NHN Wins National 2025 NAACOS Excellence Award

Omaha, Neb. (Oct. 9, 2025): Nebraska Health Network has been awarded the 2025 NAACOS Excellence Award, a national recognition presented at the NAACOS Fall Conference honoring organizations that demonstrate outstanding leadership in advancing value-based care.  

Formed in 2010 through a partnership between Methodist Health System and Nebraska Medicine, NHN brings together physicians, hospitals and other providers to deliver coordinated, patient-focused care.  

The organization was recognized for its strong quality performance, use of data to enhance patient outcomes and commitment to partnerships that lower costs and promote care quality. Preventive care has been a key focus, noting Medicare Annual Wellness Visits have climbed from 20% in 2016 to nearly 83% in 2024. Over the years, NHN has been recognized regionally by payers for high quality, with efforts that have produced millions in savings across multiple value-based care contracts, while helping patients receive the right care at the right time. 

“Nebraska Health Network has shown tremendous leadership in improving the health of their local communities, as well as elevating best practices in value-based care nationally,” said Emily Brower, president and chief executive officer of NAACOS. “Their passion, drive and commitment to accountable care is commendable as they continue to innovate to improve quality of care and reduce spending.” 

This recognition highlights NHN’s role as a model for accountable care and its ongoing drive to shape the future of value-based care. 

Nebraska Health Network CEO Lee J. Handke, PharmD, MBA, has guided the organization in advancing initiatives that improve quality, reduce costs and expand access to care across Nebraska. “We are truly honored to receive the Excellence Award. This recognition belongs to our providers, staff and partners whose teamwork is making care more affordable and more accessible for patients across Nebraska.”  

View the NAACOS Press Release.