What Happens When Invisible Care Disappears? | Dr. Ngozi Ezike

Safety Net Hospitals' Role - Safety net hospitals, comprising only 5% of US hospitals, provide 28% of all charity or free care in the country [1] - These hospitals serve the poor, vulnerable, uninsured, underinsured, and Medicaid patients, acting as a crucial safety net [1] - Safety net hospitals offer essential services like emergency care, primary care, behavioral health, preventive checkups, cancer screenings, and trauma care [1] Financial Challenges - Safety net hospitals face inadequate reimbursement rates that don't cover the cost of care for the poor, leading to financial strain [1] - Underpayment results in deferred maintenance, outdated technology (e g, mammogram machines), and excessive wait times due to lean staffing [1] - Reimbursement for the same procedure at a safety net hospital can be 40% to 100% less compared to other hospitals due to patient's Medicaid insurance or lack of coverage [1] Systemic Impact - The closure or curbing of services at safety net hospitals can lead to overcrowded emergency rooms and delayed surgeries, affecting the entire healthcare system [5][6][8] - A weakened safety net disproportionately affects those who lose jobs, employer-based insurance, or are young adults aging out of their parents' insurance [7][8] - The value of a healthcare system lies in ensuring everyone has a place to land, emphasizing that access to healthcare is interwoven and not a gated community [10] Call to Action - The industry urges recognition, support, and appropriate funding for safety net hospitals to prevent their decline [12][13] - It emphasizes that healthcare is a right for everyone, not just a privilege for a few, and calls for health justice [1][12] - The industry asks to look beyond appearances and see the people receiving care and the mission-driven healthcare professionals in these hospitals [10][11]