You’re paying ‘nonprofit’ hospitals twice. First in tax breaks, then in 250% markups

Published October 9, 2026 8:00am ET



While the skyrocketing cost of healthcare seems to be in the news most days, very few talking heads are discussing one of its biggest drivers: hospital prices. Families bear the costs of hospital prices in insurance premiums, deductibles, and medical debt as employers struggle to manage the rising cost of coverage, and taxpayers fund the growing public expense of Medicare and Medicaid.

Nonprofit hospitals enjoy their tax breaks in exchange for providing charitable care to the most vulnerable in our communities. In light of these benefits that stem from public trust, hospitals should be accountable to basic reporting and transparency standards.

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