FORT SMITH, Ark. — Hospitals across Arkansas are facing growing financial pressure because of rising costs, lower insurance payments and billions of dollars in unpaid patient care, according to a new report from the Arkansas Hospital Association.
The report comes after months of layoffs and service reductions at hospitals across Arkansas, including workforce reductions at Washington Regional and Baptist Health-Fort Smith.
According to the association, hospitals are spending more on labor, medical supplies and day-to-day operations while receiving lower payments from commercial insurance companies than hospitals in any other state. At the same time, hospitals continue providing care to patients who qualify for financial assistance or are unable to pay their medical bills…