Private hospitals received $9.1 million in federal money Thursday intended to help offset the cost of providing health care to the poor and uninsured.

Patricia McManaman, director of the state Department of Human Services, distributed the federal money to 15 private hospitals across the state. 

"Hawaii’s private hospitals play a vital role in maintaining the health care safety net for uninsured and underinsured residents," she said in a statement.  

"By securing and distributing these federal funds, these hospitals can continue serving everyone – regardless of their ability to pay. Maintaining a viable safety net is part of our Administration’s commitment to investing in all of Hawaii’s people."