A new analysis prepared by Kaufman, Hall & Associates, LLC and released by the America Hospital Association (AHA) shows that total hospital revenue in 2021 could be down between $53 billion and $122 billion from pre-pandemic levels, jeopardizing their ability to care for their communities.This sustained financial squeeze on the hospital field could result in the slowdown of vaccine distribution and administration, continued pressure on tired front-line caregivers and diminished access to care, including in rural areas.The report shows that such losses are not the only pandemic-borne concern for hospitals’ financial health, with hospitals and health systems forced to weather increased expenses for drugs, purchased services, labor and supplies.
The analysis was released in conjunction with a media call the AHA hosted during which three hospital leaders shared their stories about the real-world challenges they have faced during the pandemic.
An AHA report from last summer estimated total losses for the nation’s hospitals and health systems to be at least $323.1 billion through 2020. In addition, at least four dozen hospitals entered bankruptcy or closed in 2020, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.
Read the full AHA press release here.
