What are Community Benefits?

Community benefits are programs, services, and activities that nonprofit hospitals provide to address community health needs and maintain their tax-exempt status. These benefits include charity care, health education, research, training healthcare professionals, and subsidized health services. Hospitals must conduct community health needs assessments and report their community benefit activities to the IRS annually.

Why community benefits matter

• Improves population health: Addresses local health needs beyond individual patient care
• Justifies tax exemption: Demonstrates nonprofit hospitals' public service value
• Supports vulnerable populations: Provides resources for underserved communities

How Solace can help

A Solace advocate can help you identify community benefit programs available at local hospitals, understand eligibility requirements for various services, and access health education or screening programs. Advocates can also assist with applying for charity care as part of community benefit offerings.