A new report from the Wisconsin Hospital Association shows the state’s hospitals and health systems provided $2.2 billion in community benefits in 2024.
The report highlights how hospitals contribute far beyond direct medical care — offering charity care, subsidized services, workforce training, and programs that address mental health, substance-use recovery, and other community needs.
WHA President Kyle O’Brien says hospitals are “community anchors” and remain committed to improving the social and economic conditions that shape health.
But the report also notes growing financial strain. One in four Wisconsin hospitals operated with negative margins last year, driven by rising costs, workforce shortages, and Medicaid underpayment — leading to $1.3 billion in losses statewide.
Nearly all Wisconsin hospitals are nonprofit and reinvest earnings back into local services. The release also cites national analysis showing nonprofit hospitals provide more than $11 in community benefit for every dollar of federal tax exemption.
WHA’s full 2025 Community Benefits Report, including regional stories, is available online.
No responses yet