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How Hospital Monopolies Undermine Healthcare Access

Two-thirds of U.S. hospitals are part of regional hospital chains, and an economist says healthcare mergers have a big effect on East Central Indiana’s healthcare and economy.
HEALTH IS WEALTH is a digital series from Ball State PBS that explores the fascinating ways that small habit changes can create big health improvements for ourselves and our community. Host Paul Brown interviews experts to discover how habits work in our brains, the unique opportunity of keystone habits, and thought-provoking ways to make your habit change more effective.

Two-thirds of U.S. hospitals are part of regional hospital chains, and an economist says healthcare mergers have a big effect on East Central Indiana’s healthcare and economy. In this episode, you’ll learn:

  • Why do nearby hospitals have completely different pricing?
  • Why an economist says IU Health has a perfect monopoly in East Central Indiana.
  • The three ways healthcare monopolization limits access to healthcare.
  • Why the “non-profit” in “non-profit hospital” may not be what it seems.
  • The scale of IU Health’s profits on the local economy.
  • What’s happening in Indiana that gives an economist hope for the future?

 

Host/Writer/Director: Paul Brown
Executive Producer: Dr. Phil Hoffman
Camera Operator: Madison Trowbridge
Graphics: Tracie Louck, Paul Brown
Animation: Nathanael Trimboli Special Thanks: Dr. Michael Hicks

Health is Wealth is produced by University Media Services for Ball State PBS
©2024 Ball State University

Sources:

Indiana Hospital Association, 2023.

Indiana Hospital Association, 2023.

Indiana Hospital Association, 2023.

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 2022.

Indiana Department of Insurance, “Geographical Rating Areas Bulletin 197,” 2013.

Indiana University Health, “Consolidated Financial Statements,” 2023.

Ball Brothers Foundation,

Ball State University Digital Media Repository, 2023.

Karen M. Vincent. “They Established a Hospital.” Minnetrista Museum & Gardens, 2014.

Dan Diamond. “A nation of McHospitals?” POLITICO, 2017.

ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer, 2023.

Indiana Governor’s Public Health Commission, “Report to the Governor in fulfillment of Executive Order 21-21.”

ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer, 2023.

 

Health is Wealth is presented by

With support from

 

 

 

A production of Ball State Public Media. Production support from Ball State University Media Services.
This web series is for informational purposes only. Please consult your doctor or other licensed medical professional for advice.