UPMC Is Changing Lives In Our Communities Now More Than Ever
By: Sarah Deist
UPMC recently updated its Annual Community Report, showcasing continuing commitment to the regions it serves throughout Pennsylvania, western New York, and western Maryland. The Annual Community Report details how UPMC provided $1.7 billion in community benefits during Fiscal Year 2022, up from $1.5 billion the prior year, calculated using IRS guidelines. This is part of UPMC’s total community investment of $4.8 billion, which includes local, state, and federal taxes paid, unreimbursed Medicare costs, investment in facilities, equipment, and technology.
“During a time when financial hardships are impacting health care systems and hospitals across our country, I am proud that UPMC has been able to increase community benefit contributions — staying true to our core mission,” said Fred Hargett, executive vice president and chief financial officer, UPMC. “We continue to make meaningful investments in initiatives and programs that address the most prevalent needs in the many diverse communities we serve to impact not just physical health, but the total wellbeing of those we serve.”
UPMC’s $1.7 billion in community-focused programs last year equals $4.7 million per day, or more than 15% of net patient revenue. UPMC contributes more community benefits than any other health system in Pennsylvania, according to the most recent publicly available data.
The $1.7 billion total includes:
– $587 million to make care more accessible for the most vulnerable residents in the communities UPMC serves, including $101 million in free or discounted care. UPMC also contributes a larger-than-expected share of the region’s charity care. While UPMC cares for 18% of patients in all of Pennsylvania, it provides more than a quarter of the hospital charity care in the Commonwealth. In western Pennsylvania, UPMC hospitals care for more than half of all Medical Assistance patients — UPMC is subsidizing patient care and helping to bridge gaps in government programs for low-income residents.
– $516 million for community health and wellness programs and charitable contributions. UPMC provides nearly half of all funding for hospital-sponsored community health improvement programs statewide. From neighborhood clinics and support groups, to free medical equipment and transportation, UPMC provides more than 3,000 free and subsidized programs. These programs are aimed at addressing the most pressing needs as identified in the Community Health Needs Assessment, which include chronic disease management, behavioral health, access to care and navigating resources, and prevention and community-wide healthy living. Additionally, UPMC is working to reduce health inequalities in underserved communities across the Commonwealth, with initiatives such as the UPMC Center for Social impact.
– $588 million for medical research and education, advancing breakthrough treatments and cures while training the next generation of clinicians. UPMC funded more than half of all hospital-supported research in Pennsylvania. Along with the University of Pittsburgh, the organization’s educational institution partner, UPMC is ranked in the top 10 nationally in National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding and has the nation’s second-largest medical residency program.
UPMC cares for a large share of high-need patients throughout all the regions it serves, bringing resources within reach to pediatric, senior, low-income, and substance abuse patients.
– 8 out of 10 pediatric patients from low-income families in Allegheny County.
– 3 out of 4 substance abuse patients in Bedford, Blair, and Somerset counties.
– 8 out of 10 pediatric patients from low-income families in Erie, Lawrence, McKean, Mercer, and Venango counties.
– 6 out of 10 babies born to low-income families in the Dauphin County/ Harrisburg region.
– 7 out of 10 seniors in Clinton, Lycoming, Potter, and Tioga counties.
UPMC’s annual total economic impact of more than $50 billion represents more than a quarter of the statewide economic impact of Pennsylvania hospitals. The health system’s spending has a multiplier effect that ripples benefits through local economies. In 2022, UPMC delivered $318 million in diversity spending, providing minority, woman-owned, disadvantaged businesses, LGBTQ+, and veteran-owned vendors equal access to procurement opportunities.
“Our communities depend on UPMC for more than just our outstanding clinical outcomes,” said Joel Yuhas, executive vice president, UPMC, and president, UPMC Health Services Division. “Not only are we improving the health of the diverse communities we serve, we are improving the overall quality of life for everyone today and in the future. That is life changing.”
