Health Care Systems

A.M. Best Company has responded to industry trends by expanding its analytical coverage to the U.S. hospitals and health care systems industry. The site focuses on the U.S. market, providing online access to company ratings and credit reports, special reports, methodologies and news on the U.S. hospitals and health care systems industry, including provider-owned health plans.

Best's Credit Ratings are independent opinions regarding the creditworthiness of an issuer or debt obligation. Best's Credit Ratings are based on a comprehensive quantitative and qualitative evaluation of a company's balance sheet strength, operating performance and business profile, or, where appropriate, the specific nature and details of a debt security. A complete list of Best's Credit Rating Methodologies is available.

For more information, read an overview of our hospitals and health care systems initiative or view a list of rated health care systems. Contact our Analytical Team or our Business Development office about obtaining an Best's Rating for your hospital or health care system.

Rating Activity & Announcements (view more) A.M. Best Posts Video, Transcript of Webinar on U.S. Hospitals/Health-Care Systems – Financial Review: Date: 3/11/2010    Source: Press Release A.M. Best Sets March 4 Webinar on U.S. Hospitals/Health-Care Systems – Financial Review: Date: 2/18/2010    Source: Press Release A.M. Best Special Report: U.S. Hospitals/Health Care Systems Focus for 2010 is on Preserving Cash and Reducing Risk: Date: 2/16/2010    Source: Press Release A.M. Best Assigns Ratings to Valley Baptist Health System and Its Core Hospitals: Date: 2/9/2010    Source: Press Release A.M. Best to Present at Healthcare Financial Management Association Luncheon: Date: 10/19/2009    Source: Press Release Methodologies Evaluating Health-Care Systems (June 19, 2007) - This report describes A.M. Best's methodology to evaluate a nonprofit health care system's ("the system") overall creditworthiness, as well as the ability of the system to financially and strategically support its owned or affiliated health and captive insurance company(ies) and to potentially enhance the stand-alone issuer credit and financial strength ratings of these regulated subsidiaries.

News (view more) Nebraska's Nelson: 'I Already Have a Plan' if Health Care Fails: Date: 3/11/2010    Source: BestWire UnitedHealth Group Chief: Industry Brought Clarity to Obama Administration on Profits: Date: 3/4/2010    Source: BestWire N.M. Governor Expected to Sign Health Insurer Medical Loss Ratio Bill Into Law: Date: 3/3/2010    Source: BestWire Insight: Growth Proposition: Date: 3/1/2010    Source: Best's Review All Systems Go: Date: 3/1/2010    Source: Best's Review Industry Research (view more) 2010 Special Report: U.S. Hospitals/Health Care Systems – Financial Review. Focus for 2010 is on Preserving Cash and Reducing Risk: Date: 2/15/2010    Source: Special Reports (PDF)     Pages: 8 2010 Special Report: U.S. Health – Review & Preview. Weak Economy, Higher Costs, Enrollment Declines Hurt Results: Date: 2/8/2010    Source: Special Reports (PDF)     Pages: 20 2009 Special Report: U.S. Health: 6-Month Market Review. Outlook Unchanged as Costs Increase Enrollment Decreases: Date: 10/5/2009    Source: Special Reports (PDF)     Pages: 4 2009 Special Report: U.S. Hospitals – Market Review. Weak Margins Threaten Survival of Smaller Not-for-Profit Hospitals: Date: 8/17/2009    Source: Special Reports (PDF)     Pages: 8