Lincoln, Neb. — The Nebraska Hospital Association (NHA) released its 2026 Medicare Advantage Report October 15, the same day Medicare open enrollment began.
The report is based on surveys of the NHA’s 92 member hospitals.
Ninety-four percent say the shift to Medicare Advantage has negatively affected their financial position. And 94 percent say prior authorization requirements delay medically necessary treatment.
Jeremy Nordquist is the NHA’s President and CEO…
The NHA also says patients may not fully understand their plan’s provider networks, prior authorization requirements or coverage limitations. Ninety-six percent of hospitals surveyed say Medicare Advantage beneficiaries often misunderstand or are unaware of key aspects of their coverage.
Nordquist says Medicare Advantage may offer benefits to some seniors, but the hospital association says consumers should also understand potential restrictions and out-of-pocket costs before making a decision…
“It’s just important for Medicare folks of Medicare age to sit down and make sure that, you know, they understand that they’re looking at all the options that their broker is showing them all the options to be kind of savvy consumers. When you’re just entering Medicare, you might be healthier, not have health conditions. You might like the free gym membership that’s given to you. But when the time comes for you to need serious medical care, that decision can cost you tens of thousands of dollars in the long run.”
Nordquist says seniors should take time to compare their options before making changes…
Open enrollment runs through December 7.
