An AHA analysis released Sept. 10 highlights how tax-exempt hospitals provided nearly $150 billion in total benefits to their communities in 2022, the most recent year comprehensive data is available from the Internal Revenue Service. The total marks a nearly 50% increase in community benefit spending from 2017 to 2022. The analysis found that approximately $65 billion in benefits — representing nearly 7% of nonprofit hospitals’ total expenses — was for financial assistance for patients in need, including absorbing underpayments from Medicaid, the Children's Health Insurance Program and other federal, state or local government programs for low-income individuals. Tax-exempt hospitals’ and health systems’ total community benefits were 15.1% of their total expenses in 2022.

“This report reaffirms that improving the health of their communities is at the heart of every hospital and health system’s mission,” said AHA President and CEO Rick Pollack. “In the face of a number of obstacles that pressure our health care system and caregivers, the hospital field has doubled down on our commitment to expanding care outside the four walls of the hospital and advancing health in the communities we proudly serve.”

Related News Articles

Perspective
Public
All of America’s hospitals and health systems, regardless of ownership status, size or location, provide a vast range of benefits, programs and essential…
Headline
The House Ways and Means Oversight Subcommittee today hosted a hearing on tax-exempt hospitals. The AHA submitted a statement for the hearing, highlighting the…
Headline
The AHA April 16 responded to the Lown Institute's latest report on hospital community benefits.In a statement shared with media, AHA President and CEO Rick…
Headline
The AHA and Catholic Health Association of the United States today released a report on the value of benefits nonprofit hospitals and health systems provide…
Chairperson's File
Hospitals and health systems build effective community partnerships by aligning with and addressing community health priorities and authentically engaging…
Perspective
All of America’s hospitals and health systems are cornerstones of their communities. They not only deliver around-the-clock care and essential services to…