The Intermountain Health Care entities and subsidiaries would have more credibility when they claim a "nonprofit" and "charitable" status if they would revise their billing and collection policies.
If their "charitable" work is covered by excessive and padded charges on other patients and insurance companies or on government agencies, does it qualify as "charity"?The health-care industry could help to solve the health-care crisis with simple and honest billing and a believable explanation of a "nonprofit" status.
Does the industry really prefer a federal solution? It has always been easier to pad bills to federal programs if we are to judge by other programs.
If voluntary reforms are not speedily implemented, the Utah Legislature should consider some cost and treatment guidelines before Congress starts its muddled meddling.
Kay Thoreson
Orem