States encourage hospital mergers but the feds are casting wary eye..

 

As federal policymakers step up oversight of hospital mergers, more states are taking steps to encourage consolidation in the industry — or to have the final say on whether such moves are anti-competitive.

The policies are a sign of the power some hospital lobbies continue to wield in statehouses, where they've argued mergers are a way to expand the patient base and keep otherwise unprofitable facilities open.

State sovereignty is in play in these discussions, especially around the question of whether states have the authority to exempt hospitals from federal antitrust scrutiny.

Research shows that acquisitions can keep rural facilities open, but that facilities usually wind up cutting services that community members rely on. Mergers can also slow wage growth for health care workers.

Harold Miller, president of the Center for Healthcare Quality and Payment Reform said "there are other ways for rural hospitals to be paid more by health plans or have access to more capital."

Unionize???

 

After facing harsh workplace conditions while caring for Covid-19 patients at the height of the pandemic—such as working 24-hour shifts without adequate protective gear—a rising number of healthcare workers are looking to unionize.

In 2021, 13.2% of healthcare workers were unionized (so that’s about 2.4 million people). That number hasn’t changed much in the past 12 years, according to a December 2022 study published in JAMA from Harvard and the University of Washington researchers. But amid “crisis levels” of worker burnout post-pandemic, experts are starting to see an increased interest in unionization!

646 hospitals at risk of closure!!

 

Yes, there are 646 rural hospitals at risk of closure due to financial issues, comprising around 30 percent of all rural hospitals in the U.S., according to the Center for Healthcare Quality & Payment Reform.

The hospitals face losses on patient services as health plans aren't paying enough to cover the cost of care delivery. The losses will likely increase as inflation and workforce shortages persist, according to the report, which was released in April. While rural hospitals are receiving some support through grants, local tax revenues or other profits, they still have low financial reserves and remain at risk.

More than half the states in the U.S. report 25 percent or more of their rural hospitals are at risk of closure, and more than 200 hospitals nationwide are at immediate risk of closing.

There is help for many though!!

Face Mask Mandates Fall Away Among Many Hospitals

 

The last of the state mask mandates for health care settings are being phased out — and a new study suggests the ones that remain aren’t helping control Covid.

Hospitals around the world are (rightly, in my opinion) dropping mask mandates to improve communication and enhance both the patient and healthcare worker experience!!

Another thing that is really impacting Americans is the new platform for basically free prescription meds!!

Whether insured or not, wouldn't it be nice to not have to worry about the cost of prescription drugs every month? Everyone's situation is different. But, the costs can become a huge concern when it comes to matters of health. What if you don't have insurance? Paying full-price for prescription medications can become extremely stressful. How can this be provided to businesses and consumers in a different way?  

Search all drugs now!

Inflation is hitting hospitals as margins remain near zero levels!

 

Hospital and health system margins improved slightly in March, but continue to sit near-zero levels, putting hospitals in a vulnerable position should a recession or a new public health emergency materialize. 

Under the seemingly calm surface, there are significant challenges — especially labor shortages and diminished margins — that could quickly reach the surface should another crisis arise!!

Growth Management Group will soon come forward with a program to help alleviate this problem.

If you would like to be on the mailing list, please email at Lgpotter33@gmail.com and/or continue to visit https://pofsnow.blogspot.com

This will shock many, many commercial property owners, and it will be here before you know !!

This year, bonus depreciation has been reduced to 80%, and it will continue to be reduced year over year until 2028, when it will be eliminated!!!

The longer you wait, the more you could lose out on. Cost segregation is a valid tax strategy for commercial property owners endorsed by the IRS. It simply depreciates expenses in the proper year 5, 7, or 15, allowing you to take depreciation expenses when you should, thus reducing your tax burden. As a taxpayer, you will receive a significant tax benefit, money you can use NOW!

Considering cost segregation, every property is unique and should be treated as such. We've designed proprietary software that allows YOU, as the Owner, to review your property in about sixty seconds. There is no obligation to use this system. Determine what your tax advantage would be here

Get To & Stay Cash Flow Positive

It's worth the time, I promise. Then, let me know what you think or if you have any questions. I'm here to help.

Larry G Potter

Senior Advisor

Your Growth & Health Are Our Business

Tax Incentives | Expense Reduction | Retirement Plans | Corp. Financing | Smart Medical

Cardiology Coffee Break

 

                                                        Longing for a latte? 

Take a Cardiology Coffee Break with GE HealthCare. Learn how GE HealthCare’s cardiology IT solutions can empower your organization to provide precision care, achieve operational efficiency, and increase patient satisfaction. The next topic is “Put the pedal to the metal—accelerate post processing with CVIT” on May 17, so grab your mug + register now.