Hospitals Tout Charity Care

Illinois nonprofit hospitals provided nearly $4.9 billion in community benefits through various programs and services during their 2008-2009 fiscal years, according to Illinois Hospital Association's fourth annual report.

"Although hospitals give billions of dollars in community benefits each year, including nearly half a billion dollars in charity care, this report highlights that the real value of hospitals cannot be calculated merely in dollars and cents," IHA president Maryjane Wurth said in a statement.

The report comes from information submitted to the state by 109 hospitals under the Illinois Community Benefits Act. The assistance includes $2.39 billion in underpayments by government-sponsored programs such as Medicare and Medicaid; $1.1 billion in health care services for patients who were unable to pay; and $492 million in free and discounted care.

The benefits were provided even as the state's nonprofit hospitals faced financial challenges, the report stressed. Nonprofit hospitals nationally have come under heightened scrutiny over whether they provide sufficient charity care and community benefits to warrant the fiscal benefits of their tax-exempt status.

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Healthcare industry Illinois
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