2016 Community Benefit Report

Caring For Our Community

Regardless of an individual’s ability to pay, the health and wellness of our community are key to the Columbus Community Hospital’s mission. As a not-for-profit hospital, we have established financial aid policies to assist patients who cannot afford care. Although Medicare and Medicaid programs do not pay enough to cover the cost incurred by these patients, we provide the same quality of care to all patients.

The data reported here not only includes uncompensated health care costs provided to the underinsured or uninsured, but also community health initiatives, education for health care professionals and the donation of services and funds to help further our mission and goals.

We are pleased to share with you our accomplishments and community contributions from May 2015 through April 2016.

Traditional Charity Care ... $511,365
Health care services provided free of charge or at a discounted fee schedule to persons who meet pre-determined financial criteria. As required for government reporting, this figure is based on calculated costs, not charges to patients.

Community Health Education and Outreach ... $330,257
Includes activities carried out to improve community health and health care services that are subsidized because they meet an identified need in the community.

First Steps pre-natal program, baby care and breast feeding classes
Meals on Wheels – over 11,000 people served
Tune-Up for Life Health Fair
Local business workshops hosted by Occupational Health Services
Diabetes education and healthy lifestyle programs through registered dietitians
Volunteer Services
Healthy Families Network – offering educational support and resources to over 340 families
Free interpreter services

Unpaid Costs of Public Programs ... $7,268,212
Medicare and Medicaid shortfalls, which are deficits created when Columbus Community Hospital receives payments from the government that are less than the cost of care for public programs.

Health Professional Medical Education ... $975,625
Scholarships and funding for health professionals’ education

Cash and In-Kind Donations ... $407,635
Community building activities
Community benefit operations (Community Health Needs Assessment)
Community sponsorships

Health organizations (American Heart Association, Alzheimer’s Association, American Cancer Society, ALS in the Heartland)
Youth programs (Central Community College, Southeast Community College, Columbus Public Schools Foundation, Scotus Central Catholic)
Habitat for Humanity
Loup d’ Loup End Polio Now Bike Ride
United Way
YMCA Foundation

TOTAL AMOUNT OF COMMUNITY BENEFIT ... $9,493,094