That’s according to the association’s annual Community Investment Report.
Specifically, the Community Investment Report shows that more than 120 participating hospitals and health systems in the state provided $588 million in charity care last year, according to a news release. That number, along with bad debt, made up hospitals’ reported $1.1 billion in uncompensated care in 2013, the release reads.
“Hospitals contribute to the physical health and economic strength of communities throughout Missouri,” MHA President and CEO Herb B. Kuhn said in a news release. “In 2013, hospitals provided more than half a billion dollars’ worth of care to individuals in their communities who are without health insurance coverage. Once again, this year’s report signals the need for lawmakers to return taxpayers’ money from Washington, D.C., to stabilize our state’s health care infrastructure and increase access to health coverage.”
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