“For-profit companies have targeted several bankrupt or failing New Jersey hospitals for takeover. This three-day series explained how they have made, or plan to make, a profit — and what that means for patients and taxpayers. Day One, “As investors buy struggling hospitals, big change comes to NJ healthcare,” explained how some operators have taken advantage of a state regulation intended to protect patients and charged insurers exorbitant amounts for “out-of-network” care. Day Two, “A new playbook for hospitals,” explained other elements in the for-profit operators’ strategies, from land swaps to specialization in car-insurance cases; a sidebar looked at the political operatives that for-profit companies have hired to help smooth the way with state agencies. Day Three, “Hospital critics call for more disclosure,” looked at NJ’s weak efforts to regulate the new owners and see where the money goes.”
