PITTSBURG TRIBUNE: …Spokesmen for UPMC did not respond to requests for comment. The hospital system, which is Western Pennsylvania’s largest employer, countersued in federal court alleging the city “initiated a campaign to target and damage UPMC.”
The city claims UPMC’s profits should force it to pay property taxes on hundreds of parcels and payroll taxes on 40,000 people who work for UPMC affiliates.
The proposal to amend the state constitution passed last week but must win legislative approval again in 2015 and win a voter referendum to become law… (more)
EDITOR: Lancaster’s largest and likely most profitable company, Lancaster General Hospital, is exempt from real estate taxes, although it does make in lieu some voluntary contributions. Meanwhile it is gobbling up health practices and forging virtual control over the regional health market place, driving up costs to the citizenry.
Their oligopoly on the way to becoming a monopoly prospers; the citizenry suffer because of higher insurance rates. And LHG top officer earn millions each year, in one case while taking a year off.
PA does not need a constitutional amendment to deal with LGH or any non profits. We have anti monopoly laws to address illegal monopolies.
The consolidation of the health care industry is largely caused by government regulations. Regulations which are causing doctors practices to close and join LGH as employees.
Yes, healthcare revenues will be used to pay LGH property taxes if enacted.
In the end it all comes from the pockets of the middle class.
EDITOR: We suggest that every ‘red blooded’ capitalist desires to create a monopoly, and that was true long before there was much governmental regualtion.
Economic theory does not spouse that most increased costs (including taxes) can be passed through to the consumer. It varies with the circumstances.