Cook County predicts charity care will soar to highest level in more than a decade
<p>Cook County Health expects to provide around $485 million in free or discounted care next year, returning to an era before the Affordable Care Act insured millions more Americans than it does today.</p><p>That’s about $100 million more in what’s known as charity care than the county expects to provide this year, and the largest amount in more than a decade.</p><p>What’s largely driving this is people losing health insurance — people with low incomes in particular. That’s less money flowing to Cook County Health, which mostly treats poor and immigrant patients at its two hospitals, John H.
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Cook County Health says it will give about $485 million in free or discounted medical care next year. That is $100 million more than it expects to give this year. It will be the highest amount of charity care in more than ten years. The increase is mainly because many low‑income people are losing their health insurance.
Why it matters
This rise shows that more people may struggle to afford health care. It also means the county will need more money to cover the care it provides.
- What is charity care?
- Charity care is free or reduced‑cost medical care given to patients who cannot pay.
- Why is Cook County expecting more charity care next year?
- Because many low‑income residents are losing their health insurance.
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Cook County predicts charity care will soar to highest level in more than a decade
Sources1TypeCoverageChicago Sun-Times