The survey found that a majority of hospitals (52 percent) experienced an increase in the number of patients without insurance coming through their emergency departments.
Forty percent of hospitals reported experiencing a “significant” decrease in operating margins (compared to 24 percent in April 2010), and 48 percent of the hospitals saw a significant or moderate increase in the number of patients covered by Medicaid and other public programs for New Hampshire’s low-income populations.
The survey also found that many hospitals’ financial measures, which are important to creditors, are still showing signs of strain. Thirty-two percent of hospitals report a moderate to significant decrease in “days cash on hand,” an increase from 28 percent the year before.
“In a weak economy, hospitals’ role as part of the healthcare safety net in New Hampshire is more important than ever,” said NHHA president Steve Ahnen. “Our survey’s results confirm that, in spite of the economic storm of the last couple of years, hospitals continue to serve the patients and communities who depend on them.”
Nearly all of the hospitals surveyed have made various changes to cope with mounting financial stress. Ninety-five percent of hospitals surveyed have addressed the economic challenges by taking steps such as reducing services, freezing wages, reducing employee benefits and cutting staff — the same percentage as the previous two surveys.
Read the NHHA survey on New Hampshire hospitals (pdf).
Read more coverage on New Hampshire hospitals:
– New Repayment Plan for New Hampshire Hospitals Up For Federal Approval
– Most New Hampshire Hospitals Struggling in Current Economy
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