Iowa Hospitals Provided Over $1.2 billion in Community Benefits, Employed 137,841 in 2023

An Iowa Hospital Association study revealed the profound impact of Iowa hospitals in 2023. They provided over $1.2 billion in community benefits, including charity care and bad debt, and served more than 3.5 million people. The study also found that Iowa hospitals employed 137,841 people and provided more than $9 billion in wages. Hospital expenses accounted for over $21.3 billion of the state’s gross domestic product, which amounts to over 10.8% of the state’s gross domestic product.

Community benefits are activities hospitals provide to enhance the health status of their communities and improve access to care. Besides uncompensated care and charity care, community benefits include health screenings, support groups, counseling, immunizations, nutrition services and transportation programs. 

“Iowa’s hospitals and health systems provide the programs and services in this study to respond to their communities’ needs,” IHA President and CEO Chris Mitchell said. “Many of these programs and services wouldn’t exist without hospital support and leadership. These benefits, which are more than just numbers, have significantly improved the lives of the people Iowa hospitals serve.”

IHA compiled data for the study from the American Hospital Association’s annual survey of hospitals, the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Bureau of Economic Analysis. This collaborative effort ensures the study's transparency and credibility. IHA also conducted a separate survey, compiling hospital-submitted data about Iowa hospital community-benefit programs and services.

The Iowa Hospital Association is a voluntary membership organization representing the interests of hospitals and health systems to business, government and consumer audiences.