Private payers (private insurance, private physicians and philanthropy) contributed $318 million in direct expenditures for the uninsured. Private insurance companies paid $95 million for the uninsured through hospital rates under Maryland's all-payer system, an amount reflected in higher insurance premiums for privately insured individuals. In addition, private physicians contributed an estimated $211 million in charity care, which is uncompensated care provided to uninsured individuals. Private philanthropic spending accounted for an additional $12 million.

For the study, the research team analyzed data related to the payment of health care for uninsured patients. They reviewed records on uncompensated hospital care, public health care subsidies, ambulatory services, philanthropic spending, and expenditures by uninsured individuals. The data covered expenditures from July 2001 to June 2002.


"The cost of non-insurance in Maryland" was written by Hugh Waters, MS, PhD; Laura Steinhardt, MPH; Thomas R. Oliver, PhD; Alice Burton, MHS; and Susan Milner, MPH.

The study was completed under a grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and in conjunction with the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.

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