Missouri hospitals provided $1.1 billion in uncompensated care last year, according to a new report. The Missouri Hospital Association report provides a total figure for 122 hospitals across the state. That includes $588 million worth of charity care. The remaining $512 million represents care for which the hospital charged patients but the patients didn't pay. "Hospitals contribute to the physical health and economic strength of communities throughout Missouri," MHA CEO Herb Kuhn said in a statement. "In 2013, hospitals provided more than half a billion dollars' worth of care to individuals in their communities who are without health insurance coverage. Once again, this year's report signals the need for lawmakers to return taxpayers' money from Washington, D.C., to stabilize our state's health care infrastructure and increase access to health coverage."
