2026 Lown Hospitals Index: Safety Net Hospitals

Safety net hospitals are known for serving high rates of Medicaid, Medicare, and uninsured patients. Their patient populations are frequently lower-income and face higher chronic disease rates, making them some of the most vulnerable amongst us. Because safety net hospitals treat these patients when other hospitals won’t, they often struggle with finances and are often at risk of closure.

On the Lown Index, safety net hospitals tend to score lower on clinical outcomes measures and higher on equity metrics. Many are exceptional and balance both clinical excellence and equity, distinguishing them as some of the most socially responsible hospitals in the nation. 

These are the top 25 acute care safety net hospitals in the nation, all of which scored straight “A”’s across equity, value, and outcomes, earning them spots on the Lown Index Honor Roll.

Note: Lown defines “Safety Net” hospitals as the top 20% of hospitals in the Index based on their dual-eligibility ratio — the proportion of patient stay days eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid.

2026 Honor Roll: Safety Net Hospitals

See how all safety net hospitals performed on the 2026 Lown Hospitals Index ranking.

Is your hospital listed here? Go to our resources page for top performing hospitals to learn how you can share the news.