Healthcare Finance News October 14, 2020
The surging costs of tackling the pandemic are straining public hospital budgets, increasing the need for county support.
Owning a public hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic carries operational risk, and this will compound the fiscal and credit difficulties facing many large urban counties across the U.S., according to a new report from Moody’s Investors Service.
Of the 25 largest rated counties by population, 19 have local government-owned public hospitals. The surging costs of tackling the pandemic, coupled with revenue loss caused by the suspension of elective procedures, are straining public hospital budgets, making hospitals more likely to need support from county governments.
The degree of credit risk for counties will also depend on the amount of Coronavirus Aid, Relief...