A new state report in Arizona reveals that while hospitals in the state are seeing growing profits, behavioral health hospitals and long-term care hospitals are struggling financially, with behavioral health hospitals carrying more uncompensated medical care than the year before. The report indicates that behavioral health hospitals have an unhealthy operating margin, less than one percent, compared to the state average of about six percent. This financial strain is impacting the care provided to some of the most vulnerable populations in the state. Experts point to the decrease in Medicaid enrollment following the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency as a contributing factor. Advocates emphasize the need for strengthening the behavioral health care system to ensure that patients have access to affordable health care and receive the care they need. The situation highlights the fragility of the system and the importance of addressing barriers to care for those in need.
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