West Penn Allegheny Health System’s recent downgrade made headlines last week after reports indicated the health system’s bondholders and potential new owner Highmark tentatively agreed to a deal that would prevent West Penn from filing for bankruptcy.
The health systems receiving credit downgrades include:
• Tuomey Healthcare System (Sumter, S.C.) — from BBB to BBB- (S&P)
• West Penn Allegheny Health System (Pittsburgh) — from CCC to C (Fitch)
Bucking recent hospital credit trends, upgrades outnumbered downgrades in the past month. Hospitals and health systems that recently garnered credit upgrades include:
• Meridian Health System (Neptune, N.J.) — from A- to A (S&P)
• Methodist Hospitals (Gary, Ind.). — from BBB- to BBB (Fitch)
• St. Charles Health System (Bend, Ore.) — from A3 to A2 (Moody’s)
• Thorek Memorial Hospital (Chicago) — from A to A+ (S&P)
• Yampa Valley Medical Center (Steamboat Springs, Colo.) — from BBB to BBB+ (S&P)
Four hospitals and health systems also had positive rating affirmation changes, while nine hospitals and health systems had negative rating affirmation changes.
Related Articles on Hospital Credit Ratings:
Fitch Cuts West Penn’s Credit Rating to “C”
CFO Warren Forgey: Forging Finances Ahead at Schneck Medical Center
8 Hospitals Receive Credit Downgrades in Past Month
