By Adrianna Hargrove
November 19, 2020
RICHMOND, Va. (WWBT) – A new study released shows that Virginia’s most expensive hospitals set their charges at 10 to 13 times above their costs, a staggering markup that creates a significant burden for patients.
Nationally, the 100 most expensive U.S. hospitals charge from $1,129 to $1,808 for every $100 of their costs. On average, U.S. hospitals charge $417 for every $100 of their costs, a markup that has more than doubled over the past 20 years.
The study from National Nurses United documents how high hospital charges are accelerating a national health care crisis for patients and families.
High hospital charges also drive COVID-19 treatment costs. One study of claims data found the average charges for a COVID-19 patient requiring an inpatient stay can range from $42,486 with no or few complications to $74,310 with major complications.