Advocate Health, one of the largest hospital chains in the U.S., is known to leave countless patients buried under the weight of crushing medical debt. For example, John Ashley was blindsided by shockingly high medical bills after receiving treatment for high blood pressure. The hospital’s billing department offered no support or explanation, and the situation only worsened as Advocate Health pursued aggressive collection tactics, such as placing liens on their property and wage garnishments.

Advocate Health uses market power to overcharge patients, aggressively consolidating for years and raising prices. In February 2024, Patrick and Debra Shaw sued Advocate Health for alleging they received poor treatment at inflated costs, including a $4,000 bill for a double-charged colonoscopy and a misdiagnosed ear infection that led to $1,000 in out-of-pocket expenses.

Patients of Advocate Health, who have already been through enough, are now fighting an entirely different battle— one against a system that profits off their misfortune.

Personal examples like these highlight a much larger issue within the hospital industry, using aggressive tactics to collect payment rather than offering support or clear financial guidance.

Enough is enough— it’s time for meaningful reform to ensure patients aren’t being exploited in their time of need. Advocate Health and similar corporate hospital systems must be held accountable for their actions. Hospitals need to be more transparent, and stop prioritizing profits over patient care. Better Solutions remains committed to this fight.