Feb 04, 2005 -- "Charity hospitals" are not always so giving
The state of California now requires that hospitals publish price lists for services and medicines. It allows people to comparison shop because there are big differences from one hospital or another. Clark thinks its a great idea. The problem is that there are a number of charity hospitals that are mistreating people without insurance. Because they can claim themselves as a charity, they dont have to pay the taxes. But, in return, they are supposed to provide charity care to poor patients. There are now lawsuits in 22 states against charity hospitals for this reason, according to the Washington Post. The suits state that these hospitals are trying to take peoples homes away for not paying the bills They also charge people without insurance much higher rates than those with insurance. In fact, the typical rate is 600 percent higher. Its turning everything on its head in the health care industry. Hospitals should provide care to all people.