SCRANTON, PA — U.S. Sen. Bob Casey expressed concern about Community Health Systems’ (CHS) business practices regarding the sale of two of its hospitals, Moses Taylor Hospital/Regional Hospital in Scranton and Wilkes-Barre General Hospital in Wilkes-Barre.

Casey highlighted CHS’s history of buying and selling hospitals, often without fulfilling promises to invest in them. He also noted CHS’s past penalties for improperly billing government health programs. CHS faced criticism for suing thousands of patients for unpaid medical bills during the COVID-19 pandemic while making a substantial net income. 

Casey urged CHS to prioritize high-quality and affordable care, and to ensure a smooth transition for patients and the hospitals’ workforce to any future leadership.

“Community Health Services has repeatedly forgone efforts to invest in their Pennsylvania facilities and risked the quality and accessibility of care for Pennsylvanians in the pursuit of profit for their shareholders and executives,” wrote Casey (D-PA). “It is CHS’ responsibility to find a trustworthy buyer who has a strong record and experience in running hospitals in order to provide a pathway to safe, affordable and accessible care for their patients and to the Northeastern Pennsylvania community."