The Department of Health and Human Services. has clearly demonstrated that a more meaningful approach to deal with the problems of financially troubled hospitals is needed rather than a limited research and demonstration program or a casebycase approach. The health facilities participating in the grant solicitation process cited a number of factors contributing to financial instability. and near bankruptcy in the case of Jamaica Hospital in New York. including replaced by a new facility. low occupancy rate. outdated facilities. inadequate supply of primary care physicians. inadequate billing and collection system. inflation. and escalating costs for goods and services. Yet the single concern lodged most often by the hospitals. particularly those in large urban areas. is the provision of high level and the high volume of uncompensated care to the poor. medically indigent. and undocumented aliens. Los Angeles County. for example. has a huge uncompensated case problem estimated at $200 million. In the 21st District of Ohio which I serve. five hospitals are battling for survival.
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undocumented