In addition, hospitals spent millions more providing charity care and supporting free clinics and health screenings while absorbing more than $800 million in payment shortfalls associated with medical assistance programs.
A new study released by the University of Wisconsin-Cooperative Extension Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics and the Wisconsin Hospital Association, “Healthy Hospitals. Healthy Communities,” (www.wha.org) sheds light on a less well-known aspect of community hospitals – their significant impact on the local, regional and state economies.
Almost every business and industry located in Wisconsin is affected in some way by the operation of a hospital. The study calculated economic “multipliers” and estimated that hospitals indirectly account for nearly 115,000 additional jobs statewide because hospitals and their employees purchase goods, services and “bricks and mortar” from other businesses in their communities.
A second report released today by WHA, “Caring for Our Neighbors,” illustrates the significant financial investments that hospitals make in their communities that contribute to the overall health of Wisconsin’s citizens.
In 2010, more than 700 patients each day qualified for charity care. Together, Wisconsin hospitals provided $232 million in charity care. In addition, hospitals absorbed nearly $800 million in government program shortfalls. They spent millions more supporting free medical and dental clinics, medical screenings and providing health education programs. In total, hospitals contributed $1.4 billion in community benefits.
Locally, Beaver Dam Community Hospitals, Inc. is the largest employer in Beaver Dam and one of the largest in the region, with an estimated economic contribution of $300 million annually based on both direct and indirect economic impact.
BDCH is committed to meeting the needs of the region with increasing dedication to Community Service Investments in fiscal 2011 as compared to 2010.
BDCH delivered $3,974,000 in Medicaid Patient Care in 2011 compared to $2.1 million in 2010 and $1.3 million in 2009.
Dollars dedicated to Community Care, meanwhile, more than doubled, going from $646,000 in 2010 to $1.4 million in 2011. The hospital’s commitment to Church Health Services also increased more than 50 percent to $127,000.
In all, BDCH allocated $5.7 million in Community Service Investments in 2011.
WHA member hospitals, including Beaver Dam Community Hospital, submitted more than 100 stories that illustrate the impact that they have had in their communities. Read them at www.WiServePoint.org.