Missouri hospitals provided community benefits totaling more than $2.3 billion in 2010, according to a new report from the Missouri Hospital Association. The total includes $482 million in charity care, an increase of 30% from 2008, and contributions such as free clinics, donations, health care professional education, bad debt and unpaid costs of Medicare and Medicaid. According to the report, Missouri hospitals also provided jobs to 116,527 fulltime equivalent employees with salaries and benefits totaling $7.7 billion in 2010. 

“Hospitals provide lifesaving care to the communities they serve 24/7, and they provide economic life and vitality,” said MHA President and CEO Herb Kuhn. "The 2010 Community Investment Report demonstrates why strong communities need strong hospitals.”

As reported on missourihealthmatters.com, Hannibal Regional Hospital’s contribution to community benefit provided totaled over $15.6 million.  Community health investments include cost of charity care, bad debt, uncompensated and unpaid cost of care, organization donations to community wellness initiatives, investment in health professions education and free or low-cost medical services in physician clinics provided to the medically uninsured.

“The team members of Hannibal Regional Healthcare System come to work each day with a common Mission - to provide exceptional healthcare services for a better life,” stated John C. Grossmeier, President and Chief Executive Officer of the System.  “Our goal is, and always has been, to provide every patient and family member we serve with excellent services and to offer our community health resources to enhance the quality of life.”

In addition to community benefit, MHA’s report reflected that Hannibal Regional’s economic impact included approximately $3 million in taxes paid by the hospital - including income, property, sales and payroll taxes and over $60.4 million in payroll and benefits to team members.  $6.4 million was also made in capital investments on land, equipment and buildings.

“When members of the community think about Hannibal Regional Hospital, they probably think about the care the hospital provides, not the economic value the hospital produces,” said Mr. Grossmeier. “However, the quality employment that Hannibal Regional Healthcare System offers and the organization’s capital investments significantly increase the area’s economic activity.”  
To review the full Missouri Hospital Association report, visit missourihealthmatters.com.  For more information about Hannibal Regional Healthcare System and resources available, visit hrhonline.org, hannibalregionalmedicalgroup.org or hrhf.org.