Catholic Health Systems: Profit Over Mission.

The Cost of Healthcare Rises and the Catholic Healthcare Makes Bank.

In the shadow of religious exemptions, CEOs earn millions while patients drown in medical debt.

At St. Joseph Medical Center in Bellingham, Washington—operated by the Catholic health system PeaceHealth—patients experience firsthand the contradiction between religious mission and financial reality. Simple procedures can result in staggering bills, with the hospital offering payment plans that carry interest rates exceeding 12%, forcing many to take on additional debt to cover medical expenses.

This reality starkly contrasts with PeaceHealth's stated mission to "carry on the healing mission of Jesus Christ" and the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' directive that Catholic healthcare should ensure "the right of each person to basic health care" while "promoting the good health of all in the community."

Tax Exemptions Without Accountability

The investigation reveals a troubling pattern: Catholic health systems claim religious exemptions from providing certain procedures while simultaneousl…