LINCOLN, Ne. – The Nebraska Hospital Association (NHA) recognized three state senators for their commitment to improving health care access and quality for patients in Nebraska during the 98th Annual NHA Convention Awards Banquet held last week.

The NHA presented two state senators with the Health Care Advocate of the Year Award and a third with the Medallion of Honor.

“Senators Tony Sorrentino, Paul Strommen, and Eliot Bostar represent a high standard of legislative commitment to Nebraska hospitals and the patients we serve,” said Jeremy Nordquist, President of the Nebraska Hospital Association. “Their successful efforts on PBM reform, preserving rural health care workforce funding, and prior authorization reform demonstrate true service to the public and to our patients, and led to meaningful policy changes across the state.”

2025 Health Care Advocate of the Year Recipients: Senator Tony Sorrentino (District 39) of Elkhorn was recognized for his legislative action against harmful Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) practices. His priority bill, LB198, incorporated key provisions from the NHA’s PBM reform efforts, specifically targeting harmful white bagging and unreasonable contract terms that exclude specialty pharmacies.

Senator Paul Strommen (District 47) of Sidney was honored for his defense of rural health care workforce development. As a first-year member of the Appropriations Committee, Senator Strommen successfully advocated to restore $1.5 million in proposed funding cuts to the Nebraska Loan Repayment Program.

This program is instrumental in recruiting and retaining health care professionals in rural and underserved Nebraska communities.

2025 Medallion of Honor Recipient: The Medallion of Honor, reserved for individuals demonstrating unwavering support and leadership for quality health care and Nebraska’s patients, was presented to Senator Eliot Bostar (District 29) of Lincoln. A previous Health Care Advocate of the Year winner, Senator Bostar carried two of the NHA’s priority bills last session, leading to the successful passage of both prior authorization reform and PBM reform. Senator Bostar’s perseverance and advocacy for Nebraska’s patients were central to the passage of these important legislative initiatives.

“Hospitals provide quality 24-hour, 7 day a week care in their communities. We thank these legislators for their partnership and dedication to protecting access to care for every Nebraskan,” said Meghan Chaffee, Chief Advocacy and Legal Officer with the NHA.

The NHA congratulates all the 2025 honorees and is grateful for their efforts in improving health care across Nebraska.

About Us: The Nebraska Hospital Association is the trusted and influential voice for Nebraska’s hospitals and health systems. The NHA has a statewide membership of 92 member hospitals and over 50,000 employees. Through collaborative leadership, our members rely on the NHA for advocacy, data, education, and more to advance Nebraska hospitals’ ability to provide exceptional, quality care to Nebraska’s patients and communities. The NHA has been a vital part of our member hospitals’ missions since our founding in 1927.