In the same boat. For-profit, not-for-profit hospitals face peril of tax reform

The ongoing, escalating rift between for-profit and not-for-profit hospitals could be the crowbar that pries open the Pandora's box of tax reform, an issue so complicated and fraught with political peril it makes Medicare reform look easy. While everyone waits for congressional leaders to signal their intentions, people from both ownership sectors are laying the groundwork for future action.     

Special treatment. The CHA says it's leading the fight for all not-for-profit hospitals to receive fair compensation for being nation's healthcare safety net

Some observers may say the timing was preordained. Against the backdrop of Tenet Healthcare Corp.'s mounting woes, the Catholic Health Association, headed by the Rev. Michael Place (left), is expected this week to release a report arguing that Roman Catholic hospitals deserve special and distinct financial concessions from the federal government because of the role they play.     

Getting their appetite back. In need of capital, not-for-profit hospitals take advantage of dropping interest rates

After steering clear of the municipal bond market this year, not-for-profit hospitals are being lured back by dropping interest rates. "We're taking advantage of the current market," says Jim Budzinski, left, executive vice president and chief financial officer of WellStar Health System. The Georgia provider's recent bond deal helped erase $4.2 million in interest costs.