An Eastern Washington hospital is overwhelmed with patients from Idaho, seeking free healthcare under the state's 'charity care' policy. This influx is putting a strain on the hospital's resources and finances.
Newport Hospital, located near the Idaho border, has seen a 43% increase in charity care spending from 2024 to 2025. Nearly half of the charity care provided goes to out-of-state patients. The hospital offers various services, including emergency care, orthopedic surgery, behavioral health, and gynecology.
The issue arose when a proposed bill in the Washington Legislature aimed to restrict non-emergency charity care to state residents. The bill, introduced by Rep. Andrew Engell, faced opposition during hearings. Engell believes the state and its hospitals are being overburdened by providing free care to non-residents.
The problem is exacerbated by President Trump's 'One Big Beautiful Bill Act,' which could lead to increased uninsured individuals. Newport Hospital's CEO, Justin Peters, warns that this could further strain charity care services.
The state expects $181 million from the rural health fund, but Peters doubts it will significantly alleviate the burden. The hospital's financial challenges are mirrored by other institutions, such as Pullman Regional Hospital and Deaconess Hospital in Spokane, which have also seen significant increases in charity care spending.
