Nonprofit Hospitals in Minnesota Skimp on Charity Care

A KFF Health News and Minnesota Star Tribune investigation reveals that Minnesota's nonprofit hospitals provide far less charity care than the national average, leaving many patients with unaffordable medical debt. - Minnesota hospitals spend about 0.8% of operating budgets on charity care, vs.

2.4% nationally. - Some hospitals, like St.

Cloud Hospital, spend as little as 0.25%. - Patients face inconsistent eligibility and complex applications.

- The uninsured rate is rising, increasing the need for charity care. The investigation highlights a systemic failure, with hospitals benefiting from tax breaks while patients struggle to pay bills.