Minnesota Non-Profit Hospitals Provide $226 Million In Charity Care

During 2010, Minnesota's non-profit hospitals provided $226 million in charity care, 27% more than the $178 million provided during 2009. Charity care in this context is defined as a form of uncompensated care in which the hospital provides discounted or free services to patients who qualify under the hospital’s charity guidelines. Generally these policies are based on the patient’s income and insurance status, but can allow for other factors. This does not include other forms of uncompensated care, such as Medicaid and Medicare reimbursements and bad debt. The statistics were reported in the Minnesota Hospital Association . . .