Mercy and Memorial Hospitals Provide more than $66 Million in Patient Financial Assistance and Community Benefit Programs in FY19

BAKERSFIELD, CA - October 7, 2019 -

Serving the community is one of our highest priorities. Dignity Health Mercy and Memorial Hospitals annually report on community health programs, including the health needs being addressed, programs and measurable objectives, and the economic value of our community benefit in Kern County.

Our comprehensive approach to improve community health includes financial assistance for those unable to afford medically necessary care, a range of prevention and health improvement programs conducted by the hospital with community partners, and investing in efforts that address social determinants of health.

Mercy and Memorial Hospitals offer financial assistance for medically necessary hospital services to patients who meet certain criteria. More information about Dignity Health’s Financial Assistance Policy, including who is eligible to receive assistance, can be found online on Mercy Hospital’s and Memorial Hospital’s websites.

In fiscal year 2019 (FY19), Mercy Hospitals Bakersfield provided $39,696,646 in patient financial assistance, unreimbursed costs of Medicaid, community health improvement services, and other community benefits.

Similarly, Bakersfield Memorial Hospital provided $26,638,123 in patient financial assistance, unreimbursed costs of Medicaid, community health improvement services, and other community benefits FY19.

Mercy and Memorial Hospitals’ Department of Special Needs coordinates 44 community programs that served 86,353 individuals in fiscal year 2019 (FY19).

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About Mercy Hospital
Founded by the Sisters of Mercy, Mercy Hospitals have a history of caring for our community that goes back more than 100 years. We provide a broad range of medical and surgical services including minimally invasive and outpatient options. Our family of services includes the area's only inpatient oncology unit, the Orthopedic, Spine, and Hand Center, Robotic Surgery Center, Family Birth Center, the Lactation Support Center and retail store, and many others. Mercy Hospital Downtown is a 194-bed facility located in downtown Bakersfield. Mercy Hospital Southwest is a 78-bed facility and the only hospital located in the rapidly growing area west of Highway 99. Mercy Hospital is a member of Dignity Health and a part of CommonSpirit Health, one of the largest nonprofit health systems in the nation dedicated to advancing health for all and serving communities in 21 states. Learn more at dignityhealth.org/mercybakersfield.

About Memorial Hospital
Bakersfield Memorial Hospital is a 426 bed acute care medical center offering a full range of services including the Sarvanand Heart and Brain Center, Grossman Burn Center, expanded maternity and family care, the Lauren Small Children’s Center, orthopedic services, wound care center, 24-hour emergency care and general/outpatient surgery. Memorial Hospital is a Children’s Miracle Network Hospital and is home to the Bakersfield Ronald McDonald House. Memorial Hospital is a member of Dignity Health and a part of CommonSpirit Health, one of the largest nonprofit health systems in the nation dedicated to advancing health for all and serving communities in 21 states. Learn more at dignityhealth.org/bakersfieldmemorial.