Catholic hospitals were founded to help the poor. Now they pay executives millions and charge some of the highest prices around
Summary
The article discusses the financial practices of Catholic health systems in the U.S., highlighting tensions between their founding missions of charity and community service and their current business models. Many Catholic hospitals, originally established to provide affordable care, now face criticism for prioritizing profit over accessibility. Some systems charge high prices, spend less on community benefits than the value of their tax exemptions, and employ aggressive tactics to collect unpaid bills, which include liens and wage garnishment. Despite their religious principles, these hospitals often enforce restrictive medical policies but fall short on social responsibility standards, including care for vulnerable populations. The influence of mergers and acquisitions has allowed Catholic health systems to consolidate market power, leading to higher healthcare costs without significantly improving quality of care.
Relevance
The shift in focus from mission-driven service to profitability reflects modern Catholic healthcare's challenges in balancing ethical commitments with financial pressures and conforming to more secular-based practices. The article touches briefly on Medical Centers owned by Peace Health in Vancouver.