Supporting assisted living facilities, modernizing care environments, and strengthening the health care workforce are all part of helping Nebraska families access quality care without leaving their communities.
The best solutions to the challenges facing rural Nebraska come from the people who live and work in our communities every day. Your input, concerns, and questions are essential in shaping the work I do. I encourage you to reach out to me or my office at any time if you have questions, thoughts, or need assistance with issues affecting your community.
For questions about the Rural Health Transformation Program or related initiatives, please contact:
Office of Rural HealthPhone: (402) 471-2337Email: dhhs.ruralhealth@nebraska.gov
Respectfully,
Senator Tanya Storer
Facebook: Tanya Storer for Legislature
📩 Email: tstorer@leg.ne.gov
📞 Phone: (402) 471-2628
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