State Distributes Funds to Hospitals for Charity Care
An estimated $13.3 million was reimbursed Monday to 15 hospitals that treated uninsured patients as part of the Lingle-Aiona Administration's ongoing efforts to assist the industry's charity care practices.
Lt. Governor Aiona addresses hospital administrators at a news conference.
“Hawai‘i’s private hospitals serve as a vital safety net for people who lack health insurance,” Lt. Governor Aiona said during a check presentation ceremony at the State Capitol. “This combination of federal and state money will help our hospitals remain financially viable so they can continue providing quality healthcare for all patients, regardless of their ability to pay.”
Since 2005, the state Department of Human Services has secured $175 million from the Federal Centers for Medicare & Medical Services to help public and private hospitals statewide with the cost of providing charity care.
According to the latest U.S. Census figure, roughly 8 percent of Hawai‘i residents lack health insurance, ranking the state among the best in the nation for its low percentage of uninsured residents.
“In addition to securing new funding for hospitals, the Lingle-Aiona Administration continues to expand our State Medicaid programs so many more adults and children can receive free and high-quality insurance,” said Lillian Koller, director of the Department of Human Services. “This initiative helps ease the financial burden on hospitals and on families, while improving the overall health of our population.”
Richard Meiers, president and chief executive officer of the Healthcare Association of Hawai`i, said, "I have to give credit to this Administration and Human Services Director Lillian Koller, who has made all kinds of efforts during the past six years to work with the delegations to get federal dollars we never got under previous administrations."
