The bill, which also would require insurers to spend at least 90 percent of premium dollars on healthcare, passed the Senate by a 33-4 vote and now goes to the Massachusetts House.
Supporters said the so-called “contributions” from hospitals could reduce small businesses’ healthcare costs by 2.5 percent. They cited a report released by Gov. Deval Patrick’s administration showing Massachusetts hospitals had total net assets of more than $17 billion in 2008. Hospitals with the greatest amount of unrestricted assets were Children’s, with $951 million, and Massachusetts General, with $710 million.
In a statement, the Massachusetts Hospital Association said it supports other aspects of the bill but was “concerned” about the proposed contributions. There should be “shared responsibility in addressing the healthcare cost issue that involves all stakeholders – hospitals, insurers, employers, consumers and state programs,” MHA said.
Read the Boston Globe’s report on hospital taxes.
Read the Massachusetts Hospital Association’s statement on the bill.
