The Daily

How Nonprofit Hospitals Put Profits Over Patients

51 snips
Jan 25, 2023
Jessica Silver-Greenberg, an investigative business reporter for The New York Times, delves into the troubling transformation of nonprofit hospitals in America. She reveals how institutions, designed to help the needy, now prioritize profits over patient care. Silver-Greenberg highlights alarming practices, like exploiting the 340B program for financial gain, and details harrowing personal stories of patients burdened by medical debt. The discussion unpacks the ethical implications of these shifts, raising questions about the true mission of nonprofit healthcare.
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ANECDOTE

Alexandra's Medical Bill

  • Alexandra Nyfors, living on disability, faced a severe medical emergency requiring hospitalization.
  • Despite insurance, the remaining bill forced her to ration necessities and medication.
INSIGHT

Unpaid Bills & Nonprofit Status

  • Nonprofit hospitals like Providence are legally obligated to provide free care to low-income patients.
  • Providence, despite its charitable origins and significant tax breaks, pursued payment from Alexandra.
INSIGHT

Providence's Finances

  • Providence, a nonprofit hospital system, receives around a billion dollars in annual tax breaks.
  • Despite this, it operates with substantial revenue, investments, and executive compensation similar to for-profit companies.
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