New CQC Video Spotlights How Nonprofit Hospitals Burden Patients with Hidden Costs and Predatory Collection Tactics

By Consumers For Quality Care, on May 5, 2025

Second installment in the “Robbing Hood” series calls on lawmakers to hold nonprofit hospitals accountable

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, as the American Hospital Association holds its Annual Membership Meeting in Washington, DC, Consumers for Quality Care (CQC) released the second video in its Robbing Hood series. With Robbing Hood & the HavenGlen Hospital Chronicles, CQC continues to expose the ways in which many nonprofit hospitals are failing to live up to their charitable mission—prioritizing revenue over patients and placing huge financial burdens on the communities they are supposed to serve.

The video highlights how surprise billing practices, limited access to financial assistance programs, and aggressive medical debt collection have become commonplace among nonprofit hospitals. Despite receiving billions in tax breaks, some hospitals are redirecting resources toward expansion projects rather than meeting the health care needs of their most vulnerable patients. Many eligible patients are never told about available financial assistance programs or are discouraged from applying, while hospitals continue to pursue unpaid bills through lawsuits, wage garnishments, and other predatory and threatening collection tactics. 

“Patients should not have to choose between paying a hospital bill and putting food on the table,” said CQC board member Dr. Donna Christensen. “It’s time for lawmakers to step in and ensure nonprofit hospitals are held accountable for the ways in which they are putting profits over people. If these institutions want to retain their tax-exempt status, they must meet their obligation to provide meaningful, accessible care to their patients.”

CQC continues to urge policymakers at all levels to demand transparency, fairness, and real patient protections from nonprofit hospitals. The Robbing Hood video series is part of an ongoing effort to shine a light on harmful practices being used by nonprofit hospitals and elevate the voices of patients who are too often overlooked. View the Robbing Hood video series here.