As mentioned earlier, DC General is one of the highest providers of care to the uninsured and underinsured among NAPH members across the country. Unlike other safety net hospitals around the country however, DC General's reimbursement from Medicaid and local government falls far short of this level of need. Local subsidy and Medicaid DSH cover half the level of uncompensated costs borne by DC General as these sources of financing cover for NAPH member hospitals around the country. It is unlikely that any other provider of care in this City would be able to meet these financial burdens with the level of resources that the District has provided DC General. Many safety net hospitals are rising to the challenges they face by reorienting their delivery systems, reorganizing their relationships with local and state governments, and revitalizing their physical plants.
Good models exist for the citizens of the District.
We need to find ways to strengthen the health care safety net in Washington so that its citizens are well served and no one is turned away. NAPH stands ready to help in any way we can as the city, its leaders and its citizens work together to find the right solution.