From 2010 to 2011, uncompensated care at Minnesota hospitals and health systems increased roughly 2.6 percent to $509.5 million, according to a report from the Minnesota Hospital Association.
The rise in charity care has led the MHA to support the expansion of Medicaid under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.
"As nonprofits, hospitals and health systems provide access to care to patients — regardless of their ability to pay — 24 hours a day, seven days a week," said Lawrence Massa, president and CEO of the Minnesota Hospital Association. "That's why Minnesota hospitals support the expansion of Medicaid to provide insurance coverage to more Minnesotans and the creation of a Minnesota-based insurance exchange to insure more Minnesotans."
In 2011, Minnesota hospitals contributed more than $3.6 billion in total community benefits, which includes uncompensated care, losses from Medicare and Medicaid and paying for community health programs.
The rise in charity care has led the MHA to support the expansion of Medicaid under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.
"As nonprofits, hospitals and health systems provide access to care to patients — regardless of their ability to pay — 24 hours a day, seven days a week," said Lawrence Massa, president and CEO of the Minnesota Hospital Association. "That's why Minnesota hospitals support the expansion of Medicaid to provide insurance coverage to more Minnesotans and the creation of a Minnesota-based insurance exchange to insure more Minnesotans."
In 2011, Minnesota hospitals contributed more than $3.6 billion in total community benefits, which includes uncompensated care, losses from Medicare and Medicaid and paying for community health programs.
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