Bon Secours Mercy Health, a massive tax-exempt hospital chain, brands itself as serving “the poor, dying, and underserved.” But its actions tell a different story.

At Richmond Community Hospital (a Bon Secours-owned hospital), patients saw essential services like the ICU and maternity ward shut down. Meanwhile, Bon Secours redirected resources from lower-income areas into wealthier neighborhoods to create “lavish facilities” for those residents.

Bon Secours is not alone. Across Ohio, tax-exempt hospitals receive $2.2 billion annually in tax breaks but provide less than that in community benefits. Nearly three-quarters fall short of giving back what they take, creating a $1.3 billion “fair share” deficit each year.

Cleveland Clinic topped the list, with a $207 million shortfall.

For too long, “nonprofit” hospitals have operated like corporations — chasing profits while benefiting from the protections and perks of their tax-exempt status. Communities are told these institutions are pillars of charity, yet the data paints a much different picture. Better Solutions demands transparency and care that puts patients first.