Community Benefit

As a non-profit health system, Ascension exists to serve the needs of the community.
A United States map highlighting the states where Ascension operates. The highlighted states are: Arizona, Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas, Louisiana, Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, Florida, New York, Maryland, and Delaware.

In fiscal year 2026, Ascension delivered $2.6 billion in community benefit. This included $1.1 billion in care for persons living in poverty and other community benefit programs, which is more than twice the amount that would have been paid in taxes as a for-profit company. An additional $1.5 billion in unreimbursed care supported Medicare patients. Guided by its Mission, Ascension reinvests in communities to bring health, healing, and hope to all, with a focus on building a healthier future for those most vulnerable.

How we support communities

Our community benefit programs include: A United States map highlighting the states where Ascension operates. The highlighted states are: Arizona, Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas, Louisiana, Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, Florida, New York, Maryland, and Delaware.
  • Financial assistance for patients whose healthcare needs exceed their financial means.
  • Covering the unpaid cost of public programs like Medicaid.
  • Health programs for people living in poverty and community-wide wellness efforts.

These investments are a reflection of who we are. We reinvest in care, programs, and services that directly benefit the people in our communities, fulfilling both our Mission and our responsibility as a healthcare provider.

Maximizing our impact

Every three years, we conduct a comprehensive Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) with local partners to identify and prioritize the most pressing health challenges. This helps us continuously refine our strategies for greater impact.

Our commitment to transparency is reflected in detailed community benefit reporting, as outlined in Schedule H of the IRS Form 990. This includes providing financial assistance to those in need, supporting Medicaid programs, and investing in other care for the poor and community benefit initiatives — all aimed at improving health outcomes and reducing disparities in healthcare access.