• State Wide Care
• Teaching & Training
• Disaster Preparedness
• Health Care Access

Health Care Access

HCMC — The Statewide Safety Net

Hennepin County Medical Center cares for patients from across Minnesota, not just Hennepin County. In 2010, HCMC treated over 136,000 patients in over 616,000 patient encounters; nearly 20% were residents of 86 Minnesota counties outside of Hennepin County. Many came through referrals from their local physicians, often for specialized care and regional services available only at HCMC. Patients and practitioners statewide depend on the high level of expertise based in HCMC's extensive safety network of providers and personnel.

HCMC Uncompensated Care — Highest in Minnesota

HCMC provides more care to vulnerable populations than any other hospital, up to 20% of care given statewide to Minnesotans on public programs. Total uncompensated care costs at HCMC in 2010 were $50 million, comprising 8% of HCMC's 2010 net operating revenue. Minnesota patients who received uncompensated care at HCMC came from 53 counties, with 16% of total uncompensated care charges coming from outside of Hennepin County.

 

HCMC Community Benefit Services — Highest in Minnesota

HCMC provided $118 million of services in addition to $50 million in uncompensated care, for a total of $166 million of community benefit services in 2010, more than any other Minnesota hospital. "Community benefits" include uncompensated care and provision of services that are designed to improve community health and increase health care access, respond to community and public health needs, support research, community education, and medical education and training.

HCMC Burden on Taxpayers – Among the lowest in the U.S.

Public funding is critical for ongoing provision of key statewide services. However, thanks to highly efficient delivery of high quality care, HCMC receives only a very limited proportion of its revenues from state and local government funding; this is despite high costs of uncompensated care and community benefit services. In 2009, HCMC received 5% of its revenues from county property taxes, far less than most other public safety net hospitals in the U.S. (average 12%, maximum 48%). HCMC demonstrates strong financial stewardship in return for critical public support of its statewide mission.

What does the future hold?

Federal and state health care reform continues, with the ultimate goal of improving access to health care services for all Minnesotans. In the meantime, HCMC continues to bridge the gap between insured and uninsured for many, by providing discounted and free care based on income and place of residence, and serves the entire state as a provider of high quality medical care, medical education and training, community health education, disaster preparedness planning, and regional medical services across Minnesota.

HCMC meets the health needs of special populations and the special health needs of the entire population. A strong HCMC is critical for a strong and healthy Minnesota.