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The Commerciality Of Non-Profit Hospitals Requires Them To Be Taxed: Bringing The Debate To A Conclusion, Edward A. Zelinsky
The Commerciality Of Non-Profit Hospitals Requires Them To Be Taxed: Bringing The Debate To A Conclusion, Edward A. Zelinsky
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It is now time to conclude our prolonged debate about the tax-exempt status of nonprofit hospitals. The contemporary nonprofit hospital is a commercial enterprise, materially indistinguishable for tax purposes from its profit-making, taxed competitor. The federal income tax and the states’ income, sales and property taxes should treat all hospitals alike, regardless of whether such hospitals are nonprofit or for-profit enterprises. In the interests of equity and efficiency, these similar institutions should be taxed similarly.
As a political matter, nonprofit hospitals will continue to defend their tax-exempt status. Like any other lucrative, vested interest, nonprofit hospitals will continue to fight …
Tax-Exempt Hospitals, Community Health Needs And Addressing Disparities, Mary Crossley
Tax-Exempt Hospitals, Community Health Needs And Addressing Disparities, Mary Crossley
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The Affordable Care Act (ACA) imposes a number of new requirements on hospitals seeking to maintain their tax-exempt status under federal law. One requirement is that hospitals must conduct a “community health needs assessment” (CHNA) at least every three years and then develop and implement a strategy to address the needs identified in the assessment. This essay explores the potential this provision may offer for identifying, understanding, and reducing health care disparities. By calling on hospitals to focus less on individuals and more on communities, the CHNA requirement may offer a valuable addition to the toolkit for combating disparities. Thinking …