Sonoma Valley Hospital Provided $2.5 million in Uncompensated Community Medical Services in Past Year

November 15, 2013

The year-end financial statement recently provided the Sonoma Valley Health Care District Board of Directors reported that the Hospital provided $2.5 million in uncompensated medical services to Sonoma Valley residents during the fiscal year ending June 30, 2013.

 According to the statement, the Hospital provided $2,359,502 in uncompensated medical care through State Medi-Cal and other public aid programs, and an additional $201,586 in care for patients without insurance who lacked the ability to pay. This total of $2,561,088 is more than double the amount reported in fiscal year 2012 ($1,093,744).

“Since 2004, the District has had a community benefits policy that provides medical care to all who require it, regardless of ability to pay, and follows guidelines provided by the California Hospital Association,” said Board Chair Bill Boerum. “Providing a safety net for those who do not qualify for state or federal aid is part of the District’s commitment to the community.”

According to Hospital CEO Kelly Mather, this total does not include many other services the Hospital provides to the community without cost. Mather noted that in the past fiscal year, Hospital staff volunteered more than 1,800 hours in services to the community, worth an estimated $104,000.

“We are committed to creating a healthy community here in Sonoma, and to this end we provide health education screenings and programs, and free clinics, among other services,” she said. “For example, 38 Hospital staff members volunteered to provide health screenings and information at the Binational Health Fair last month.”