Tuesday Open Line


I noticed dueling articles Monday with “Most N.C. hospitals are slim on charity care” at the Charlotte Observer and “North Carolina’s urban hospitals pile up the cash” at the N&O.

Nonprofit hospitals such as Caldwell Memorial are exempt from property, sales and income taxes. In return, they are expected to give back to their communities, largely by providing care to those who can’t afford it.  These institutions were created with charitable missions. But many don’t look or act like nonprofits anymore. In their quest for growth and financial strength, they have driven up the cost of health care and saddled thousands of patients with bills they can’t pay. 

The articles touch on the same points, and is a joint investigation of hospital billing practices in the state. 


Discuss and more on today’s Open Lines!