Dignity Health Central Coast Hospitals Provide More Than $140 Million in Patient Financial Assistance and Community Benefit Programs

CENTRAL COAST, CA – October 6, 2021 – Serving the community is one of our highest priorities. Dignity Health Central Coast hospitals, which include Arroyo Grande Community Hospital (AGCH), French Hospital Medical Center (FHMC), and Marian Regional Medical Center (MRMC), 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 San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Counties.

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.

Dignity Health Central Coast 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 Arroyo Grande Community Hospital, French Hospital Medical Center, and Marian Regional Medical Center’s websites. 

In fiscal year 2020 (FY20), Dignity Health Central Coast provided $140,153,325 in patient financial assistance, unreimbursed costs of Medicaid, community health improvement services, and other community benefits. 

Dignity Health Central Coast hospitals’ Community Health Departments coordinate 79 community programs that served 330,841 individuals in FY20.

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About Dignity Health Central Coast 

Dignity Health Central Coast is comprised of award-winning hospitals, all recognized for their quality of care, safety and service, primary care offices, premier ambulatory surgery centers, technologically advanced imaging centers, outpatient services, and comprehensive home health services. Each hospital is supported by an active philanthropic Foundation to provide additional funding to support new programs and services, as well as to advance the community’s access to health care.  For more information, visit dignityhealth.org/centralcoast.