Nebraska Medicine’s independent Board of Directors strongly opposes the NU Board of Regents’ plan to spend nearly $1 billion in taxpayer money to take over Nebraska Medicine.

Nebraska Medicine’s partnership model with the University of Nebraska and Clarkson Regional Health Services has been in place since 1997. The University now wants to acquire Clarkson’s share for $800 million.

“Turning Nebraska Medicine into a state-run health system is not in the best interest of our patients, clinical experts or health care in Nebraska,” says Lance Fritz, chair of the Nebraska Medicine Board of Directors. “We are taking all needed actions to stop a state takeover.”

Fritz says the Nebraska Medicine Board of Directors wants to work with the Board of Regents and Clarkson to advance Nebraska Medicine’s “bright future as an independent health system.” 

However, the NU Board of Regents is moving forward without approval from the Nebraska Medicine Board of Directors. This goes against the joint operating agreement between the University, Clarkson and Nebraska Medicine. 

Why this should matter to you

If this proposal moves forward, it could mean:

• Unclear finances: The University is facing a budget crisis and making cuts across its campuses. Despite this, the Regents want to pay nearly a billion dollars to a private foundation (Clarkson). Taxpayer and Nebraska Medicine money may be used to pay off the acquisition.
• Loss of local control: This proposal could turn Nebraska Medicine into a University-run organization. The NU Board of Regents could redirect the health system’s money to cover the University’s budget gaps, even for things that aren’t health care.
• More state control: The state could become responsible for Nebraska Medicine’s 10,000+ employees and more than $1.3 billion in yearly salaries and benefits.
• Limits on care: The Board of Regents could try to control what care physicians can and cannot provide.
• Difficulty recruiting: With fewer resources and more red tape, recruiting world-class physicians could become harder.

Learn more 

A new website has been launched to help everyone understand what is being proposed.

The website, protectnebraskahealthcare.org, shares facts that:

• Explain in detail what is at risk if the state takes control.
• Show important information for patients, employees and taxpayers.
• Show that most Nebraskans oppose government control of health care.

“It’s important that Nebraskans have access to clear and accurate information on this issue,” Fritz says. “We hope this website explains why it is a serious concern for our patients, care teams and the future of health care in Nebraska.”

Get the facts