Healthcare In Crisis: Pa. hospitals say economic troubles are mounting

Monday, March 16, 2009

Pa. hospitals say economic troubles are mounting

Pennsylvania's hospitals say they are seeing fewer patients and tighter finances as a result of the weak economy.

A survey released Thursday by The Hospital & Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania shows economic conditions worsened in a number of categories since a December survey.

For instance, 59 percent of hospitals report a moderate to significant increase in the number of patients who do not have coverage or need financial help. That's up from 50 percent in December.

More hospitals are seeing a drop-off in admissions and elective procedures.

In addition, 84 percent of hospitals have reduced staff, or are considering it. That's up from 62 percent in December.

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Statistics Collection

80 percent of the hospital closures nationwide occured in states that didn’t expand Medicaid. 2019
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A recent study conducted by the Kresge Foundation and published in Health Affairs found that treating children who are exposed to air pollution, toxic chemicals and other pollutants costs a staggering $76.6 billion dollars a year. The study also found that children with existing allergies to common airborne allergens are even more vulnerable to chemical pollutants than others.
About 27.8 million people without coverage are working, either part or full time.
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86.7 million Americans were uninsured at some point in 2007 and 2008.
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In 2007, 75 million working-age adults were either uninsured or underinsured, up from 61 million in 2003.
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