LRGHealthcare Provided $35 Million in Community Benefit Report Says

Published Date

LACONIA — LRGHealthcare recently released its annual Community Benefit Report, highlighting expenditures targeted specifically for the community at large. In fiscal year 2012, LRGHealthcare provided more than $35 million in community benefit to the Lakes and Three Rivers Regions.
The report details activities and projects that support the hospital's core mission of strengthening the community's well-being. To report its community benefits, not-for-profit, charitable trust LRGHealthcare uses both state and federal guidelines developed to capture and report community benefit expenses.
When compared to the state of New Hampshire overall, LRGHealthcare service areas have a higher proportion of individuals with household incomes at 200% of poverty or less. The region also has a higher proportion of individuals with Medicaid and Medicare coverage than the state average. The higher percentage of Medicare coverage is related to the higher proportion of elderly in the regions served compared with the state.
In community surveys and focus groups, Access to Care was the top health concern voiced by residents.
Using data collected, combined with the economic statistics of the region, LRGHealthcare responded by providing subsidy to programs and services, thus ensuring access to care. Combined with the $4 .5 million in charity care LRGHealthcare provided, it totals over $20 million as contribution to access to care.
"Helping people access appropriate health care resources and education to preserve or improve their health is critical to our mission," states Director of Education Services Sally Minkow. "We are committed to continuing our efforts to invest in the health and safety of our community."
Two categories that are financially significant but not considered reportable as a community benefit are unreimbursed care for Medicare and bad debt. In FY'12, LRGHealthcare had $15,638,800 in unreimbursed costs for care of Medicare patients, and $2,958,262 in uncollectable debt.
Through the Patient Advantage Program, LRGHealthcare leveled the playing field by giving all patients at least a median discount. Through the program, LRGHealthcare provided at cost, community benefit in the amount of $3,069,263.