Charity Care

Hospitals in Rhode Island are vital to the health and well being of our state. Hospitals recognize their responsibilities to their communities and their commitment to Rhode Island is unwavering. During 2006, our hospitals provided more than $124 million in free care to Rhode Island's indigent and low-income citizens. This includes charity care that was provided to the uninsured, bad debt expenses from outstanding medical bills that patients could or would not pay, and shortfalls that occur when Medicaid reimburses hospitals less than the cost of providing care to beneficiaries. The missions of our hospitals are to respond to the needs of the community, treating all citizens, at any time, regardless of their ability to pay.

Hospitals recently further demonstrated their commitment to Rhode Islanders by voluntarily increasing the eligibility for free care to Rhode island's most vulnerable. Patients meeting a charity care guideline of 200% of the federal poverty level will receive care at our hospitals at no cost. In addition, staff stands ready at every hospital to assist patients with determining their eligibility for this and other programs that will help ensure their families receive the care they need.