WHAT IS A ‘SAFETY NET’ HOSPITAL?

Commissioned to secure the insecure, safety net hospital systems are typically located in asset-deficient communities and driven by the mission to provide comprehensive healthcare, regardless of insurance status or the ability to pay. These hospitals typically serve a proportionately higher number of uninsured, Medicaid, Medicare, low-income, and vulnerable individuals. Safety net hospitals play a crucial role in improving health outcomes for underserved communities by removing barriers to accessing healthcare services and support.

The mission of safety net hospitals is to provide the best possible care for those who are barred from healthcare due to adverse circumstances, barriers, or disparities. These circumstances mostly revolve around problems with financial payments, insurance plans, or health conditions – creating obstacles to positive outcomes. Although safety net hospitals are known for maintaining an open-door policy for their services, there are only a handful of these hospitals in operation to serve the majority of a city’s poor population.