Exhibit 32.1

Section 1350 Certifications

Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (“Section 906”), Joseph V. Vumbacco and Robert E. Farnham, the Chief Executive Officer and Vice Chairman and Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, respectively, of Health Management Associates, Inc., certify that (i) the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2006 fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and (ii) the information contained in such report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of Health Management Associates, Inc.

/s/ Joseph V. Vumbacco

Joseph V. Vumbacco

Chief Executive Officer and Vice Chairman

(Principal Executive Officer)

Date: May 10, 2006

/s/ Robert E. Farnham

Robert E. Farnham

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Financial Officer and Principal
    Accounting Officer)

Date: May 10, 2006

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to Health Management Associates, Inc. and will be retained by Health Management Associates, Inc. and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.