Connecticut’s not-for-profit hospitals provide a substantial community benefit as the state’s healthcare safety net, caring for all regardless of ability to pay. In 2006, Connecticut hospitals provided more than $190 million in uncompensated care—that is $52 million in charity care and another $138 million worth of care that hospitals had to “write off” for patients who couldn’t pay.

In addition to providing uncompensated care, Connecticut hospitals must bridge the financial gap created by insufficient payments from government programs like Medicare and Medicaid. In 2006, government underfunding of Connecticut hospitals exceeded $350 million or nearly 5.5 percent of their operating expenses.

Connecticut hospitals’ community benefits go well beyond the financial support and underwriting of healthcare services. Every day, Connecticut hospitals go above and beyond the delivery of essential healthcare services to ensure healthier children, safer environments, earlier detection of disease, a stable and competent healthcare workforce, and enhanced access to basic healthcare services. Read more.