Heritage: The Story of St. Mary's Hospital, 1880-1980
By Leo G. Bryne and Sister Alberta Cammack, C.S.J

Chapter II Modern Medical Complex
Health Insurance

As finances are always a problem, St. Mary's was concerned about hospital care for the medically indigent who were not covered by the County Hospital program. During one month alone, 20 obstetrical patients were cared for without compensation, and the losses per year for the indigent ran about $100,000. Other losses included those from patients who found medical expenses beyond their expectations. A public appeal was made that every family purchase some type of hospital or surgical insurance to prevent an unfair burden of increased rates being placed on paying patients who were already carrying the cost of their own hospitalization. Rates were kept as low as possible so that all patients would be able to pay, and, in turn, enable St. Mary's to continue its services. The average cost of hospital care at this time including all service was $1.14 per hour.

Continue with Chapter II Modern Medical Complex City Annexation