Private hospitals in Hawai'i have $13.3 million more in their coffers after the state presented checks to help cover their costs of charity care.

The payments were made to 15 hospitals from $7.5 million obtained by U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka, D-Hawai'i, from the federal Disproportionate Share Hospital payment program, and another $5.8 million in matching money from the state. The money helps reimburse hospitals for providing care to uninsured patients.

According to the U.S. Census, about 8.3 percent of Hawai'i residents don't have health insurance, one of the lowest percentages in the nation.

"Hawai'i's private hospitals serve as a vital safety net for people who lack health insurance," said Lt. Gov. James "Duke" Aiona, who handed out the checks yesterday.

"This combination of federal and state money will help our hospitals remain financially viable so they can continue providing quality healthcare for all patients, regardless of their ability to pay."

The payments included $6.14 million to The Queen's Medical Center and another $2.19 million to the Hawaii Medical Center's two hospitals.

Other hospitals receiving money included:

Castle Medical Center: $1.19 million

Hawaii Pacific Health-Straub: $995,446

Kaiser Foundation Hospital: $646,982

Hawaii Pacific Health-Pali Momi: $620,790

Hawaii Pacific Health-Wilcox: $384,446

Wahiawa General Hospital: $325,426

Kuakini Medical Center: $274,790

North Hawaii Community Hospital: $251,918

Molokai General Hospital: $98,381

Kahuku Hospital: $73,735

Kahi Mohala: $63,363

Rehabilitation Hospital of the Pacific: $13,174