Denver's main public hospital, Denver Health, is facing significant strain on its resources as it grapples with the influx of migrants from Central America seeking medical care. The hospital, already burdened with $135 million in uncompensated care last year, is now facing additional financial challenges due to the arrival of approximately 8,000 migrants who have made around 20,000 visits to Denver Health.
The hospital's Chief Government and Community Affairs Officer, Dr. Steve Federico, acknowledges the strain on resources and emphasizes the need for additional public support to provide healthcare to safety net hospitals like Denver Health. He clarifies that the $135 million in uncompensated care was an existing issue prior to the arrival of migrants and highlights the limited ability to expand care due to financial constraints. Dr. Federico appeals to policymakers to adequately fund healthcare providers who are at the forefront of addressing this humanitarian crisis.
