News Summary
University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center has announced a substantial contribution of $720 million in community benefits for the current year, reflecting the health system’s commitment to address regional health needs. The funding supports various initiatives, including Medicaid care, healthcare education, medical research, and community health programs. Notably, $511 million was classified as traditional community benefit, with a decrease in Medicaid contributions attributed to strategic investments in community resources. The hospital’s efforts underscore their focus on improving community health and educational opportunities.
Cleveland, Ohio
University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center reported a substantial contribution of $720 million in community benefits for the year 2024, as detailed in its Community Health Investment Report released on October 13, 2024. This financial commitment represents a significant component of the health system’s ongoing efforts to address the health needs of the region.
The contributions included care offered to Medicaid patients, clinical education and training for future healthcare professionals, medical research investments, charity care for the uninsured, and various community health and wellness programs. Among the total community benefit, $511 million was categorized as “traditional community benefit” in accordance with IRS definitions, while $209 million was attributed to unreimbursed Medicare costs that fall outside IRS categorization.
In an analysis of Medicaid contributions, University Hospitals allocated $207 million to compensate for the care provided to Medicaid patients in 2024. This figure marked a decrease from the $268 million dedicated to the previous year. The decline of approximately $61 million was primarily due to investments in alternative community resources, a reduction in cost structures with enhanced Medicaid payments, along with a reorganization of community benefit spending categories.
Investment in Healthcare Education
The health system experienced an increase in investment for clinical education and training for healthcare professionals, totaling $123 million in 2024, which is a rise of $23 million from the previous year. Annually, around 400 medical students, 1,200 physician residents and fellows, and a significant number of nursing students and health professionals receive training within the UH system.
Research and Charity Efforts
In addition to educational investments, medical research expenditures reached $74 million in 2024, a rise of $16 million compared to 2023. Charity care extended to uninsured patients was also notable, accumulating to $72 million, representing an increase of $14 million.
Community health and wellness program spending, while slightly reduced, amounted to $35 million, a dip of $3 million from 2023 figures. Community initiatives established within this framework included early detection screenings with nearly 150,000 participants, the UH Food for Life Market serving over 5,500 community members, and health education classes hosted at three Community Wellness Centers.
Focus Areas and Community Engagement
University Hospitals identified key community health priorities via Community Health Needs Assessments, emphasizing maternal and child health, economic opportunity, and general well-being. Their strategy involves engaging with community members and leaders to better understand health needs and improve quality of life.
Dr. Cliff Megerian, the CEO of University Hospitals, reinforced the organization’s dedication to tackling health disparities and fostering community health through extensive outreach and educational programs. Overall, the reported community benefits illustrate the hospital’s integral role in supporting and uplifting the health of the greater Cleveland community.
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Additional Resources
- Crain’s Cleveland: University Hospitals Reports 2024 Total Community Benefit
- Cleveland.com: Cleveland Clinic Ranks High Among Hospitals Not Spending Enough on Community Health
- Cleveland Scene: Cleveland Clinic Ranked One of Worst Hospitals for Community Spending
- Crain’s Cleveland: University Hospitals Reports 2023 Total Community Benefit
- Cleveland.com: Northeast Ohio Hospitals Invest in Fighting Health Disparities
- Wikipedia: Health Care in the United States
- Google Search: Cleveland healthcare
- Google Scholar: Cleveland health disparities
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Cleveland health care
- Google News: Cleveland medical investments
Author: STAFF HERE CLEVELAND WRITER
CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER The CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER represents the seasoned team at HERECleveland.com, your premier source for actionable local news and information in Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, and beyond, delivering "news you can use" with in-depth coverage of product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news impacting the region—backed by years of expert reporting and robust community input, including local press releases and business updates, while providing top reporting on high-profile events like the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductions, Cleveland International Film Festival, and holiday parades, alongside key organizations such as the Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland Orchestra, and Great Lakes Science Center, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare like Sherwin-Williams and University Hospitals, and as part of the broader HERE network including HEREDayton.com, offering comprehensive, credible insights into Ohio's vibrant landscape. HERE Cleveland HERE Dayton
