Dakota Today does some legwork and gets full commentary from USD law professor Michael Myers on whether our big corporate hospitals still deserve their tax-exempt non-profit status. As his comments make clear, the discussion is not about whether helping the universities and other causes is right; the question is whether our health care dollars are being used most efficiently if Avera and Sanford have millions left over for charitable giving.
Hmm... when the talk finally returns to the Zaniya Project proposals, will any of our legislators look for cost savings in this area? How much tax revenue could we get from taxing the profits of the big corporate hospitals? Or, in the other direction, how much could Avera and Sanford lower costs if they didn't bankroll enough to make large donations in the first place?
But consider the other side: If these hospitals couldn't make these large donations, might the cause of research and recruitment into health-related professions be harmed? Oof -- I had class tonight, so my brain's too tired to even attempt that actuarial assessment. Better minds are invited to offer their best guesses!
This isn't the most black-and-white issue... all the more reason to read Dr. Myers's comments, then glance at your last health insurance premium and see what you think.
I read that post and found it interesting. I'm not sure of my opinion on the tax status of hospitals. It would be nice if the burden of medical expenses was not placed so heavily on the individual...But I am happy that the money is being reinvested (I don't know where it is going but giving money to a medical school is always a good idea for any hospital).
ReplyDeleteLowering charges would be appreciated by the patients of course, but producing more high quality doctors is a higher priority. Cheaper healthcare costs wouldn't do any good if there are not doctors to provide the care. Now should the tax payers be footing the bill as a whole...probably, but the tax payers "should" be paying, according to some, for all healthcare, post-secondary education, higher teacher salaries, better transit...all really nice things, but I don't know if South Dakota is ready to foot the bill.
This is just one of the many questionable things about the American heathcare system. While I am very concerned about a socialized system, our current system does need an overhaul. I think we should just get rid of insurance companies, surprisingly enough I believe they have been a catalyst to the ever increasing costs. May we all return one day to simple (standard) fee when we see the doctor.