Overview: Nebraska’s community health centers serve as a vital safety net for thousands of families, seniors, and individuals who would otherwise struggle to access medical care. At the heart of their ability to provide care is Medicaid, a program designed to ensure our state’s most vulnerable residents receive the necessary health services.
Medicaid is a vital part of the U.S. healthcare system and plays an important role in patients of the community health centers. Over 40% of our community health center patient population in Nebraska is on Medicaid, with 26,000 health center patients under the age of 18 and nearly 13,000 rural patients enrolled. Community health centers are the backbone of primary care in many parts of Nebraska, particularly in rural areas where healthcare options are limited. These centers provide a wide range of essential services, from preventive care and chronic disease management to mental health services and maternal care. Importantly, they do so regardless of a patient’s ability to pay.
Funding for Medicaid
Federal funding for Medicaid is critical to healthcare in Nebraska and helps keep community health centers financially stable. 29% of health center revenue comes from Medicaid. On average, health centers cost the Medicaid system 24% less than other providers, saving Medicaid over $116 million in Nebraska annually.