Health care is in the national headlines in an increasing amount right now, and as we all wait to see what will happen both at the federal and state level, here locally, we are continuing to provide necessary medical care for our community.
Vail Health is not alone in this endeavor, and we are grateful for our valued partners at Mountain Family Health Centers. As the Federally Qualified Health Center for Eagle County, Mountain Family Health Centers is vital in helping improve community health by providing equitable and affordable health care for all. Mountain Family Health Centers provides a full spectrum of health services, including medical and primary, dental, behavioral health, pharmacy and pediatric care.
Over the last year, Mountain Family served 4,320 patients at its Eagle County clinics; 34% of these patients qualify for Medicaid, and 40% are uninsured. Mountain Family offers services to help patients navigate the Medicaid enrollment process, which is key during this time of year. Vail Health also has internal resources that collaborate to ensure local Medicaid enrollment is in place.
Unfortunately, reimbursement from Medicaid and Medicare continues to fall short of what it costs for health care systems to provide care to those patients. In 2024 alone, the shortfall in Colorado exceeded $3.8 billion, an increase of $385 million over the prior year.
Vail Health is proud to partner with Mountain Family Health Centers in a variety of ways, from helping provide space for their services to clinically collaborating to ensure quality care for all. Nearly 70% of Colorado hospitals are still operating with unsustainable finances and significant cuts, which will cut more than $10 billion in hospital financing during the next five years and lead to more than 100,000 Coloradans losing Medicaid coverage.
Navigating these external headwinds is difficult, and it will take partnership, the generosity of others and creative thinking to ride out these turbulent times. Dec. 9 is Colorado Gives Day, and as you evaluate where to give this year, please consider supporting Mountain Family Health Centers' efforts to provide whole-person health for everyone in our community.