New report shows economic and community benefits of University of Iowa Health Care

Hunter08/07/26A new report from the Iowa Hospital Association shows the economic benefit of the state’s 115 hospials and health systems beyond the care they provide. The report shows University of Iowa Health Care plays a huge role in providing immunizations, health screenings, wellness programs and charity care. The report says although UIHC provides 16 percent of the state’s hospital jobs and wages, their $595 million in what is categorized as “community benefits,” made up nearly 43 percent of the state’s $1.4 billion in community care contributions in 2025. The Gazette reports beyond charity care and other community supports, Iowa hospitals generated a combined $24.8 billion in economic activity last year — nearly one-fifth of which came from UIHC alone at $4.8 billion. The report shows just how important UIHC is to Johnson County’s economy.