Forced Health Care Isn't Justified Sep 24, 2009
In an interview with ABC s George Stephanopoulos on Sunday, by contrast, he said uncompensated care costs the average family $900 ... The foundation s analysis indicates that the true annual cost per family is more like $200, with uncompensated care accounting for less than one percent of private health insurance costs ... The problem with this argument is not just that the cost of such uncompensated care seems to be much lower than the president claims. (Human Events Online)
Does Cost of Uncompensated Care Justify Forcing People to Buy Insurance? Sep 23, 2009
Jacob Sullum : Does Cost of Uncompensated Care Justify Forcing People to Buy Insurance ... Wednesday, September 23, 2009 Does Cost of Uncompensated Care Justify Forcing People to Buy Insurance ... In an interview with ABC's George Stephanopoulos on Sunday, by contrast, he said uncompensated care costs the average family $900. (Townhall.com)
The hidden cost of the uninsured Sep 20, 2009
Families USA contracted with an actuarial consulting firm to find out the exact cost of this "hidden health tax" the total cost of uncompensated care that is provided to the uninsured and that is spread across the privately covered, non-Medicare/non-Medicaid population ... 7 billion) was unpaid, uncompensated care ... The cost of this uncompensated care was passed on to businesses and individuals in the form of higher premiums. (Williston Daily Herald, ND)
JIM COSTA: What's needed for reforming U.S. health care Sep 18, 2009
In 2006, Fresno's Community Medical Center provided $126 million in uncompensated care for those lacking health insurance. Uninsured people are forced to rely upon the emergency room for medical care, often waiting until their illness is advanced and much more costly to treat. (Fresno Bee -- Opinion)
Skyrocketing Employer Health-Insurance Premiums Sep 16, 2009
Private insurers subsidize a large part of the annual cost of treating the uninsured because hospitals build the cost of uncompensated care into their fees. If there is no reform, more people will become uninsured and costs to cover the uninsured will rise. (BusinessWeek)
Elusive price tag for universal health coverage Sep 11, 2009
Uninsured tend to be healthier, but ranks are growing amid recession. John W. SchoenSenior producerupdated 11:16 a.m. ET Sept. 10, 2009. (MSNBC -- Politics)
Local residents sound off on health care Sep 10, 2009
At a Central New York Citizens in Action rally in Utica on Tuesday, pro-reform demonstrators pointed to statistics from the House Committee on Energy and Commerce such as the $66 million worth of uncompensated care that local hospitals absorbed the cost for in 2008, and the 940 health care-related bankruptcies filed in the 24th Congressional District last year. In order to get the economy back on track, we must deal with the fact that health care costs are completely out of sight and... (Utica NY Obserer, NY)
Vigil calls attention to health care issues Sep 9, 2009
Local hospitals provided about $66 million in uncompensated care to the uninsured last year. The crowd which Furman described as a coalition of groups which support health care reform included local religious leaders, political activists, college students and union officers from Communications Workers of America Local 1126. (Utica NY Obserer, NY)
Hospital pricing in South Florida confuses and dismays Sep 8, 2009
Muhart at Memorial says the system lost $180 million last year in uncompensated care. It's tax-supported, but it tries to minimize its need for taxes. (The Palm Beach Post)
Uninsured Sit At Center Of Emotional Health Care Debate Sep 7, 2009
3 million on so-called uncompensated care during the past fiscal year ... The Kaiser study found that uncompensated care accounted for about 1. (FOX61, CT)
Sacramento County faces growing mental health crisis Sep 5, 2009
In August, privately owned Sierra Vista and sister absorbed almost $500,000 in uncompensated care for patients diverted from Sacramento County s main psychiatric hospital ... Millions in uncompensated care. (Sacramento Business Journal, CA)
Colorado gets $42M for health improvements Sep 3, 2009
Officials said the grant will help increase Coloradans access to medical services while reducing the practice of cost-shifting to private insurance due to uncompensated care. Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter said in a press release that the grant highlights the state s accomplishments in improving access to health care including the recent passage of a new surcharge to hospitals that will bring up to $600 million a year to the state s health care system and provide expanded coverage to more than... (Denver Business Journal, CO)
I-Team: Hospitals Shy Away from Discussing Health Care Reform Aug 28, 2009
It's been in the red more than 10 years running, with $200 million last year alone in uncompensated care. "Part of the financing proposal that's been floated around out there is well, we'll just cut some of the Disproportionate Share Payments to hospitals. Well, we're the beneficiary of those types of funds and without those funds, we couldn't begin to provide a lot of the care we provide already," Silver said. (KLAS-TV)
Rodriguez takes feedback from public over health care Aug 28, 2009
Health care providers in the district provided about 47 million in uncompensated care in 2008, and Rodriguez said that costs everyone. When it comes to health-care reform, Rodriguez said he believed that benefits must be balanced with costs. (Fort Stockton Pioneer, TX)
I-Team: Las Vegas Doctors Favor Reform Aug 26, 2009
A recent review by the Kaiser Commission on Medicaid and the Uninsured determined taxpayers fund the bulk of nearly $56 billion per year in uncompensated care, much of it in hospitals. Health care reform supporters contend universal coverage may reduce that expense long term by enhancing preventive care and increasing early diagnoses. (KLAS-TV)
Helping patients goal of Sierra Vista hospital bill policy Aug 23, 2009
Fernandez said staff members have learned to be cautious in how they approach patients when it comes to billing issues, using such phrases as uncompensated care, steering away from financial assistance. In addition to community outreach efforts, the hospital is staffed with people dedicated to guiding patients through the insurance process, which is often difficult to understand. (Sierra Vista Herald, AZ)
Keenan 2009 Health Care Benefits Strategy Survey Profiles Challenges and Responses From California Organizations Representing 217 Hospitals Aug 20, 2009
"At the same time, hospitals are finding it difficult to grow revenues, due to the reductions in government health care reimbursements, reduced elective admissions and increased uncompensated care. They have difficult challenges, and they require creative solutions that will work within the limitations of budget constraints, staffing requirements and labor relations.". To address cost issues, organizations are considering a variety of approaches, including. (PR Newswire)
Woolsey to join peaceful health care protests (3) Aug 20, 2009
In 2008, health care providers in this district alone provided $81 million in uncompensated care, care that was provided to individuals who lacked insurance coverage and were unable to pay their bills. These costs would be virtually eliminated with meaningful health care reform, she said. (Sebastopol Sonoma West Publishing, CA)
•Letter: President's health care plan bad for everyone Aug 10, 2009
Imposing an individual health insurance mandate that would result in new lawbreakers, do little to control costs (with uncompensated care being only a few percent of America's $2. 4 trillion annual health care expenses) and would fail to address the biggest problem of third parties paying the bulk of health care expenses instead of consumers who would have the most incentive to contain costs and purchase only the level of coverage they need. (The Daily Journal)
Transcript of Murphy's remarks on the healthcare reform bill Aug 10, 2009
Murphy went on to say that, according to estimates, Americans with a family health insurance plan pay $1,000 to $2,000 towards covering uncompensated care for people without health insurance who don t pay their bill. That, I think is part of the problem, Murphy said, People who have insurance pay too much, and people who don t have insurance aren t in the system and don t get as much care as they could otherwise. (Hudson Register Star, NY)
Personal choice plays big part in nations health problemsLeading the list is the decision to use tobacco Aug 9, 2009
At Sky Lakes Medical Center, the write-off on uncompensated care is about $2 million a month. Would more use of lower-cost clinics bring down the cost of emergency room treatment. (Klamath Falls Herald & News, OR)
Charity clinics can be reform model Aug 5, 2009
Georgia s charity clinics provide between $200 million and $400 million annually in uncompensated care, according to a 2005 state auditor s report. That amount will likely be even greater this year because of the rising number of unemployed. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
Northern San Joaquin Valley hospitals footing more of the bill Aug 3, 2009
The state does not have data on uncompensated care for the Kaiser Permanente hospitals in Modesto and Manteca. Many in valley uninsured. (Modesto Bee, CA)
Campaign 2010: Cahill calls health reform penalties 'probably too low' Aug 3, 2009
Cahill said the uncompensated care pool had not shrunk as rapidly as needed to offset funding reductions and called penalties for insurers and people who choose not to get coverage probably too low. Cahill, who is considering a run for governor next year, has been publicly doubting the prudence of keeping the reform effort intact, but Massachusetts politicians have been hesitant to take their complaints national. (Belmont Citizen Herald, MA)
Lamm hits health care costs Aug 1, 2009
Conservatives will need to accept the concept of mandates requiring individuals and employers to obtain or provide insurance as a way to get reduce uncompensated care. Those on the right also need to warm up to the idea of government subsidies to help people who can t afford insurance. (Denver Business Journal, CO)
Remarks by the president in an AARA tele-town hall on health care reform Jul 31, 2009
The average family is spending about 900 a year in higher health care premiums, because they are paying indirectly for uncompensated care. Essentially, the insurance companies charge you a little more, and hospitals and doctors, they're all charging you a little bit more, because they're not getting reimbursed for people who don't have any care whatsoever. (Chatham Star Tribune, VA)
Salud, Amigo! Jul 31, 2009
That's assuming there are about 6 million uninsured undocumented immigrants and that we spend an average of $1,900 per person per year on uncompensated care. But that does not include the cost of actually insuring them. (Slate)
Giffords summarizes health bill to constituents: complicated Jul 29, 2009
For example, the document says District 8 health care providers gave 69 million in uncompensated care in 2008. The fact sheet does not say how much of that amount would be addressed by the legislation facing Congress, as much of the uncompensated care was for illegal border crossers who may not be affected by the legislation. (Green Valley News & Sun, AZ)
MASS. DEBATE Jul 23, 2009
The state saved money by reducing payments to hospitals for uncompensated care and increasing the cigarette tax by $1 per pack to help pay for the expansion. Then came the recession, forcing thousands of laid-off residents to sign up for subsidies. (USA Today)
Health law costs aren’t the problem Jul 23, 2009
To a large degree, the answer can be found in the unique way the law s programs and incentives act in concert to expand access to subsidized coverage for low-income families largely through a reallocation of funds from uncompensated care, while also encouraging enrollment in employer-sponsored and individual health insurance plans. With individuals required to have health insurance, many have enrolled for the first time in their employer s plan or purchased private coverage on their own. (Boston Globe)
Radical health care reform is folly Jul 19, 2009
They access care through a network of community health centers and free clinics, through some out-of-pocket expenditures as well as from free services provided by hospitals that are reimbursed through federal payments for uncompensated care. The uninsured are a highly diverse group that varies considerably across the nation. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Paul Krugman: Check the score: Health care plan does pencil out Jul 7, 2009
California Credit Union League. Web search powered by YAHOO. (Sacramento Bee -- Opinion)
Would An Overhaul Hurt Health Care? Jun 24, 2009
Imagine we are starting from scratch, and government officials running Medicare and Medicaid and state uncompensated care pools get together with private insurers. The government officials say: "We're taking over responsibility for all the elderly, whose health care costs are generally much higher than average. We'll also take on a large proportion of the poor. We're leaving you the best customers--those who are relatively young, and employed. But hey, we'll also pay you far more than we pay our... (CBS News)
End to hidden tax is priority in health reform Jun 22, 2009
This happens because health-care providers must increase their costs to cover those with insurance in order to pay for the uncompensated care to the uninsured. The insurance companies then pass on these higher costs to their policyholders in the form of higher premiums. (Orangeburg Times and Democrat, SC)
Can Obama sell his health care plan to doctors? Jun 20, 2009
D'Angelo said there would, however, be benefits to a plan that seeks to insure the entire population, as it would reduce uncompensated care. But doctors would receive less money per patient, he added. (Xinhuanet, China)
Newsweek: Fact-checking Obama on health care Jun 19, 2009
The liberal Center for American Progress, also updating the 2005 Families USA estimate, that "8 percent of families' 2009 health care premiums approximately $1,100 a year is due to our broken system that fails to cover the uninsured." These calculations are based on distributing "uncompensated care" care provided to the uninsured that's not covered out of pocket or by private or public funds over the insured population ... They concluded: "[W]e are highly skeptical that the high... (MSNBC -- Health)
Pass universal healthcare Jun 19, 2009
In addition hospitals dispense $34 billion in uncompensated care a year. The remaining cost of caring for the uninsured, $37 billion, comes from public and private sources. (Queens Chronicle, NY)
U-M Hospitals & Health Centers Weathers Tough Economic Climate, Plans for Growth Jun 19, 2009
They noted that UMHHC has experienced a 15 percent rise in uncompensated care in just the past year, with increases in both the number of patients who qualify for charity care, and those who cannot pay bills for care they've already received. At the same time, a higher percentage of UMHS patients are covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and county health plans, which do not reimburse at the same rates as private insurers. (PR Newswire)
This is the summer for health reform Jun 18, 2009
The average American family with health insurance last year paid a hidden "health tax" of $1,000 -- when uninsured people can't pay, the cost of uncompensated care shifts to those with coverage. Providing health care to everyone is not just the right thing to do, it's an economic must. (Anchorage Daily News)
Nelson Gives Constituents The Latest On Health Care Views Jun 16, 2009
Estimates suggest that 15 percent of Nebraskans insurance premiums, when combined with uncompensated care, are due to this cost shift. Were trying to find a way to insure 45 million people who dont have insurance and need to make sure that whatever is done is done right because we probably wont get a do-over. (Nebraska Statepaper)
Healthcare: non-system hits middle class hardest (51) Jun 16, 2009
Hospitals in the U.S. provide 34 billion in uncompensated care per year. That cost is passed on in the form of higher fees for services. (Boerne Star, TX)
Baptist reports $110M community benefit Jun 4, 2009
6 million in uncompensated care to patients who did not seek to qualify for charity care status and did not pay for billed services. Reader Comments. (Business Journal of the Greater Triad Area)
PCMH board OKs dialysis contract Jun 4, 2009
3 million; Oatman said PCMH has been hurt by uncompensated care, and that the hospital's revenue per full-time equivalent is low. approved the Credentialing Policy and Procedure Manual, the Personnel Policy Handbook and Environment of Care Program. (Fort Stockton Pioneer, TX)
More of this story Jun 4, 2009
"In theory, if you eliminate all the uninsured individuals, then as an organization, you no longer have to worry about uncompensated care, which therefore eliminates the 'hidden tax' that insured individuals pay under the current system.". Bedwell continued, "My concern is that if we are requiring all citizens to have some form of coverage; the coverage should be uniform. An individual under an individual plan should receive the same level of care as those under a federal plan and vice-versa.". (Cut Bank Pioneer Press - Golden Triangle, MT)
NH's Gregg outlining health care reform plan Jun 3, 2009
The goals include better access to provider networks and more timely care; reducing the price of health care for consumers through access to negotiated rates; limiting the cost of uncompensated care for overburdened health care providers; transitioning to a payment system based on quality; and reducing the overall costs of health care. Gregg says while there's no simple one-shot solution to address the ills of the nation's health care system, all can agree that no one should lose their life... (Concord Monitor)
The wisdom of mandates May 31, 2009
The cost to the state of these subsidized programs has also been kept manageable because the state has been able to draw from the $656 million uncompensated care pool that, before the reform law, helped to cover the health costs of the uninsured. As a candidate for president, Barack Obama opposed a mandate on individuals to get coverage, which both John Edwards and Hillary Clinton supported. (Boston Globe)
Americans Paying 'Hidden Tax' For Medical Costs Of Uninsured May 30, 2009
One difference is over how much uncompensated care exists ... Families USA estimates that the whole $43 billion of uncompensated care is cost shifted, while KFF suggests it is closer to $8 billion ... Hadley called the Families USA figure an "exaggeration." About half of uncompensated care is provided by physicians "most of whom are already setting fees as high as the market will bear, and not higher because of treating the uninsured," Hadley claimed. (Investors Business Daily)
Hidden health tax costs insured $1,017 May 30, 2009
7 billion in 2008, is considered uncompensated care. Those costs are shifted onto the health care bills of insured people, ultimately resulting in the hidden health tax through higher premiums. (Puget Sound Business Journal, WA)
Insured face 'hidden health tax' May 29, 2009
Hidden health tax costs insured $1,017 - South Florida Business Journal. for free extra services. (South Florida Business Journal, FL)
Health bill would fix what's broken May 28, 2009
That way insurance companies and hospitals will no longer have to tack the cost of uncompensated care to the uninsured onto the medical bills and premiums of those with insurance. But reform isn't just about coverage. (Boston Globe)
Economy keeps sick from hospitals May 17, 2009
Meanwhile, hospital officials say the amount of uncompensated care rendered at the facility has jumped 18 percent in the last year. The losses contributed to a 3. (Daytona Beach News Journal)
$12.3M in legislative funding pleases public hospital officials May 14, 2009
Hospitals receive money through a Disproportionate Share Hospital Program to offset costs of providing charity and uncompensated care ... "The proof is going to be in the pudding as we get further down the road. ... We expect charity and uncompensated care to go up greatly this year." ... Hospitals receive money through a Disproportionate Share Hospital Program to offset costs of providing charity and uncompensated care. (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Critical Care: Health of the Basin's health care systemSkyLakes optimistic about budget, concerned about potential tax increase May 13, 2009
And despite spending $2 million on uncompensated care each month $24 million a year the hospital bounced back from a sub-par first quarter to balance its budget at the end of the second quarter, which ended in March. Tom Hottman, SkyLakes spokesman, said the hospital is optimistic about its April numbers. (Klamath Falls Herald & News, OR)
With charity-care costs soaring, UNC to ask uninsured to pay Apr 15, 2009
suffering from growing losses for uncompensated care, is going to start seeking co-payments from patients qualifying for charity care and requiring deposits from uninsured patients ... In 2004, the cost of the hospital system s uncompensated care totalled $140 million ... Uncompensated care includes charity care for those whose incomes are less than 250 percent of the federal poverty line, uncollected debt, and the difference between what Medicare reimburses the health system and what the... (Raleigh Triangle Business Journal, NC)
Gov. Nixon Proposes to Expand Health Coverage Apr 12, 2009
These dollars will come from the funds Missouri hospitals currently receive for providing uncompensated care to uninsured patients. This investment by the MHA would allow the state to draw down about $93 million in additional health care matching funds from the federal government. (Saint Louis Front Page)
Uninsured rising in isles Apr 9, 2009
"We ended up with $150,000 in uncompensated care that comes from nowhere." ... "We ended up with $150,000 in uncompensated care that comes from nowhere.". (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Obamacare to Squeeze Private Insurance Apr 8, 2009
Many think that public plans would reduce the rate of uncompensated care, because lower income individuals would have an easier time finding coverage. But the Lewin Group predicted that there would be a net decrease in compensation for doctors and hospitals because of decreased rates, even if decreased uncompensated care was taken into consideration. (Townhall.com)
Recession hits hospitals hard (1008) Mar 18, 2009
5 million in uncompensated care ... The MHA said Michigan hospitals in 2007 provided record levels of uncompensated care. (The Herald-Palladium)
Bill to boost federal health money heard Mar 14, 2009
5 billion Colorado hospitals pay every year for uncompensated care while providing relief for some of the state s 800,000 uninsured residents. Summer worked with Ritter s team and state legislators on drafting the legislation. (Denver Business Journal, CO)
'Super' fine would boost trauma care Mar 10, 2009
And Georgia hospitals, which say they provide more than $170 million in uncompensated care each year, say the staggering costs have led some to drop the voluntary "trauma" designation and left large swaths of rural Georgia without a trauma care center. Supporters say expanding the system from 15 to 30 hospitals - mostly in areas outside of metro Atlanta - could save some 700 lives each year and millions in health care costs. (The Augusta Chronicle)
CareFirst, Maryland hash out universal health coverage Mar 4, 2009
Healthy Maryland would be funded by enrollees premiums, penalties charged of individuals and employers who don t participate, a share of hospitals uncompensated care reimbursement, and money from the Maryland Health Insurance Program, which would cease to exist. The plan does not call for an increase in the state's payroll tax on businesses a component of another universal health care plan introduced by Maryland Citizens Health Initiative in November. (Baltimore Business Journal, MD)
Are We Two Years From Health Care Collapse? Feb 28, 2009
According to the American Hospital Association, in 2007, uncompensated care costs were $34 billion, with an additional $31. 9 billion gap between costs and payments to hospitals for Medicaid and Medicare patients. (ABC News -- Business)
Wesleys community support tops $100M Feb 27, 2009
Wesley last year provided more than $79 million in uncompensated care, up 35 percent from 2007 and double the amount from 2006 ... However, he said, offsetting the lost revenue from uncompensated care is a concern for the hospital. (Wichita Business Journal, KS)
Hospitals out in the cold Feb 20, 2009
During the same period, bad debt, charity care and uncompensated care also increased to $5. 6 million from $3. (Cincinnati Business Courier, OH)
Hospital bad debt, charity cases soar amid an uncertain economy Feb 16, 2009
Via Christi Wichita Health Network wrote off more than $161 million in uncompensated care in 2008, while racked up $76 million in unpaid medical care charges ... With uncompensated care swallowing up the bottom lines of hospitals, executives say they have to look at other ways to cut costs ... And with layoffs on the rise particularly in the aviation industry, which has been hit hard in recent months the number of Wichitans without health insurance looks to spike, likely making the problem of... (Wichita Business Journal, KS)
