Take the 2018 case of the money-losing Providence Hospital in Washington, D.C.
Ascension closed it because it couldn’t pay enough tribute money to the Peloton-riding lard tubs in St. Louis.
But the closure of the hospital triggered an attorney general investigation:
https://oag.dc.gov/blog/investigating-closure-providence-hospital
“Expert review revealed that some of the fees Ascension charged Providence were likely excessive.”
“OAG’s investigation of the issue of potentially excessive fees prompted Ascension in December 2018 to forgive $130 million in debt that Providence owed the health network. If Ascension had not forgiven that debt, it could have forced the sale of Providence’s campus or other assets to recover the money. Instead, Providence’s assets will remain in the District and continue to be used to provide nonprofit healthcare for District residents.”
Thanks to the OAG, the facility at least now continues to operate in a reduced capacity as an urgent care.