Health Management Associates 10-Q 2008 Q3 Quarterly report

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”), Gary D. Newsome and Robert E. Farnham, the President and Chief Executive Officer and the 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 September 30, 2008 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/ Gary D. Newsome

Gary D. Newsome

President and Chief Executive Officer

(Principal Executive Officer)

Date: November 7, 2008

/s/ Robert E. Farnham

Robert E. Farnham

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)

Date: November 7, 2008

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.