While some reports are showing the uninsured rate holding steady in Colorado, the hospital experience tells a different story. Charity care is increasing and we are seeing more uninsured patients in hospital emergency departments. And all of this comes at a time when nearly 70% of Colorado hospitals have unsustainable finances. Colorado cannot afford to ignore these real-world trends; we need solutions that strengthen coverage and protect access to care and that require accountability from the state, not policies that leave more people uninsured and hospitals with fewer resources to serve their communities. ow.ly/XkNb50XCZFc
Here for Our Community: "This is our home. This is our hospital. I can't imagine going anywhere else. " Don't miss this heartwarming video of a Lincoln Health patient sharing the importance of the hospital in her community. www.canva.com/design/DAG2e5iP-Y0/gO_UK41SHyhFtSGo5Mj-4w/watch
A report issued last week showed that three health systems in Colorado were profitable in 2024. However, it is important to distinguish between total margin and operating margin, and this report draws misleading conclusions by often relying on total margin as a metric for the financial health of hospitals. Total margin, which includes a range of income such as investment earnings and one-time funding increases, is not a bellwether for a hospital’s performance or financial sustainability. Operating margin – the metric CHA reports on – is a much more accurate representation of hospital finances because it highlights the difference between the actual cost of providing patient care and the reimbursement hospitals receive for providing it.
Nearly 70% of Colorado hospitals are currently facing unsustainable operating margins, and this is in the shadow of devastating federal cuts to Medicaid, looming budget cuts in the state legislature, and a dramatic rise in uncompensated care. Learn more about the current state of Colorado hospitals' financial condition:
Hospital Financial Challenges | Colorado Hospital Association
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Financial Challenges are Growing for Colorado Hospitals What You Need to Know:The financial and operational impacts for hospitals over the past four years