Denver Health Hospital Faces Financial Crisis Due to Unpaid Medical Bills and Migrant Influx

Denver Health, the city's main public hospital, is currently grappling with a severe financial crisis caused by the burden of unpaid medical care, amounting to a staggering $136 million.

This dire situation has been further exacerbated by the influx of migrants, primarily from Central America, who have been unable to pay for their treatments. In 2022 alone, the hospital recorded a loss of $2 million, which would have been even more substantial if not for a $20 million contribution from the state.

The financial strain on Denver Health has been directly linked to the significant number of immigrants arriving in the city.

Out of the 36,000 migrants who have reached Denver, approximately 18,000 have chosen to stay, placing an immense burden on the hospital's resources. Hospital executives have warned of dire consequences if the financial situation does not improve. These increased costs are primarily attributed to the provision of medical services to the migrant population.

Donna Lynne, the CEO of Denver Health, emphasized that around 8,000 of these migrants accounted for roughly 20,000 visits to the hospital, seeking various services such as dental emergencies, mental health counseling, and childbirth. It is important to note that many of these patients lack medical insurance, leaving the hospital to bear the brunt of the cost of their care.

While some of the costs have been covered by Medicaid, a significant portion of the unpaid bills, totaling $100 million, were incurred by Denver residents, not migrants. This has created immense challenges for the hospital in managing its costs, leading to a reduction in services, particularly in mental health and substance abuse treatment.

Denver Health is currently in the process of finalizing its financial figures for 2023, but executives anticipate the need for additional support to sustain operations. State Representative Judy Amabile has proposed a bill that could provide Denver Health with an annual financial support of $5 million from Colorado.

Additionally, Denver's Mayor Mike Johnston is seeking congressional action to assist the city in managing the ongoing migrant situation, estimating that the aid required for migrants could cost the city approximately $180 million this year alone.

The financial crisis faced by Denver Health is a stark reminder of the consequences of broken borders and misguided sanctuary city policies.

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• REPORT PUTS $2B PRICE TAG ON SPENDING TO COMBAT HOMELESSNESS IN DENVER

• DENVER MAYOR'S ‘VISION ZERO’ PLAN: COSTLY AND UNREALISTIC GOAL

The Biden administration's lax approach to border security has resulted in an influx of migrants who are unable to pay for their medical care, burdening hospitals like Denver Health. The strain on the hospital's finances ultimately affects the quality of care provided to both residents and migrants alike.

It is imperative that swift action is taken to address this crisis. Denver Health, as a vital healthcare institution, should not be left to bear the financial burden alone. The federal government must take responsibility for the consequences of its lax immigration policies and provide the necessary support to ensure the continued provision of quality healthcare services to all residents of Denver.