Glossary

Following are definitions of terms commonly associated with community benefit.

Charity care -- Medical services given free of charge to those without insurance or adequate insurance who have evidenced they are unable to pay for their care

Community benefit -- Programs and services designed, implemented and funded by health care organizations to meet an identified community need

Medicaid -- State health care program for qualifying low-income residents

Medicare -- Federal health care program for senior citizens and citizens with qualifying disabilities

Subsidized services -- Services that are vital to a community, which a hospital provides at a financial loss

Uncompensated care -- The cost of medical services for which a hospital does not receive payment from government payers, insurance companies or patients