Report Raises Questions About Hospital Community Benefit Spending in Connecticut

The report published by the Office of Health Strategy in Connecticut has raised concerns about the community benefit spending of non-profit hospitals in the state. While the total spending on community benefits increased from $1.6 billion in 2017 to $1.8 billion in 2022, the share of total expenses allocated to community benefits dropped from 15.8% to 11.8%.

One of the key findings of the report was the decrease in charity care provided by hospitals to income-eligible patients, which dropped by 25% from $343 million in 2017 to $256 million in 2022. This decline in charity care is concerning as it directly impacts individuals who rely on these services for their healthcare needs.

The report also highlighted the lack of transparency and standardization in community benefit reporting, making it difficult to compare spending across different facilities. This inconsistency in reporting can hinder efforts to address the disparities in community benefit spending and ensure that hospitals are meeting their obligations to the communities they serve.

The findings of the report have sparked discussions about the need for standardized financial assistance policies across hospitals and increased transparency in reporting. Advocates are calling for measures to address the disparities in community benefit spending and ensure that hospitals are fulfilling their obligations to provide essential care to those in need.

As the Office of Health Strategy continues to gather feedback on the report, stakeholders are hopeful that meaningful changes will be implemented to improve community benefit spending and ensure that non-profit hospitals are meeting their commitments to the communities they serve.