Nashville, Tenn.-based Hospital Corp. of America is outbidding its closest rival by more than $100 million in the competition to take over two Louisiana public hospitals, according to a report from The Advocate.
HCA is offering $575 million in lease payments over 30 years for East Jefferson Hospital in Metairie, La., and West Jefferson Medical Center in Marrero, La., according to the report. New Orleans-based Louisiana Children's Medical Center has bid $410 million, and Ochsner Health System in New Orleans has offered $374 million, according to the report. The hospital operators have revised their proposals throughout the bidding process.
Earlier this month, boards overseeing East Jefferson and West Jefferson failed to reach a consensus on which bidder to recommend during a daylong, closed-door meeting. The West Jefferson board unanimously voted for Children's and all but one member of the East Jefferson board favored HCA. The hospital boards requested additional guidance from Jefferson Parish Council
Council members have said the lease payment amounts won't necessarily be the main motivating factor behind their decision among the three proposals, which have only been discussed behind closed doors, according to the report. Council members will meet Thursday to further discuss the privatization of the two hospitals.
More Articles on Hospital Acquisitions:
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2 Jefferson Parish Hospitals in Louisiana Set for Privatization
HCA, Ochsner, Louisiana Children's Compete to Lease 2 Public Hospitals
