Tax-exempt hospitals are supposed to prioritize care over profits. But in New York, many of these institutions act more like big corporations—pursuing patients for unpaid bills, hiding prices, and spending millions on marketing and politics, all while reporting sky-high revenues.

In 2023, NYU Langone reported $1.3 billion in net income, and New York-Presbyterian earned nearly $500 million. These hospitals benefit from generous tax breaks intended to support community health, but a new report reveals they’re falling far short of that promise.

This is called the “fair share deficit”, meaning hospitals are taking public support without delivering equal or greater community benefit in return.

What’s even more alarming is that these hospitals pour millions into political influence and advertising. NYU Langone alone spent $34 million on marketing in a single year, while hospital executives and associations funnel donations into campaigns that protect their financial interests.

“From hospital mergers to executive and administrative pay to site-based fees, hospitals are increasing costs for Americans without oversight or accountability,” said Center for Medicine in the Public Interest (CMPI) President Peter Pitts.

Tax-exempt hospitals must answer to the communities they claim to serve. That means transparent pricing and putting care before profit. Better Solutions is committed to exposing these hospital systems that prioritize revenue over responsibility, because no one should have to choose between their health and financial security.