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District Invests $5.9 Million to Provide Uncompensated Care
Washington, D.C. – Today, Councilmember David Catania (At-Large) joined Mayor Adrian Fenty and other District officials to present a recently approved grant of $5.9 million to United Medical Center (UMC) in Ward 8. The grant was authorized by the Healthy D.C. Equal Access Fund and Hospital Stabilization Emergency Act of 2010, which was introduced by Councilmember Catania and approved unanimously by the Council on February 2, 2010.
The bill provides for up to $2.9 million in FY 2010 from the Healthy D.C. Equal Access Fund to reimburse UMC for services provided to uninsured District residents. The legislation also appropriated $3 million to assist UMC in managing its current financial challenges.
“This grant represents the collective commitment of both the Council and the Mayor to the success of United Medical Center and to the healthcare of the residents of Wards 7 and 8. Two years ago, we began an effort to revitalize this hospital that was different from those in the past,” said Catania. “Too often in the past, the residents who depend on this hospital have been subjected to empty promises from politicians and officials who failed to show up and make good on them.”
UMC is the only District hospital located east of the Anacostia River. It serves as the District’s de facto safety-net hospital. Over the last two years, with the assistance of the District Government, the hospital has witnessed substantial clinical improvements. It has also experienced significant capital investment including a new MRI machine, new CT-Scanners, and a new hyperbaric wound program, among others.
“To be sure, there have been challenges along the way, including a difficult economy and difficulties with the District’s partners,” explained Catania. “But we cannot lose sight of just how far this hospital has come. The improvements in patient quality-of-care are astounding. With the shared commitment of those here today, we continue to lay the groundwork for UMC’s long term success.”
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