WASHINGTON – Despite being tax-exempt, nonprofit hospitals around the country are engaging in practices that put profits over patients. Recent findings from Kaiser Health News, Lown Institute, and PatientRightsAdvocate.org reveal Montana hospital practices that are at odds with what the public expects from charitable hospitals, including failing to comply with federal price transparency requirements and not providing adequate community benefits.

In a statement, Consumers for Quality Care (CQC) said: “Montana nonprofit hospitals must uphold their end of the bargain when it comes to serving their communities. Despite qualifying for millions in tax breaks, nonprofit hospitals across the state are not providing charity care and community benefits at the levels one would expect, as well as failing to make their prices accessible to consumers. Montanans should be able to get the care they need and shop smart at the same time. To deliver on these promises, these nonprofit hospitals must be held accountable and put people first to serve all of Montana.”