Philadelphia hospitals fight to save victims of violent crimes and their own fiscal health

According to data released by the Delaware Valley Healthcare Council of the Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia's five Level 1 adult and pediatric trauma centers collectively lose an estimated $8 million annually in caring for victims of violence who cannot pay for healthcare. In 2004, for example, 786 Philadelphians were hospitalized for gunshot wounds. About 13% of those victims had no insurance at all, and a little over a third had Medical Assistance coverage. Medical Assistance reimburses the hospitals about 85% of the cost of care, but the hospitals must absorb the remaining 15%.