The financial challenges for many Wisconsin hospitals worsened over the last year, according to Eric Borgerding, president and CEO of the Wisconsin Hospital Association.
WEAU 13 News reported Wisconsin hospitals have experienced workforce shortages and unfavorable payer mix, which compounded financial challenges. Hospitals aren't able to operate at capacity because they don't have enough staff and many regions serve a high percentage of patients with government payers. In Eau Claire, for example, hospitals report 60% to 70% of their payer mix as being government payers.
Mr. Borgerding said in 2022 there were 84 hospitals with decreasing margins, which ballooned to 139 statewide last year. The number of hospitals operating in the red increased from 32 to 65 year over year.
The strain will leave a lasting mark on healthcare access in the state. In recent months, hospitals in Eau Claire and Chippewa Falls have announced plans to close, and Green Bay-based Prevea Health aims to close 19 clinics in Western Wisconsin.