Yuma Regional Medical Center spends $20 million on migrant care

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - Yuma's only hospital, Yuma Regional Medical Center (YRMC), has seen a significant number of migrants seeking medical care since the start of the border crisis.

Causing the hospital to lose millions of dollars. 

We spoke exclusively with the hospital’s President and CEO to learn how this is affecting YRMC, and if there is a solution in sight. 

Since December of 2021, Yuma Regional Medical Center said it has provided $20 million of uncompensated migrant care. 

“You’ve seen some of the more sensationalistic headlines. We’re not on the brink of collapse, we’re very strong from a financial perspective, operational perspective and clinical perspective," said President and CEO of YRMC, Dr. Robert Trenschel.

Doctor Trenschel said the message he wants to get across, is having to care for migrants without compensation is an unsustainable model to continue running on.

YRMC said neither the city, the state nor the federal government is providing funds to accommodate the costs associated with the migrant influx.

Trenschel said the revenue the hospital has lost in care for the migrants that are crossing the border into Yuma is not a sustainable model to have.

YRMC said it is looking to our State and Federal leaders for solutions, as well as financial reimbursement and funding.