California hospital system launches pro-reform ads

Catholic Healthcare West (CHW) has begun running a series of ads advocating healthcare reform in California. The health system, which operates 42 hospitals in California, Arizona and Nevada, plans to run print ads in several national and regional publications, including the Wall Street Journal, New York Times and Newsweek. The ads don't detail a specific reform scheme, but rather, agitate for broad healthcare accessibility. CHW also belongs to a pro-reform healthcare coalition, Together for Health Care, that includes employers, providers, health plans, unions and consumer groups.

Meanwhile, it's worth noting that CHW provided $800 million in charity care, community benefits and unreimbursed care last year. Though it's unlikely to say so publicly, CHW doubtless hopes a reform scheme will reduce that amount in the future.

To find out more about the campaign:
- read this article from the Silicon Valley/San Jose Business Journal

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