Michigan hospitals have been paying for many patients who can’t afford care
Patient Safety Monitor Alert
September 17, 2008
Michigan hospitals spent an unprecedented $2.6 billion last year paying for free and discounted care for many patients who could not afford it, reports the Detroit Free Press. The Michigan Health & Hospital Association, which represents 132 of the state's 147 hospitals, is reporting that this number is up $1.7 million from 2006.
Michigan's population is changing, leaving behind more elderly and sicker patients, says the article. There are 1.1 million uninsured patients in the state. Much of the free care is given in hospitals' emergency departments.
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