As new law takes effect, giving drives health care impact | Opinion

This summer, new laws go into effect, changing how health care is funded and creating challenges for many families in our community. This could also affect your own health care, since local hospitals and health care providers already bear much of the cost of care for individuals who rely on Medicaid and other government funding.

Florida’s federal Medicaid funding already paid only 30 cents on the dollar for health care services as costs continue to rise, and further caps may go into place. For nonprofit, community-based health systems like NCH, we need your support more than ever.

NCH provided more than $80 million in total community benefits last year alone, including clinical schools, health seminars, simulation training for emergency workers and students, neighborhood health clinic support, testing, charity care and unreimbursed Medicaid costs. In fact, today, NCH is the largest provider of Medicaid services in our region and won’t turn anyone away due to their inability to pay. Last year, NCH handled more than 91 percent of all Medicaid visits in Collier County, including more than 60 percent of all births at NCH. We also provide charity care for those earning up to 200 percent of the federal poverty level and discounted care for those making up to 400 percent of the poverty level. Despite these headwinds, we continue to care for our neighbors with compassion, excellence and the best quality in Southwest Florida.

Philanthropy from you – our community – makes this possible. It bridges the gap where reimbursement falls short, funds lifesaving equipment, and supports the caregivers who make a difference every day.

As a nonprofit, NCH is among the most efficient charities in the nation, spending just two cents to raise a dollar – compared to a national average of 20 cents by other charities. That means 98 cents of every dollar you give directly fuels quality, innovation, and impact.

Every gift has a ripple effect. We support thousands of jobs and more than 1,600 local businesses. For every $100 invested in NCH, the local economy gains $118 in benefit. But beyond the numbers are the stories: premature babies who grew into strong toddlers, seniors who walked again after joint surgery, heart attack survivors who were given a second chance.

These aren’t just patients. They’re our friends, our coworkers, our families − cared for by our locally governed health care system, which was built for the community, by the community in 1956.