Six in 10 U.S. community hospitals are seeing a greater proportion of uninsured patients in their emergency departments during the economic downturn, according to a survey released today by the AHA. While fewer patients are seeking inpatient and elective services, many hospitals are seeing more patients covered by Medicaid and other public programs and the need for hospital-subsidized services such as clinics is increasing. Many hospitals are struggling to make ends meet, with more than 40% expecting losses in first-quarter 2009. Nearly half of hospitals report cutting staff and more than one in five have reduced services, such as behavioral health programs or post-acute care. Nearly all hospitals report challenges or growing difficulty borrowing funds to make improvements. "Hospitals are walking a tightrope, trying to balance the growing needs of their communities with today's economic challenges," said AHA President and CEO Rich Umbdenstock.