HCA Holdings, Inc.
Item 1. Business
General
HCA Holdings, Inc. is one of the leading health care services companies in the United States. At December 31, 2016, we operated 170 hospitals, comprised of 166 general, acute care hospitals; three psychiatric hospitals; and one rehabilitation hospital. In addition, we operated 118 freestanding surgery centers. Our facilities are located in 20 states and England.
The terms “Company,” “HCA,” “we,” “our” or “us,” as used herein and unless otherwise stated or indicated by context, refer to HCA Holdings, Inc. and its affiliates. The term “affiliates” means direct and indirect subsidiaries of HCA Holdings, Inc. and partnerships and joint ventures in which such subsidiaries are partners. The terms “facilities” or “hospitals” refer to entities owned and operated by affiliates of HCA, and the term “employees” refers to employees of affiliates of HCA.
Our primary objective is to provide a comprehensive array of quality health care services in the most cost-effective manner possible. Our general, acute care hospitals typically provide a full range of services to accommodate such medical specialties as internal medicine, general surgery, cardiology, oncology, neurosurgery, orthopedics and obstetrics, as well as diagnostic and emergency services. Outpatient and ancillary health care services are provided by our general, acute care hospitals, freestanding surgery centers, freestanding emergency care facilities, urgent care facilities, walk-in clinics, diagnostic centers and rehabilitation facilities. Our psychiatric hospitals provide a full range of mental health care services through inpatient, partial hospitalization and outpatient settings.
Our common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (symbol “HCA”). Through our predecessors, we commenced operations in 1968. The Company was incorporated in Delaware in October 2010. Our principal executive offices are located at One Park Plaza, Nashville, Tennessee 37203, and our telephone number is (615) 344-9551.
Available Information
We file certain reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), including annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K. The public may read and copy any materials we file with the SEC at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, DC 20549. The public may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. We are an electronic filer, and the SEC maintains an Internet site at http://www.sec.gov that contains the reports, proxy and information statements and other information we file electronically. Our website address is www.hcahealthcare.com. Please note that our website address is provided as an inactive textual reference only. We make available free of charge, through our website, our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and all amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, as soon as reasonably practicable after such material is electronically filed with or furnished to the SEC. The information provided on our website is not part of this report, and is therefore not incorporated by reference unless such information is specifically referenced elsewhere in this report.
Our Code of Conduct is available free of charge upon request to our Corporate Secretary, HCA Holdings, Inc., One Park Plaza, Nashville, Tennessee 37203.
Business Strategy
We are committed to providing the communities we serve with high quality, cost-effective health care while growing our business, increasing our profitability and creating long-term value for our stockholders. To achieve these objectives, we align our efforts around the following growth agenda:
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grow our presence in existing markets;
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achieve industry-leading performance in clinical and satisfaction measures;
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recruit and employ physicians to meet the need for high quality health services;
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continue to leverage our scale and market positions to enhance profitability; and
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pursue a disciplined development strategy.
Health Care Facilities
We currently own, manage or operate hospitals, freestanding surgery centers, freestanding emergency care facilities, urgent care facilities, walk-in clinics, diagnostic and imaging centers, radiation and oncology therapy centers, comprehensive rehabilitation and physical therapy centers, physician practices and various other facilities.
At December 31, 2016, we owned and operated 166 general, acute care hospitals with 43,778 licensed beds. Most of our general, acute care hospitals provide medical and surgical services, including inpatient care, intensive care, cardiac care, diagnostic services and emergency services. The general, acute care hospitals also provide outpatient services such as outpatient surgery, laboratory, radiology, respiratory therapy, cardiology and physical therapy. Each hospital has an organized medical staff and a local board of trustees or governing board, made up of members of the local community.
At December 31, 2016, we operated three psychiatric hospitals with 412 licensed beds. Our psychiatric hospitals provide therapeutic programs including child, adolescent and adult psychiatric care, adolescent and adult alcohol and drug abuse treatment and counseling.
We also operate outpatient health care facilities, which include freestanding ambulatory surgery centers (“ASCs”), freestanding emergency care facilities, urgent care facilities, walk-in clinics, diagnostic and imaging centers, comprehensive rehabilitation and physical therapy centers, radiation and oncology therapy centers, physician practices and various other facilities. These outpatient services are an integral component of our strategy to develop comprehensive health care networks in select communities. Most of our ASCs are operated through partnerships or limited liability companies, with majority ownership of each partnership or limited liability company typically held by a general partner or member that is an affiliate of HCA.
Certain of our affiliates provide a variety of management services to our health care facilities, including patient safety programs, ethics and compliance programs, national supply contracts, equipment purchasing and leasing contracts, accounting, financial and clinical systems, governmental reimbursement assistance, construction planning and coordination, information technology systems and solutions, legal counsel, human resources services and internal audit services.
Sources of Revenue
Hospital revenues depend upon inpatient occupancy levels, the medical and ancillary services ordered by physicians and provided to patients, the volume of outpatient procedures and the charges or payment rates for such services. Charges and reimbursement rates for inpatient services vary significantly depending on the type of payer, the type of service (e.g., medical/surgical, intensive care or psychiatric) and the geographic location of the hospital. Inpatient occupancy levels fluctuate for various reasons, many of which are beyond our control.
We receive payments for patient services from the federal government under the Medicare program, state governments under their respective Medicaid or similar programs, managed care plans (including plans offered through the American Health Benefit Exchanges (“Exchanges”)), private insurers and directly from patients. Our revenues from third-party payers, the uninsured and other for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 are summarized in the following table (dollars in millions):
Medicare is a federal program that provides certain hospital and medical insurance benefits to persons age 65 and over, some disabled persons, persons with end-stage renal disease and persons with Lou Gehrig’s Disease. Medicaid is a federal-state program, administered by the states, which provides hospital and medical benefits to qualifying individuals who are unable to afford health care. All of our general, acute care hospitals located in the United States are eligible to participate in Medicare and Medicaid programs. Amounts received under Medicare and Medicaid programs are generally significantly less than established hospital gross charges for the services provided.
Our hospitals generally offer discounts from established charges to certain group purchasers of health care services, including private insurance companies, employers, health maintenance organizations (“HMOs”), preferred provider organizations (“PPOs”) and other managed care plans, including plans offered through the Exchanges. These discount programs generally limit our ability to increase revenues in response to increasing costs. See Item 1, “Business - Competition.” Patients are generally not responsible for the total difference between established hospital gross charges and amounts reimbursed for such services under Medicare, Medicaid, HMOs, PPOs and other managed care plans, but are responsible to the extent of any exclusions, deductibles or coinsurance features of their coverage. The amount of such exclusions, deductibles and coinsurance continues to increase. Collection of amounts due from individuals is typically more difficult than from governmental or third-party payers. We provide discounts to uninsured patients who do not qualify for Medicaid or charity care under our charity care policy. In implementing our uninsured discount policy, we may attempt to provide assistance to uninsured patients to help determine whether they may qualify for Medicaid, other federal or state assistance or charity care under our charity care policy. If an uninsured patient does not qualify for these programs, the uninsured discount is applied.
Medicare
In addition to the reimbursement reductions and adjustments discussed below, the Budget Control Act of 2011 (the “BCA”) requires automatic spending reductions to reduce the federal deficit, including Medicare spending reductions of up to 2% per fiscal year, with a uniform percentage reduction across all Medicare programs. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (“CMS”) began imposing a 2% reduction on Medicare claims in April 1, 2013. These reductions have been extended through 2025.
Inpatient Acute Care
Under the Medicare program, we receive reimbursement under a prospective payment system (“PPS”) for general, acute care hospital inpatient services. Under the hospital inpatient PPS, fixed payment amounts per inpatient discharge are established based on the patient’s assigned Medicare severity diagnosis-related group (“MS-DRG”). MS-DRGs classify treatments for illnesses according to the estimated intensity of hospital resources necessary to furnish care for each principal diagnosis. MS-DRG weights represent the average resources for a given MS-DRG relative to the average resources for all MS-DRGs. MS-DRG payments are adjusted for area wage differentials. Hospitals, other than those defined as “new,” receive PPS reimbursement for inpatient capital costs based on MS-DRG weights multiplied by a geographically adjusted federal rate. When the cost to treat certain patients falls well outside the normal distribution, providers typically receive additional “outlier” payments.
MS-DRG rates are updated, and MS-DRG weights are recalibrated, using cost-relative weights each federal fiscal year (which begins October 1). The index used to update the MS-DRG rates (the “market basket”) gives consideration to the inflation experienced by hospitals and entities outside the health care industry in purchasing goods and services. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, as amended by the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 (collectively, the “Health Reform Law”), provides for annual decreases to the market basket, including reductions of 0.75% for each of federal fiscal years 2017, 2018 and 2019. For each federal fiscal year, the Health Reform Law provides for the annual market basket update to be further reduced by a productivity adjustment based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics (“BLS”) 10-year moving average of changes in specified economy-wide productivity. In addition, the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 requires negative documentation and coding adjustments for four years beginning in federal fiscal year 2014. CMS estimated in 2016 that, over the four years, these documentation and coding adjustments will reduce Medicare inpatient PPS payments by $11.2 billion. A decrease in payment rates or an increase in rates that is below the increase in our costs may adversely affect our results of operations.
For federal fiscal year 2016, CMS increased the MS-DRG rate by 0.9%. This increase reflected a 2.4% market basket increase, the 0.2% reduction required by the Health Reform Law, a negative 0.5% productivity adjustment, and a negative 0.8% prospective documentation and coding adjustment. For federal fiscal year 2017, CMS increased the MS-DRG rate by 0.95%. This increase reflects a 2.7% market basket increase, the 0.75% reduction required by the Health Reform Law, a negative 0.3% productivity adjustment, and a prospective reduction of 1.5% for documentation and coding. It also reflects a positive adjustment of approximately 0.8% to remove the effects of prior adjustments intended to offset the estimated increase in inpatient PPS expenditures resulting from the Medicare program’s “two midnight rule.”
Under the two midnight rule, services provided to Medicare beneficiaries are only payable as inpatient hospital services when there is a reasonable expectation that the hospital care is medically necessary and will be required across two midnights, absent unusual circumstances. Stays expected to need less than two midnights of hospital care are subject to medical review on a case-by-case basis. Quality Improvement Organizations (“QIOs”) are handling the reviews of short inpatient stays and refer claim denials to Medicare Administrative Contractors (“MACs”) for payment adjustments. Providers that exhibit persistent noncompliance with the two midnight rule may be referred to a Recovery Audit Contractor (“RAC”).
CMS has implemented, or is implementing, a number of programs and requirements intended to transform Medicare from a passive payer to an active purchaser of quality goods and services. For example, hospitals that do not successfully participate in the Hospital Inpatient Quality Reporting Program are subject to an additional 0.25% reduction of the market basket update. Hospitals that do not demonstrate meaningful use of electronic health records (“EHRs”) are subject to an additional 0.75% reduction of the market basket update in federal fiscal year 2017.
Medicare does not allow an inpatient hospital discharge to be assigned to a higher paying MS-DRG if a selected hospital acquired condition (“HAC”) was not present on admission and it is the only condition resulting in the assignment of the higher paying MS-DRG. In this situation, the case is paid as though the secondary diagnosis was not present. There are currently 14 categories of conditions on the list of HACs. In addition, CMS has established three National Coverage Determinations that prohibit Medicare reimbursement for erroneous surgical procedures performed on an inpatient or outpatient basis. Pursuant to the Health Reform Law, the 25% of hospitals with the worst risk-adjusted HAC rates in the designated performance period receive a 1% reduction in their inpatient PPS Medicare payments.
The Health Reform Law also provides for reduced payments to hospitals based on readmission rates. Each federal fiscal year inpatient payments are reduced if a hospital experiences “excess” readmissions within the 30-day time period from the date of discharge for conditions designated by CMS. For federal fiscal year 2017, CMS has designated seven conditions, including heart attack, pneumonia and total hip arthroplasty. Hospitals with what CMS defines as excess readmissions for these conditions receive reduced payments for all inpatient discharges, not just discharges relating to the conditions subject to the excess readmission standard. The amount by which payments are reduced is determined by comparing the hospital’s performance for each condition using three years of discharge data to a risk-adjusted national average, subject to a cap established by CMS. The reduction in payments to hospitals with excess readmissions can be up to 3% for federal fiscal 2015 and subsequent years. Each hospital’s performance is publicly reported by CMS.
The Health Reform Law additionally establishes a hospital value-based purchasing program to further link payments to quality and efficiency. For federal fiscal year 2017 and subsequent years, CMS will reduce the inpatient PPS payment amount for all discharges by 2.00%. The total amount collected from these reductions is pooled and used to fund payments to reward hospitals that meet certain quality performance standards established by CMS. CMS scores each hospital based on achievement (relative to other hospitals) and improvement ranges (relative to the hospital’s own past performance) for each applicable performance standard. Because the Health Reform Law provides that the pool will be fully distributed, hospitals that meet or exceed the quality performance standards receive greater reimbursement under the value-based purchasing program than they would have otherwise. Hospitals that do not achieve the necessary quality performance receive reduced Medicare inpatient hospital payments. Hospitals are scored on a number of individual measures that are categorized into four domains: clinical care; efficiency and cost reduction; safety and patient and caregiver experience of care. CMS estimates that $1.8 billion will be available to hospitals as incentive payments in federal fiscal year 2017 under the value-based purchasing program.
Historically, the Medicare program has set aside 5.10% of Medicare inpatient payments to pay for outlier cases. For federal fiscal year 2016, CMS established an outlier threshold of $22,539, and for federal fiscal year 2017, CMS increased the outlier threshold to $23,573.
Outpatient
CMS reimburses hospital outpatient services (and certain Medicare Part B services furnished to hospital inpatients who have no Part A coverage) on a PPS basis. CMS uses fee schedules to pay for physical, occupational and speech therapies, durable medical equipment, clinical diagnostic laboratory services, nonimplantable orthotics and prosthetics, freestanding surgery center services and services provided by independent diagnostic testing facilities.
Hospital outpatient services paid under PPS are classified into groups called ambulatory payment classifications (“APCs”). Services for each APC are similar clinically and in terms of the resources they require. A payment rate is established for each APC. Depending on the services provided, a hospital may be paid for more than one APC for a patient visit. The APC payment rates are updated for each calendar year. The Health Reform Law provides for annual reductions of 0.75% to the market basket update in calendar years 2017, 2018 and 2019. For each calendar year, the Health Reform Law provides for the annual market basket update to be
further reduced by a productivity adjustment based on the BLS 10-year moving average of changes in specified economy-wide productivity. For calendar year 2016, CMS decreased APC payment rates by an estimated 0.4%, which represented the market basket update of 2.4%, a negative 0.5% productivity adjustment and the negative 0.2% adjustment required by the Health Reform Law. The rate also reflected other payment adjustments, including a 2.0% reduction to address what CMS viewed as inflated payments in past years for laboratory tests packaged with payments for hospital outpatient services. For calendar year 2017, CMS has issued a final rule that it estimates will result in a 1.7% increase in payments for hospital outpatient services. The change is based on a market basket increase of 2.7%, a negative 0.3% productivity adjustment and the negative 0.75% adjustment required by the Health Reform Law, along with other payment adjustments. CMS requires hospitals to submit quality data relating to outpatient care to avoid receiving a 2% reduction to the market basket update under the outpatient PPS.
Rehabilitation
CMS reimburses inpatient rehabilitation facilities (“IRFs”) on a PPS basis. Under the IRF PPS, patients are classified into case mix groups based upon impairment, age, comorbidities (additional diseases or disorders from which the patient suffers) and functional capability. IRFs are paid a predetermined amount per discharge that reflects the patient’s case mix group and is adjusted for area wage levels, low-income patients, rural areas and high-cost outliers. The Health Reform Law also provides for reductions to the market basket update, including annual reductions of 0.75% in federal fiscal years 2017, 2018 and 2019. For each federal fiscal year, the Health Reform Law provides for the annual market basket update to be further reduced by a productivity adjustment based on the BLS 10-year moving average of changes in specified economy-wide productivity. For federal fiscal year 2016, CMS updated inpatient rehabilitation rates 1.8%, which reflected a new inpatient rehabilitation-specific 2.4% market basket increase, a negative 0.5% productivity adjustment, a 0.2% reduction required by the Health Reform Law and a 0.1% increase to aggregate payments due to updating the outlier threshold. For federal fiscal year 2017, CMS increased inpatient rehabilitation payment rates by an estimated 1.9%, which reflects an increase of 2.7% to the IRF-specific market basket, a negative 0.3% productivity adjustment, the 0.75% reduction required by the Health Reform Law, among other payment adjustments. In addition, CMS requires IRFs to report quality measures to avoid receiving a 2% reduction to the market basket update.
In order to qualify for classification as an IRF, at least 60% of a facility’s inpatients during the most recent 12-month CMS-defined review period must have required intensive rehabilitation services for one or more of 13 specified conditions. IRFs must also meet additional coverage criteria, including patient selection and care requirements relating to pre-admission screenings, post-admission evaluations, ongoing coordination of care and involvement of rehabilitation physicians. A facility that fails to meet the 60% threshold, or other criteria to be classified as an IRF, will be paid under either the acute care hospital inpatient or outpatient PPS, which generally provide for lower payment amounts. As of December 31, 2016, we had one rehabilitation hospital and 53 hospital rehabilitation units.
Psychiatric
Inpatient hospital services furnished in psychiatric hospitals and psychiatric units of general, acute care hospitals and critical access hospitals are reimbursed on a PPS basis (the “IPF PPS”), which is based upon a per diem payment, with adjustments to account for certain patient and facility characteristics. The IPF PPS contains an “outlier” policy for extraordinarily costly cases and an adjustment to a facility’s base payment if it maintains a full-service emergency department. CMS has established the IPF PPS payment rate in a manner intended to be budget neutral. The rehabilitation, psychiatric and long-term care market basket update is used to update the IPF PPS. The Health Reform Law also provides for reductions to the market basket update, including reductions of 0.2% in federal fiscal year 2017 and 0.75% in federal fiscal years 2018, 2019 and 2020. For each payment year, the Health Reform Law provides for the annual market basket update to be further reduced by a productivity adjustment based on the BLS 10-year moving average of changes in specified economy-wide productivity. For federal fiscal year 2016, CMS increased inpatient psychiatric payment rates by 1.5%, which reflected a new
inpatient psychiatric-specific market basket increase of 2.4%, reduced by a 0.5% productivity adjustment and by 0.2% as required by the Health Reform Law, along with other payment adjustments. For federal fiscal year 2017, CMS increased inpatient psychiatric payment rates by an estimated 2.2%, which reflects an increase of 2.8% to the inpatient psychiatric-specific market basket, reduced by a 0.3% productivity adjustment and by 0.2% as required by the Health Reform Law, among other payment adjustments. Inpatient psychiatric facilities are required to report quality measures to CMS to avoid receiving a 2% reduction to the market basket update. As of December 31, 2016, we had three psychiatric hospitals and 54 hospital psychiatric units.
Ambulatory Surgery Centers
CMS reimburses ASCs using a predetermined fee schedule. Reimbursements for ASC overhead costs are limited to no more than the overhead costs paid to hospital outpatient departments under the Medicare hospital outpatient PPS for the same procedure. If CMS determines that a procedure is commonly performed in a physician’s office, the ASC reimbursement for that procedure is limited to the reimbursement allowable under the Medicare Part B Physician Fee Schedule, with limited exceptions. All surgical procedures, other than those that pose a significant safety risk or generally require an overnight stay, are payable as ASC procedures. From time to time, CMS considers expanding the services that may be performed in ASCs, which may result in more Medicare procedures that historically have been performed in hospitals being moved to ASCs, reducing surgical volume in our hospitals. Also, more Medicare procedures that historically have been performed in ASCs may be moved to physicians’ offices. Commercial third-party payers may adopt similar policies. For each federal fiscal year, the Health Reform Law provides for an annual reduction to the ASC payment system by a productivity adjustment based on the BLS 10-year moving average of changes in specified economy-wide productivity. For calendar year 2016, CMS increased ASC payments by 0.3%, which included a consumer price index update of 0.8% and a negative 0.5% productivity adjustment. For calendar year 2017, CMS issued a final rule that provides for a 1.9% increase in ASC payments, which reflects a consumer price index update of 2.2% and a negative 0.3% productivity adjustment. In addition, CMS has established a quality reporting program for ASCs under which ASCs that fail to report on specified quality measures will receive a 2% reduction in reimbursement.
Physician Services
Physician services are reimbursed under the physician fee schedule (“PFS”) system, under which CMS has assigned a national relative value unit (“RVU”) to most medical procedures and services that reflects the various resources required by a physician to provide the services relative to all other services. While RVUs for various services may change in a given year, any alterations are required by statute to be virtually budget neutral, such that total payments made under the PFS may not differ by more than $20 million from what payments would have been if adjustments were not made. The Protecting Access to Medicare Act of 2014 (“PAMA”) provides for annual reductions in PFS expenditures resulting from adjustments to relative values of misvalued codes. Each RVU is calculated based on a combination of work required in terms of time and intensity of effort for the service, practice expense (overhead) attributable to the service and malpractice insurance expense attributable to the service. These three elements are each modified by a geographic adjustment factor to account for local practice costs and are then aggregated. Under the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 (“MACRA”), the PFS reimbursement rate will increase 0.5% each calendar year through 2019.
In addition, MACRA required the establishment of the Quality Payment Program (“QPP”), a payment methodology intended to reward high-quality patient care. Beginning in 2017, physicians and certain other health care clinicians are required to participate in of one of two QPP tracks. Under both tracks, performance data collected in 2017 will affect Medicare payments in 2019. CMS expects to transition increasing financial risk to providers as the QPP evolves. The Advanced Alternative Payment Model (“APM”) track makes incentive payments available for participation in specific innovative payment models approved by CMS. Providers may earn a 5% Medicare incentive payment between 2019 and 2024 and will be exempt from the reporting requirements and payment adjustments imposed under the Merit-Based Incentive Payment System (“MIPS”) if the provider has sufficient participation (based on percentage of payments or patients) in an Advanced APM.
Alternatively, providers may participate in the MIPS track. Providers electing this option initially may receive payment incentives or be subject to payment reductions of up to 4% of the provider’s Medicare payments based on their performance with respect to clinical quality, resource use, clinical improvement activities, and meaningful use of EHRs. The adjustment percentage will increase incrementally, up to 9%, by 2022. MIPS will consolidate components of three existing physician incentive programs: the Physician Quality Reporting System, the Physician Value-Based Payment Modifier, and the Medicare EHR Incentive Program.
Other
Under PPS, the payment rates are adjusted for the area differences in wage levels by a factor (“wage index”) reflecting the relative wage level in the geographic area compared to the national average wage level and taking into account occupational mix. The redistributive impact of wage index changes is not anticipated to have a material financial impact for 2017.
Medicare reimburses hospitals for a portion (65%) of bad debts resulting from deductible and coinsurance amounts that are uncollectable from Medicare beneficiaries.
CMS has implemented contractor reform whereby CMS competitively bids the Medicare fiscal intermediary and Medicare carrier functions to 12 MACs, which are geographically assigned and service both Part A and Part B providers within a given jurisdiction. While chain providers had the option of having all hospitals use one home office MAC, we chose to use the MACs assigned to the geographic areas in which our hospitals are located. CMS periodically re-solicits bids, and the MAC servicing a geographic area can change as a result of the bid competition. MAC transition periods can impact claims processing functions and the resulting cash flow.
CMS contracts with third parties to promote the integrity of the Medicare program through reviews of quality concerns and detections and corrections of improper payments. QIOs, for example, are groups of physicians and other health care quality experts that work on behalf of CMS to ensure that Medicare pays only for goods and services that are reasonable and necessary and that are provided in the most appropriate setting. Under the RAC program, CMS contracts with RACs on a contingency basis to conduct post-payment reviews to detect and correct improper payments in the fee-for-service Medicare program. CMS awarded new RAC contracts in 2016, although the original RACs will remain under contract with CMS until 2018 for administrative purposes. The compensation for the RACs is based on their review of claims submitted to Medicare for billing compliance, including correct coding and medical necessity, and the amount of overpayments and underpayments they identify. CMS limits the number of claims that RACs may audit by limiting the number of records that RACs may request from hospitals based on each provider’s claim denial rate for the previous year. CMS has implemented the RAC program on a permanent, nationwide basis, but has not yet expanded the RAC program as required by the Health Reform Law.
We have established policies and procedures to respond to the RAC requests and payment denials. Payment recoveries resulting from RAC reviews and denials are appealable through administrative and judicial processes, and we pursue reversal of adverse determinations at appropriate appeal levels. We incur additional costs related to responding to RAC requests and denials, including costs associated with responding to requests for records and pursuing the reversal of payment denials and losses associated with overpayments that are not reversed upon appeal. Currently, there are significant delays in the assignment of new Medicare appeals to Administrative Law Judges. Depending upon changes to and the growth of RAC programs and our success in appealing claims in future periods, our cash flows and results of operations could be negatively impacted.
Managed Medicare
Under the Managed Medicare program, the federal government contracts with private health plans to provide members with Medicare Part A, Part B and Part D benefits. Managed Medicare plans can be structured as HMOs, PPOs or private fee-for-service plans. The Medicare program allows beneficiaries to choose
enrollment in certain managed Medicare plans. The Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003 increased reimbursement to managed Medicare plans and expanded Medicare beneficiaries’ health care options. The Health Reform Law reduced, on a gradual basis through 2017, premium payments to managed Medicare plans such that CMS’ managed care per capita premium payments generally approximate traditional Medicare costs. In addition, the Health Reform Law requires managed Medicare plans to keep annual administrative costs lower than 15% of annual premium revenue. The Health Reform Law also implements fee payment adjustments based on service benchmarks and quality ratings. The economic environment and changing health reform efforts may result in reduced premium payments from CMS, which may lead to increased beneficiary premiums or limits on benefits which, in turn, may cause decreased enrollment in such plans.
Medicaid
Medicaid programs are funded jointly by the federal government and the states and are administered by states under approved plans. Most state Medicaid program payments are made under a PPS or are based on negotiated payment levels with individual hospitals. Medicaid reimbursement is often less than a hospital’s cost of services. The Health Reform Law, as enacted, requires states to expand Medicaid coverage to all individuals under age 65 with incomes up to 133% of the federal poverty level (“FPL”) and to apply a “5% income disregard” to the eligibility standard, so that eligibility is effectively extended to those with incomes up to 138% of the FPL. However, states may opt out of the expansion without losing existing federal Medicaid funding. A number of states, including Texas and Florida, have opted out of the Medicaid expansion. Some of the states that opted out of the Medicaid expansion provisions are evaluating alternatives such as waiver plans to extend or replace existing supplemental payment programs. However, the future of the Medicaid expansion is uncertain as a result of the 2016 federal elections.
Because most states must operate with balanced budgets and because the Medicaid program is often the state’s largest program, states can be expected to adopt or consider adopting legislation designed to reduce their Medicaid expenditures. Budgetary pressures have, in recent years, resulted and likely will continue to result in decreased spending, or decreased spending growth, for Medicaid programs in many states. Certain states in which we operate have adopted broad-based provider taxes to fund the non-federal share of Medicaid programs. Many states have also adopted, or are considering, legislation designed to reduce coverage, enroll Medicaid recipients in managed care programs and/or impose additional taxes on hospitals to help finance or expand the states’ Medicaid systems. However, for children, the Health Reform Law, as enacted, requires states to at least maintain Medicaid eligibility standards established prior to the enactment of the law until October 1, 2019.
Federal funds under the Medicaid program may not be used to reimburse providers for medical assistance provided to treat certain provider-preventable conditions. Each state Medicaid program must deny payments to providers for the treatment of health care-acquired conditions designated by CMS as well as other provider-preventable conditions that may be designated by the state.
Congress has expanded the federal government’s involvement in fighting fraud, waste and abuse in the Medicaid program through the Medicaid Integrity Program. CMS employs private contractors, referred to as Medicaid Integrity Contractors (“MICs”), to perform post-payment audits of Medicaid claims and identify overpayments. In addition to MICs, several other contractors and state Medicaid agencies have increased their review activities. The Health Reform Law increases federal funding for the Medicaid Integrity Program and expands the RAC program’s scope to include Medicaid claims by requiring all states to enter into contracts with RACs to audit payments to Medicaid providers.
Managed Medicaid
Managed Medicaid programs enable states to contract with one or more entities for patient enrollment, care management and claims adjudication. The states usually do not relinquish program responsibilities for financing, eligibility criteria and core benefit plan design. We generally contract directly with one of the designated entities,
usually a managed care organization. The provisions of these programs are state-specific. Many states direct managed care plans to pass through supplemental payments to designated providers, independent of services rendered, to ensure consistent funding of providers that serve large numbers of low-income patients. In 2016, CMS began limiting these “pass-through payments” to Medicaid managed plans and will ultimately prohibit such payments by 2027.
Enrollment in managed Medicaid plans has increased in recent years, as state governments seek to control the cost of Medicaid programs. However, general economic conditions in the states in which we operate may require reductions in premium payments to these plans, which may reduce enrollment in these plans.
Accountable Care Organizations and Bundled Payment Initiatives
An Accountable Care Organization (“ACO”) is a network of providers and suppliers that work together to invest in infrastructure and redesign delivery processes to attempt to achieve high quality and efficient delivery of services. Promoting accountability and coordination of care, ACOs are intended to produce savings as a result of improved quality and operational efficiency. ACOs that achieve quality performance standards established by HHS are eligible to share in a portion of the amounts saved by the Medicare program. There are several types of ACO programs, including the Medicare Shared Savings Program (“MSSP”), which was established pursuant to the Health Reform Law, and the Next Generation ACO Model.
The Center for Medicare & Medicaid Innovation (“CMMI”) is responsible for establishing demonstration projects and other initiatives in order to identify, develop, test and encourage the adoption of new methods of delivering and paying for health care that create savings under the Medicare and Medicaid programs while improving quality of care. For example, providers participating in bundled payment initiatives agree to receive one payment for services provided to Medicare patients for certain medical conditions or episodes of care, accepting accountability for costs and quality of care. By rewarding providers for increasing quality and reducing costs and penalizing providers if costs exceed a set amount, these models are intended to lead to higher quality, more coordinated care at a lower cost to the Medicare program. Hospitals may receive supplemental Medicare payments or owe repayments to CMS depending on whether overall CMS spending per episode exceeds or falls below a target specified by CMS and whether quality standards are met. The CMMI has implemented a voluntary bundled payment program known as the Bundled Payment for Care Improvement (“BPCI”) initiative. More recently, the CMMI implemented a mandatory bundled payment program for hospitals in selected geographic areas that is focused on orthopedic care and established a similar mandatory program focused on cardiac care that is scheduled to begin in 2017.
HHS continues to focus on shifting from traditional fee-for-service reimbursement models to alternative payment models that tie reimbursement to quality and/or value, including bundled payment programs. Several private insurance companies have expressed their intent to increasingly rely on such reimbursement models, which may increasingly shift financial risk to providers.
Disproportionate Share Hospital Payments
In addition to making payments for services provided directly to beneficiaries, Medicare makes additional payments to hospitals that treat a disproportionately large number of low-income patients (Medicaid and Medicare patients eligible to receive Supplemental Security Income). Disproportionate Share Hospital (“DSH”) payments are determined annually based on certain statistical information required by HHS and are paid as a percentage addition to MS-DRG payments.
The Health Reform Law reduced Medicare DSH payments to 25% of the amount they otherwise would have been absent the law. The remaining 75% of the amount that would otherwise be paid under Medicare DSH is effectively pooled, and this pool is reduced further each year by a formula that reflects reductions in the national level of uninsured who are under 65 years of age. Thus, the greater the level of coverage for the previously uninsured nationally, the more the Medicare DSH payment pool will be reduced. Each DSH hospital is then to be
paid, out of the reduced DSH payment pool, an amount allocated based upon its estimated cost of providing uncompensated care.
Hospitals that provide care to a disproportionately high number of low-income patients may receive Medicaid DSH payments. The federal government distributes federal Medicaid DSH funds to each state based on a statutory formula. The states then distribute the DSH funding among qualifying hospitals. States have broad discretion to define which hospitals qualify for Medicaid DSH payments and the amount of such payments. The Health Reform Law and subsequent legislation provide for reductions to the Medicaid DSH hospital program. Under current law, Medicaid DSH will be reduced annually as follows: 2018 ($2 billion); 2019 ($3 billion); 2020 ($4 billion); 2021 ($5 billion); 2022 ($6 billion); 2023 ($7 billion); and 2024 and 2025 ($8 billion each). CMS issued a final rule in 2013 establishing the methodology for allocating the cuts among the states based on the volume of Medicaid inpatients and levels of uncompensated care in each state. Under that rule, states largely retained the ability to manage the reduced allotments and to allocate these cuts among providers within the state. However, due to the delays in the onset of the reductions, a new methodology will be required prior to fiscal year 2018.
TRICARE
TRICARE is the Department of Defense’s health care program for members of the armed forces. For inpatient services, TRICARE reimburses hospitals based on a DRG system modeled on the Medicare inpatient PPS. For outpatient services, TRICARE reimburses hospitals based on a PPS that is similar to that utilized for services furnished to Medicare beneficiaries.
Annual Cost Reports
All hospitals participating in the Medicare, Medicaid and TRICARE programs, whether paid on a reasonable cost basis or under a PPS, are required to meet certain financial reporting requirements. Federal and, where applicable, state regulations require the submission of annual cost reports covering the revenues, costs and expenses associated with the services provided by each hospital to Medicare beneficiaries and Medicaid recipients.
Annual cost reports required under the Medicare and Medicaid programs are subject to routine audits, which may result in adjustments to the amounts ultimately determined to be due to us under these reimbursement programs. These audits often require several years to reach the final determination of amounts due to or from us under these programs. Providers also have rights of appeal, and it is common to contest issues raised in audits of cost reports.
Managed Care and Other Discounted Plans
Most of our hospitals offer discounts from established charges to certain large group purchasers of health care services, including managed care plans and private insurance companies. Admissions reimbursed by commercial managed care and other insurers were 29%, 30% and 30% of our total admissions for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Managed care contracts are typically negotiated for terms between one and three years. While we generally received contracted annual average increases that were expected to yield 4% to 5% from managed care payers during 2016, there can be no assurance that we will continue to receive increases in the future. Further, it is not clear what impact, if any, the increased obligations on managed care payers and other health plans imposed by the Health Reform Law, and any changes to, or the repeal or replacement of, the Health Reform Law, will have on our ability to negotiate reimbursement rates.
Uninsured and Self-Pay Patients
Self-pay revenues are derived from providing health care services to patients without health insurance coverage and from the patient responsibility portion of payments for our health care services that are not covered
by an individual’s health insurance plan. Collection of amounts due from individuals is typically more difficult than collection of amounts due from government or commercial payers. Any increases in uninsured individuals, changes to the payer mix or greater adoption of plan structures that result in higher patient responsibility amounts could increase amounts due from individuals.
A high percentage of our uninsured patients are initially admitted through our emergency rooms. For the year ended December 31, 2016, approximately 83% of our admissions of uninsured patients occurred through our emergency rooms. The Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (“EMTALA”) requires any hospital that participates in the Medicare program to conduct an appropriate medical screening examination of every person who presents to the hospital’s emergency room for treatment and, if the individual is suffering from an emergency medical condition, to either stabilize that condition or make an appropriate transfer of the individual to a facility that can handle the condition. The obligation to screen and stabilize emergency medical conditions exists regardless of an individual’s ability to pay for treatment. The Health Reform Law currently requires health plans to reimburse hospitals for emergency services provided to enrollees without prior authorization and without regard to whether a participating provider contract is in place. The financial impact of the obligation to screen for and stabilize emergency medical conditions has been offset, in part, by provisions of the Health Reform Law that decrease the number of uninsured individuals, including requirements and incentives for individuals to obtain, and large employers to provide, insurance coverage.
Electronic Health Record Incentives
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (“ARRA”) provides for Medicare and Medicaid incentive payments for eligible hospitals and for eligible professionals that adopt and meaningfully use certified EHR technology and provides for payment reductions for eligible hospitals and eligible professionals that do not adopt and meaningfully use EHR technology. The incentive payments are available for a maximum period of five or six years, depending on the program. Through December 2016, approximately $36 billion in incentive payments have been made through the Medicare and Medicaid EHR incentive programs to eligible hospitals and eligible professionals.
Hospital Utilization
We believe the most important factors relating to the overall utilization of a hospital are the quality and market position of the hospital and the number and quality of physicians and other health care professionals providing patient care within the facility. Generally, we believe the ability of a hospital to be a market leader is determined by its breadth of services, level of technology, quality and condition of the facilities, emphasis on quality of care and convenience for patients and physicians. Other factors that impact utilization include the growth in local population, local economic conditions and market penetration of managed care programs.
The following table sets forth certain operating statistics for our health care facilities. Health care facility operations are subject to certain seasonal fluctuations, including decreases in patient utilization during holiday periods and increases in the cold weather months.
(a) Licensed beds are those beds for which a facility has been granted approval to operate from the applicable state licensing agency.
(b) Represents the average number of licensed beds, weighted based on periods owned.
(c) Represents the total number of patients admitted to our hospitals and is used by management and certain investors as a general measure of inpatient volume.
(d) Equivalent admissions are used by management and certain investors as a general measure of combined inpatient and outpatient volume. Equivalent admissions are computed by multiplying admissions (inpatient volume) by the sum of gross inpatient revenue and gross outpatient revenue and then dividing the resulting amount by gross inpatient revenue. The equivalent admissions computation “equates” outpatient revenue to the volume measure (admissions) used to measure inpatient volume, resulting in a general measure of combined inpatient and outpatient volume.
(e) Represents the average number of days admitted patients stay in our hospitals.
(f) Represents the average number of patients in our hospital beds each day.
(g) Represents the percentage of hospital licensed beds occupied by patients. Both average daily census and occupancy rate provide measures of the utilization of inpatient rooms.
(h) Represents the number of patients treated in our emergency rooms.
(i) Represents the number of surgeries performed on patients who were not admitted to our hospitals. Pain management and endoscopy procedures are not included in outpatient surgeries.
(j) Represents the number of surgeries performed on patients who have been admitted to our hospitals. Pain management and endoscopy procedures are not included in inpatient surgeries.
Competition
Generally, other hospitals in the communities we serve provide services similar to those offered by our hospitals. Additionally, in recent years the number of freestanding specialty hospitals, surgery centers, emergency departments, urgent care centers and diagnostic and imaging centers in the geographic areas in which we operate has increased significantly. As a result, most of our hospitals operate in a highly competitive environment. In some cases, competing hospitals are more established than our hospitals. Some competing facilities are physician-owned or are owned by tax-supported government agencies and many others are owned by not-for-profit entities that may be supported by endowments, charitable contributions and/or tax revenues and are exempt from sales, property and income taxes. Such exemptions and support are not available to our hospitals and may provide the tax-supported or not-for-profit entities an advantage in funding capital expenditures. In certain localities there are large teaching hospitals that provide highly specialized facilities, equipment and services that may not be available at most of our hospitals. We also face competition from specialty hospitals and from both our own and unaffiliated freestanding ASCs for market share in certain high margin services.
Psychiatric hospitals frequently attract patients from areas outside their immediate locale and, therefore, our psychiatric hospitals compete with both local and regional hospitals, including the psychiatric units of general, acute care hospitals.
Our strategies are designed to ensure our hospitals are competitive. We believe our hospitals compete within local communities on the basis of many factors, including the quality of care, ability to attract and retain quality physicians, skilled clinical personnel and other health care professionals, location, breadth of services, technology offered, quality and condition of the facilities and prices charged. Hospitals must make public a list of their standard charges for items and services or their policies for providing a list of such charges in response to an inquiry. We have increased our focus on operating outpatient services with improved accessibility and more convenient service for patients and increased predictability and efficiency for physicians.
Two of the most significant factors to the competitive position of a hospital are the number and quality of physicians affiliated with or employed by the hospital. Although physicians may at any time terminate their relationship with a hospital we operate, our hospitals seek to retain physicians with varied specialties on the hospitals’ medical staffs and to attract other qualified physicians. We believe physicians refer patients to a hospital on the basis of the quality and scope of services it renders to patients and physicians, the quality of physicians on the medical staff, the location of the hospital and the quality of the hospital’s facilities, equipment and employees. Accordingly, we strive to maintain and provide quality facilities, equipment, employees and services for physicians and patients. Our hospitals face competition from competitors that are implementing physician alignment strategies, such as employing physicians, acquiring physician practice groups and participating in ACOs or other clinical integration models.
Another major factor in the competitive position of our hospitals is our ability to negotiate service contracts with purchasers of group health care services. Managed care plans attempt to direct and control the use of hospital services and obtain discounts from hospitals’ established gross charges. In addition, employers and traditional health insurers continue to attempt to contain costs through negotiations with hospitals for managed care programs and discounts from established gross charges. Generally, hospitals compete for service contracts with group health care services purchasers on the basis of price, market reputation, geographic location, quality and range of services, quality of the medical staff and convenience. Our future success will depend, in part, on our ability to retain and renew our managed care contracts and enter into new managed care contracts on favorable terms. Other health care providers may impact our ability to enter into managed care contracts or negotiate increases in our reimbursement and other favorable terms and conditions. For example, some of our competitors may negotiate exclusivity provisions with managed care plans or otherwise restrict the ability of managed care companies to contract with us. The trend toward consolidation among non-government payers tends to increase their bargaining power over fee structures. In addition, health reform efforts, such as the Health Reform Law’s creation of the Exchanges and limitations on rescissions of coverage and pre-existing condition
exclusions, may lead to non-government payers increasingly demanding reduced fees or being unwilling to negotiate reimbursement increases. Most of the plans offered through the Exchanges provide for narrow networks that restrict the number of participating providers or tiered networks that impose significantly higher cost sharing obligations on patients that obtain services from providers in a disfavored tier. These trends may continue regardless of potential repeal or replacement of, or changes to, the Health Reform Law. The importance of obtaining contracts with managed care organizations varies from community to community, depending on the market strength of such organizations.
State certificate of need (“CON”) laws, which place limitations on a health care facility’s ability to expand services and facilities, make capital expenditures and otherwise make changes in operations, may also have the effect of restricting competition. We currently operate health care facilities in a number of states with CON laws or that require other types of approvals for the establishment or expansion of certain facility types or services. Before issuing a CON or other approval, these states consider the need for additional or expanded health care facilities or services. In those states that do not require state approval or that set relatively high levels of expenditures before they become reviewable by state authorities, competition in the form of new services, facilities and capital spending is more prevalent. See Item 1, “Business - Regulation and Other Factors.”
We and the health care industry as a whole face the challenge of continuing to provide quality patient care while dealing with rising costs and strong competition for patients. Changes in medical technology, existing and future legislation, regulations and interpretations and managed care contracting for provider services by private and government payers remain ongoing challenges.
Admissions, average lengths of stay and reimbursement amounts continue to be negatively affected by payer-required pre-admission authorization, utilization review and payer pressure to maximize outpatient and alternative health care delivery services for less acutely ill patients. The Health Reform Law expanded the use of prepayment review by Medicare contractors by eliminating statutory restrictions on their use. Increased competition, admission constraints and payer pressures are expected to continue. To meet these challenges, we intend to expand and update our facilities or acquire or construct new facilities where appropriate, to enhance the provision of a comprehensive array of outpatient services, offer market competitive pricing to private payer groups, upgrade facilities and equipment and offer new or expanded programs and services.
Regulation and Other Factors
Licensure, Certification and Accreditation
Health care facility construction and operation are subject to numerous federal, state and local regulations relating to the adequacy of medical care, equipment, personnel, operating policies and procedures, maintenance of adequate records, fire prevention, rate-setting and compliance with building codes and environmental protection laws. Facilities are subject to periodic inspection by governmental and other authorities to assure continued compliance with the various standards necessary for licensing and accreditation. We believe our health care facilities are properly licensed under applicable state laws. Each of our acute care hospitals located in the United States is eligible to participate in Medicare and Medicaid programs and is accredited by The Joint Commission. If any facility were to lose its Medicare or Medicaid certification, the facility would be unable to receive reimbursement from federal health care programs. If any facility were to lose accreditation, the facility would be subject to state surveys, potentially be subject to increased scrutiny by CMS and likely lose payment from non-government payers. Management believes our facilities are in substantial compliance with current applicable federal, state, local and independent review body regulations and standards. The requirements for licensure, certification and accreditation are subject to change and, in order to remain qualified, it may become necessary for us to make changes in our facilities, equipment, personnel and services. The requirements for licensure, certification and accreditation also include notification or approval in the event of the transfer or change of ownership or certain other changes. Failure to provide required notifications or obtain necessary approvals in these circumstances can result in the inability to complete an acquisition or change of ownership, loss of licensure, lapses in reimbursement or other penalties.
Certificates of Need
In some states where we operate hospitals and other health care facilities, the construction or expansion of health care facilities, the acquisition of existing facilities, the transfer or change of ownership and the addition of new beds or services may be subject to review by and prior approval of, or notifications to, state regulatory agencies under a CON program. Such laws generally require the reviewing state agency to determine the public need for additional or expanded health care facilities and services. Failure to provide required notifications or obtain necessary state approvals can result in the inability to expand facilities, complete an acquisition or change ownership or other penalties.
State Rate Review
Some states have adopted legislation mandating rate or budget review for hospitals or have adopted taxes on hospital revenues, assessments or licensure fees to fund indigent health care within the state. In the aggregate, indigent tax provisions have not materially, adversely affected our results of operations. Although we do not currently operate facilities in states that mandate rate or budget reviews, we cannot predict whether we will operate in such states in the future, or whether the states in which we currently operate may adopt legislation mandating such reviews.
Federal Health Care Program Regulations
Participation in any federal health care program, including the Medicare and Medicaid programs, is heavily regulated by statute and regulation. If a hospital fails to substantially comply with the numerous conditions of participation in the Medicare and Medicaid programs or performs certain prohibited acts, the hospital’s participation in the federal health care programs may be terminated, or civil and/or criminal penalties may be imposed. As required by the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015, civil monetary penalties were significantly increased in 2016. Beginning in 2017, the penalties are required to be updated annually based on updates to the consumer price index.
Anti-kickback Statute
A section of the Social Security Act known as the “Anti-kickback Statute” prohibits providers and others from directly or indirectly soliciting, receiving, offering or paying any remuneration with the intent of generating referrals or orders for services or items covered by a federal health care program. Courts have interpreted this statute broadly and held that there is a violation of the Anti-kickback Statute if just one purpose of the remuneration is to generate referrals, even if there are other lawful purposes. Furthermore, the Health Reform Law provides that knowledge of the law or the intent to violate the law is not required. Violations of the Anti-kickback Statute may be punished by a criminal fine of up to $25,000 for each violation or imprisonment, civil money penalties of up to $74,792 per violation, after taking into account 2017 updates, and damages of up to three times the total amount of the remuneration and/or exclusion from participation in federal health care programs, including Medicare and Medicaid. These civil monetary penalties will be updated annually based on changes to the consumer price index. In addition, submission of a claim for services or items generated in violation of the Anti-kickback Statute may be subject to additional penalties under the federal False Claims Act (“FCA”) as a false or fraudulent claim.
The OIG, among other regulatory agencies, is responsible for identifying and eliminating fraud, abuse and waste. The OIG carries out this mission through a nationwide program of audits, investigations and inspections. The OIG provides guidance to the industry through various methods including advisory opinions and “Special Fraud Alerts.” These Special Fraud Alerts do not have the force of law, but identify features of arrangements or transactions that the government believes may cause the arrangements or transactions to violate the Anti-kickback Statute or other federal health care laws. The OIG has identified several incentive arrangements that constitute suspect practices, including: (a) payment of any incentive by a hospital each time a physician refers a patient to the hospital, (b) the use of free or significantly discounted office space or equipment in facilities usually located close to the hospital, (c) provision of free or significantly discounted billing, nursing or other staff services, (d) free training for a physician’s office staff in areas such as management techniques and laboratory techniques, (e) guarantees which provide, if the physician’s income fails to reach a predetermined level, the hospital will pay any portion of the remainder, (f) low-interest or interest-free loans, or loans which may be forgiven if a physician refers patients to the hospital, (g) payment of the costs of a physician’s travel and expenses for conferences, (h) coverage on the hospital’s group health insurance plans at an inappropriately low cost to the physician, (i) payment for services (which may include consultations at the hospital) which require few, if any, substantive duties by the physician, (j) purchasing goods or services from physicians at prices in excess of their fair market value, (k) rental of space in physician offices, at other than fair market value terms, by persons or entities to which physicians refer, and (l) physician-owned entities (frequently referred to as physician-owned distributorships or PODs) that derive revenue from selling, or arranging for the sale of, implantable medical devices ordered by their physician-owners for use on procedures that physician-owners perform on their own patients at hospitals or ASCs. The OIG has encouraged persons having information about hospitals who offer the above types of incentives to physicians to report such information to the OIG.
The OIG also issues “Special Advisory Bulletins” as a means of providing guidance to health care providers. These bulletins, along with the Special Fraud Alerts, have focused on certain arrangements that could be subject to heightened scrutiny by government enforcement authorities, including: (a) contractual joint venture arrangements and other joint venture arrangements between those in a position to refer business, such as physicians, and those providing items or services for which Medicare or Medicaid pays, and (b) certain “gainsharing” arrangements, i.e., the practice of giving physicians a share of any reduction in a hospital’s costs for patient care attributable in part to the physician’s efforts.
In addition to issuing Special Fraud Alerts and Special Advisory Bulletins, the OIG issues compliance program guidance for certain types of health care providers. The OIG guidance identifies a number of risk areas under federal fraud and abuse statutes and regulations. These areas of risk include compensation arrangements with physicians, recruitment arrangements with physicians and joint venture relationships with physicians.
As authorized by Congress, the OIG has published safe harbor regulations that outline categories of activities deemed protected from prosecution under the Anti-kickback Statute. Currently, there are statutory exceptions and safe harbors for various activities, including the following: certain investment interests, space rental, equipment rental, practitioner recruitment, personnel services and management contracts, sale of practice, referral services, warranties, discounts, employees, group purchasing organizations, waiver of beneficiary coinsurance and deductible amounts, managed care arrangements, obstetrical malpractice insurance subsidies, investments in group practices, freestanding surgery centers, ambulance replenishing, and referral agreements for specialty services.
The fact that conduct or a business arrangement does not fall within a safe harbor or is identified in a Special Fraud Alert, Special Advisory Bulletin or other guidance does not necessarily render the conduct or business arrangement illegal under the Anti-kickback Statute. However, such conduct and business arrangements may lead to increased scrutiny by government enforcement authorities.
We have a variety of financial relationships with physicians and others who either refer or influence the referral of patients to our hospitals, other health care facilities and employed physicians, including employment contracts, leases, medical director agreements and professional service agreements. We also have similar relationships with physicians and facilities to which patients are referred from our facilities and other providers. In addition, we provide financial incentives, including minimum revenue guarantees, to recruit physicians into the communities served by our hospitals. While we endeavor to comply with the applicable safe harbors, certain of our current arrangements, including joint ventures and financial relationships with physicians and other referral sources and persons and entities to which we refer patients, do not qualify for safe harbor protection.
Although we believe our arrangements with physicians and other referral sources and referral recipients have been structured to comply with current law and available interpretations, there can be no assurance regulatory authorities enforcing these laws will determine these financial arrangements comply with the Anti-kickback Statute or other applicable laws. An adverse determination could subject us to liabilities under the Social Security Act and other laws, including criminal penalties, civil monetary penalties and exclusion from participation in Medicare, Medicaid or other federal health care programs.
Stark Law
The Social Security Act also includes a provision commonly known as the “Stark Law.” The Stark Law prohibits physicians from referring Medicare and Medicaid patients to entities with which they or any of their immediate family members have a financial relationship, if these entities provide certain “designated health services” reimbursable by Medicare or Medicaid unless an exception applies. The Stark Law also prohibits entities that provide designated health services reimbursable by Medicare and Medicaid from billing the Medicare and Medicaid programs for any items or services that result from a prohibited referral and requires the entities to refund amounts received for items or services provided pursuant to the prohibited referral on a timely basis. “Designated health services” include inpatient and outpatient hospital services, clinical laboratory services and radiology services. Sanctions for violating the Stark Law include denial of payment, civil monetary penalties of up to $24,253 per claim submitted and exclusion from the federal health care programs. Failure to refund amounts received as a result of a prohibited referral on a timely basis may constitute a false or fraudulent claim and may result in civil penalties and additional penalties under the FCA. The statute also provides for a penalty of up to $161,692 for a circumvention scheme. These penalties take into account 2017 updates will be further updated annually based on changes to the consumer price index.
There are exceptions to the self-referral prohibition for many of the customary financial arrangements between physicians and providers, including employment contracts, leases and recruitment agreements. Unlike safe harbors under the Anti-kickback Statute with which compliance is voluntary, a financial relationship must comply with every requirement of a Stark Law exception or the arrangement is in violation of the Stark Law. Although there is an exception for a physician’s ownership interest in an entire hospital, the Health Reform Law
prohibits physician-owned hospitals established after December 31, 2010 from billing for Medicare or Medicaid patients referred by their physician owners. As a result, the law effectively prevents the formation of new physician-owned hospitals that participate in Medicare or Medicaid. While the Health Reform Law grandfathers existing physician-owned hospitals, it does not allow these hospitals to increase the percentage of physician ownership and significantly restricts their ability to expand services.
Through a series of rulemakings, CMS has issued final regulations implementing the Stark Law. While these regulations were intended to clarify the requirements of the exceptions to the Stark Law, it is unclear how the government will interpret many of these exceptions for enforcement purposes. Further, we do not always have the benefit of significant regulatory or judicial interpretation of the Stark Law and its implementing regulations. We attempt to structure our relationships to meet an exception to the Stark Law, but the regulations implementing the exceptions are detailed and complex, and we cannot assure that every relationship complies fully with the Stark Law.
Similar State Laws
Many states in which we operate also have laws similar to the Anti-kickback Statute that prohibit payments to physicians for patient referrals and laws similar to the Stark Law that prohibit certain self-referrals. These state laws often apply regardless of the source of payment for care, and little precedent exists for their interpretation or enforcement. These statutes typically provide for criminal and civil penalties, as well as loss of licensure.
Other Fraud and Abuse Provisions
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (“HIPAA”) broadened the scope of certain fraud and abuse laws by adding several criminal provisions for health care fraud offenses that apply to all health benefit programs. The Social Security Act also imposes criminal and civil penalties for making false claims and statements to Medicare and Medicaid. False claims include, but are not limited to, billing for services not rendered or for misrepresenting actual services rendered in order to obtain higher reimbursement, billing for unnecessary goods and services and cost report fraud. Federal enforcement officials have the ability to exclude from Medicare and Medicaid any business entities and any investors, officers and managing employees associated with business entities that have committed health care fraud, even if the officer or managing employee had no knowledge of the fraud. Criminal and civil penalties may be imposed for a number of other prohibited activities, including failure to return known overpayments, certain gainsharing arrangements, billing Medicare amounts that are substantially in excess of a provider’s usual charges, offering remuneration to influence a Medicare or Medicaid beneficiary’s selection of a health care provider, contracting with an individual or entity known to be excluded from a federal health care program, making or accepting a payment to induce a physician to reduce or limit services, and soliciting or receiving any remuneration in return for referring an individual for an item or service payable by a federal health care program. Like the Anti-kickback Statute, these provisions are very broad. Civil penalties may be imposed for the failure to report and return an overpayment within 60 days of identifying the overpayment or by the date a corresponding cost report is due, whichever is later. To avoid liability, providers must, among other things, carefully and accurately code claims for reimbursement, promptly return overpayments and accurately prepare cost reports.
Some of these provisions, including the federal Civil Monetary Penalty Law, require a lower burden of proof than other fraud and abuse laws, including the Anti-kickback Statute. Civil monetary penalties of up to $74,792 per act, after taking into account 2017 updates, may be imposed under the federal Civil Monetary Penalty Law. These penalties will be updated annually based on changes to the consumer price index. In some cases, violations of the Civil Monetary Penalty Law may result in penalties of up to three times the remuneration offered, paid, solicited or received. In addition, a violator may be subject to exclusion from federal and state health care programs. Federal and state governments increasingly use the federal Civil Monetary Penalty Law, especially where they believe they cannot meet the higher burden of proof requirements under the Anti-kickback Statute. Further, individuals can receive up to $1,000 for providing information on Medicare fraud and abuse that leads to the recovery of at least $100 of Medicare funds under the Medicare Integrity Program.
The Federal False Claims Act and Similar State Laws
We are subject to state and federal laws that govern the submission of claims for reimbursement and prohibit the making of false claims or statements. One of the most prominent of these laws is the FCA, which may be enforced by the federal government directly or by a qui tam plaintiff, or whistleblower, on the government’s behalf. The government may use the FCA to prosecute Medicare and other government program fraud in areas such as coding errors, billing for services not provided and submitting false cost reports. In addition, the FCA covers payments made in connection with the Exchanges created under the Health Reform Law, if those payments include any federal funds. When a private party brings a qui tam action under the FCA, the defendant is not made aware of the lawsuit until the government commences its own investigation or makes a determination whether it will intervene. If a defendant is determined by a court of law to be liable under the FCA, the defendant may be required to pay three times the actual damages sustained by the government, plus mandatory civil penalties of between $10,957 and $21,916 for each separate false claim. These penalties take into account 2017 updates will be further updated annually based on changes to the consumer price index.
There are many potential bases for liability under the FCA. Liability often arises when an entity knowingly submits a false claim for reimbursement to the federal government. The FCA defines the term “knowingly” broadly. Though simple negligence will not give rise to liability under the FCA, submitting a claim with reckless disregard to its truth or falsity constitutes a “knowing” submission under the FCA and, therefore, may create liability. Submission of claims for services or items generated in violation of the Anti-kickback Statute constitutes a false or fraudulent claim under the FCA. Whistleblowers and the federal government have taken the position, and some courts have held, that providers who allegedly have violated other statutes, such as the Stark Law, have thereby submitted false claims under the FCA. False claims under the FCA also include the knowing and improper failure to report and refund amounts owed to the government in a timely manner following identification of an overpayment. An overpayment is deemed to be identified when a person has, or should have through reasonable diligence, determined that an overpayment was received and quantified the overpayment.
Every entity that receives at least $5 million annually in Medicaid payments must have written policies for all employees, contractors or agents, providing detailed information about false claims, false statements and whistleblower protections under certain federal laws, including the FCA, and similar state laws. In addition, federal law provides an incentive to states to enact false claims laws comparable to the FCA. A number of states in which we operate have adopted their own false claims provisions as well as their own whistleblower provisions under which a private party may file a civil lawsuit in state court. We have adopted and distributed policies pertaining to the FCA and relevant state laws.
HIPAA Administrative Simplification and Privacy and Security Requirements
The Administrative Simplification Provisions of HIPAA and implementing regulations require the use of uniform electronic data transmission standards for certain health care claims and payment transactions submitted or received electronically. These provisions are intended to encourage electronic commerce in the health care industry. As required by the Health Reform Law, HHS is in the process of adopting standards for additional electronic transactions and establishing operating rules to promote uniformity in the implementation of each standardized electronic transaction. In addition, HIPAA requires that each provider use a National Provider Identifier. CMS published a final rule requiring the use of updated standard code sets for certain diagnoses and procedures known as ICD-10 code sets. Health plans and providers, including our hospitals, were required to transition to the ICD-10 code sets by October 1, 2015, which required significant administrative changes.
The privacy and security regulations promulgated pursuant to HIPAA extensively regulate the use and disclosure of individually identifiable health information, known as “protected health information,” and require covered entities, including health plans and most health care providers, to implement administrative, physical and technical safeguards to protect the security of such information. Certain provisions of the security and privacy regulations apply to business associates (entities that handle protected health information on behalf of covered
entities), and business associates are subject to direct liability for violation of these provisions. In addition, a covered entity may be subject to penalties as a result of a business associate violating HIPAA, if the business associate is found to be an agent of the covered entity.
Covered entities must report breaches of unsecured protected health information to affected individuals without unreasonable delay but not to exceed 60 days of discovery of the breach by a covered entity or its agents. Notification must also be made to HHS and, in certain situations involving large breaches, to the media. HHS is required to publish on its website a list of all covered entities that report a breach involving more than 500 individuals. All non-permitted uses or disclosures of unsecured protected health information are presumed to be breaches unless the covered entity or business associate establishes that there is a low probability the information has been compromised. Various state laws and regulations may also require us to notify affected individuals in the event of a data breach involving individually identifiable information.
Violations of the HIPAA privacy and security regulations may result in criminal penalties and in civil penalties of up to $55,910 per violation for a maximum of $1,677,299 in a calendar year for violations of the same requirement, after taking into account 2017 updates. These civil penalties will be updated annually based on updates to the consumer price index. HHS enforces the regulations and performs compliance audits. In addition to enforcement by HHS, state attorneys general are authorized to bring civil actions seeking either injunction or damages in response to violations that threaten the privacy of state residents. HHS may resolve HIPAA violations through informal means, such as allowing a covered entity to implement a corrective action plan, but HHS has the discretion to move directly to impose monetary penalties and is required to impose penalties for violations resulting from willful neglect. We enforce a HIPAA compliance plan, which we believe complies with the HIPAA privacy and security regulations and under which a HIPAA compliance group monitors our compliance. The HIPAA privacy regulations and security regulations have and will continue to impose significant costs on our facilities in order to comply with these standards.
There are numerous other laws and legislative and regulatory initiatives at the federal and state levels addressing privacy and security concerns. Our facilities remain subject to any federal or state privacy-related laws that are more restrictive than the privacy regulations issued under HIPAA. These laws vary and could impose additional penalties. For example, the Federal Trade Commission uses its consumer protection authority to initiate enforcement actions in response to data breaches.
EMTALA
All of our hospitals in the United States are subject to EMTALA. This federal law requires any hospital participating in the Medicare program to conduct an appropriate medical screening examination of every individual who presents to the hospital’s emergency room for treatment and, if the individual is suffering from an emergency medical condition, to either stabilize the condition or make an appropriate transfer of the individual to a facility able to handle the condition. The obligation to screen and stabilize emergency medical conditions exists regardless of an individual’s ability to pay for treatment. There are severe penalties under EMTALA if a hospital fails to screen or appropriately stabilize or transfer an individual or if the hospital delays appropriate treatment in order to first inquire about the individual’s ability to pay. Penalties for violations of EMTALA include exclusion from participation in the Medicare program and civil monetary penalties. These civil monetary penalties increased significantly in 2016, were further adjusted in 2017 and will be increased annually based on updates to the consumer price index. In addition, an injured individual, the individual’s family or a medical facility that suffers a financial loss as a direct result of a hospital’s violation of the law can bring a civil suit against the hospital.
The government broadly interprets EMTALA to cover situations in which individuals do not actually present to a hospital’s emergency room, but present for emergency examination or treatment to the hospital’s campus, generally, or to a hospital-based clinic that treats emergency medical conditions or are transported in a hospital-owned ambulance, subject to certain exceptions. At least one court has interpreted the law also to apply to a hospital that has been notified of a patient’s pending arrival in a non-hospital owned ambulance. EMTALA
does not generally apply to individuals admitted for inpatient services. The government has expressed its intent to investigate and enforce EMTALA violations actively. We believe our hospitals operate in substantial compliance with EMTALA.
Corporate Practice of Medicine/Fee Splitting
Some of the states in which we operate have laws prohibiting corporations and other entities from employing physicians, practicing medicine for a profit and making certain direct and indirect payments to, or entering into fee-splitting arrangements with, health care providers designed to induce or encourage the referral of patients to, or the recommendation of, particular providers for medical products and services. Possible sanctions for violation of these restrictions include loss of license and civil and criminal penalties. In addition, agreements between the corporation and the physician may be considered void and unenforceable. These statutes vary from state to state, are often vague and have seldom been interpreted by the courts or regulatory agencies.
Health Care Industry Investigations
Significant media and public attention has focused in recent years on the hospital industry. This media and public attention, changes in government personnel and other factors have led to increased scrutiny of the health care industry. Except as may be disclosed in our SEC filings, we are not aware of any material investigations of the Company under federal or state health care laws or regulations. It is possible that governmental entities could initiate investigations or litigation in the future at facilities we operate and that such matters could result in significant penalties, as well as adverse publicity. It is also possible that our executives and managers could be included in governmental investigations or litigation or named as defendants in private litigation.
Our substantial Medicare, Medicaid and other governmental billings result in heightened scrutiny of our operations. We continue to monitor all aspects of our business and have developed a comprehensive ethics and compliance program that is designed to meet or exceed applicable federal guidelines and industry standards. Because the law in this area is complex and constantly evolving, governmental investigations or litigation may result in interpretations that are inconsistent with our or industry practices.
In public statements surrounding current investigations, governmental authorities have taken positions on a number of issues, including some for which little official interpretation previously has been available, that appear to be inconsistent with practices that have been common within the industry and that previously have not been challenged in this manner. In some instances, government investigations that have in the past been conducted under the civil provisions of federal law may now be conducted as criminal investigations.
Both federal and state government agencies have increased their focus on and coordination of civil and criminal enforcement efforts in the health care area. The OIG and the Department of Justice (“DOJ”) have, from time to time, established national enforcement initiatives, targeting all hospital providers that focus on specific billing practices or other suspected areas of abuse. The Health Reform Law includes additional federal funding of $350 million over 10 years to fight health care fraud, waste and abuse, including $10 million in federal fiscal year 2017. In addition, governmental agencies and their agents, such as MACs, fiscal intermediaries and carriers, may conduct audits of our health care operations. Private payers may conduct similar post-payment audits, and we also perform internal audits and monitoring.
In addition to national enforcement initiatives, federal and state investigations have addressed a wide variety of routine health care operations such as: cost reporting and billing practices, including for Medicare outliers; financial arrangements with referral sources; physician recruitment activities; physician joint ventures; and hospital charges and collection practices for self-pay patients. We engage in many of these routine health care operations and other activities that could be the subject of governmental investigations or inquiries. For example, we have significant Medicare and Medicaid billings, numerous financial arrangements with physicians who are referral sources to our hospitals, and joint venture arrangements involving physician investors. Certain of our individual facilities have received, and other facilities may receive, government inquiries from, and may be subject to investigation by, federal and state agencies. Any additional investigations of the Company, our executives or managers could result in significant liabilities or penalties to us, as well as adverse publicity.
Health Care Reform
The health care industry is subject to changing political, regulatory, and other influences, along with various scientific and technological initiatives. In recent years, the U.S. Congress and certain state legislatures have passed a large number of laws and regulations intended to effect major change within the U.S. health care system. The 2016 federal elections may result in the repeal of, significant changes to, or the replacement of the Health Reform Law, the most prominent of these reform efforts. Currently, the Health Reform Law affects how health care services are covered, delivered and reimbursed through expanded health insurance coverage, reduced growth in Medicare program spending, reductions in Medicare and Medicaid DSH payments, and the establishment of programs that tie reimbursement to quality and integration.
The Health Reform Law expands coverage through a combination of public program expansion and private sector health insurance and other reforms. Expansion in public program coverage has been driven primarily by expanding the categories of individuals eligible for Medicaid coverage and permitting individuals with relatively higher incomes to qualify. A number of states, including Texas and Florida, have opted out of the Medicaid expansion provisions, which they may do without losing federal funding. For states that have not participated in the Medicaid expansion, the maximum income level required for individuals and families to qualify for Medicaid varies widely from state to state. Some of the states that have opted out of the Medicaid expansion are evaluating or participating in alternatives such as waiver plans.
The expansion of health coverage through the private sector as a result of the Health Reform Law has been driven by new requirements applicable to health insurers, employers and individuals. For example, health insurers are prohibited from imposing annual coverage limits, dropping coverage, excluding persons based upon pre-existing conditions or denying coverage for any individual who is willing to pay the premiums for such coverage. Large employers are required to provide health insurance benefits to their full time employees or pay a penalty if an employee obtains government-subsidized coverage through an Exchange. Individuals are required to maintain health insurance for a minimum defined set of benefits or pay a tax penalty. The cost of obtaining health insurance through the Exchanges is subsidized by the federal government for individuals and families below 400% of the FPL.
To facilitate the purchase of health insurance by individuals and small employers, the Health Reform Law mandates that each state establish or participate in an Exchange or default to a federally-operated Exchange. Health insurers participating in an Exchange must offer a set of minimum benefits, as defined by HHS, and may offer more benefits. However, several insurers have limited or ended their participation in these marketplaces, creating uncertainty regarding the long-term viability of the Exchanges.
As discussed in Item 1, “Business - Sources of Revenue,” the Health Reform Law provides for spending reductions for Medicare, Medicaid and other federal health care programs. It also increasingly ties payment for services to quality outcomes, provides for the creation of ACOs, and creates incentives and other initiatives to better coordinate patient care across settings and over time.
The Health Reform Law also makes several significant changes to health care fraud and abuse laws, provides additional enforcement tools to the government, increases cooperation between agencies by establishing mechanisms for the sharing of information and enhances criminal and administrative penalties for non-compliance. For example, the Health Reform Law tightens up the rules for returning overpayments made by governmental health programs and expands FCA liability to include failure to timely repay identified overpayments. The Health Reform Law also prohibits newly created physician-owned hospitals from billing for Medicare patients referred by their physician owners. As a result, the law effectively prevents the formation of new physician-owned hospitals that participate in Medicare and Medicaid after December 31, 2010. While the law grandfathers existing physician-owned hospitals, it does not allow these hospitals to increase the percentage of physician ownership and significantly restricts their ability to expand services.
The Health Reform Law has had a net positive effect on the Company to date, before considering the impact of Medicare reductions that began in 2010, and it is expected that the law, as presently implemented, will continue to have a meaningful contribution to the Company’s results of operations. However, the Company could be affected by efforts to change, repeal or replace the Health Reform Law and the potential instability of the Exchanges, as discussed in Item 1A, “Risk Factors.”
General Economic and Demographic Factors
The health care industry is impacted by the overall United States economy. Budget deficits at federal, state and local government entities have had a negative impact on spending for many health and human service programs, including Medicare, Medicaid and similar programs, which represent significant payer sources for our hospitals. We anticipate that the federal deficit, the growing magnitude of Medicare expenditures and the aging of the United States population will continue to place pressure on federal health care programs. Other risks we face during periods of economic weakness and high unemployment include potential declines in the population covered under managed care agreements, increased patient decisions to postpone or cancel elective and nonemergency health care procedures, increases in the uninsured and underinsured populations, increased adoption of health plan structures that shift financial responsibility to patients and further difficulties in our collecting patient receivables for copayment and deductible amounts.
Compliance Program
We maintain a comprehensive ethics and compliance program that is designed to meet or exceed applicable federal guidelines and industry standards. The program is intended to monitor and raise awareness of various regulatory issues among employees and to emphasize the importance of complying with governmental laws and regulations. As part of the ethics and compliance program, we provide annual ethics and compliance training to our employees and encourage all employees to report any violations to their supervisor, an ethics and compliance officer or a toll-free telephone ethics line. The Health Reform Law requires providers to implement core elements of compliance program criteria to be established by HHS, on a timeline to be established by HHS, as a condition of enrollment in the Medicare or Medicaid programs, and we may have to modify our compliance programs to comply with these new criteria.
Antitrust Laws
The federal government and most states have enacted antitrust laws that prohibit certain types of conduct deemed to be anti-competitive. These laws prohibit price fixing, market allocation, bid-rigging, concerted refusal to deal, market monopolization, price discrimination, tying arrangements, acquisitions of competitors and other practices that have, or may have, an adverse effect on competition. Violations of federal or state antitrust laws can result in various sanctions, including criminal and civil penalties. Antitrust enforcement in the health care industry is currently a priority of the Federal Trade Commission and the DOJ. We believe we are in compliance with such federal and state laws, but courts or regulatory authorities may reach a determination in the future that could adversely affect our operations.
Environmental Matters
We are subject to various federal, state and local statutes and ordinances regulating the discharge of materials into the environment. We do not believe that we will be required to expend any material amounts in order to comply with these laws and regulations.
Insurance
As is typical in the health care industry, we are subject to claims and legal actions by patients in the ordinary course of business. Subject, in most cases, to a $15 million per occurrence self-insured retention, our facilities are insured by our 100% owned insurance subsidiary for losses up to $50 million per occurrence. The insurance
subsidiary has obtained reinsurance for professional liability risks generally above a retention level of $25 million per occurrence. We also maintain professional liability insurance with unrelated commercial carriers for losses in excess of amounts insured by our insurance subsidiary.
We purchase, from unrelated insurance companies, coverage for cyber security incidents, directors and officers liability and property loss in amounts we believe are adequate. The cyber security and directors and officers liability coverage each include a $5 million corporate deductible. In addition, we will continue to purchase coverage for our directors and officers on an ongoing basis. The property coverage includes varying deductibles depending on the cause of the property damage. These deductibles range from $100,000 per claim up to 5% of the affected property values for certain flood and wind and earthquake related incidents.
Employees and Medical Staffs
At December 31, 2016, we had approximately 241,000 employees, including approximately 61,000 part-time employees. References herein to “employees” refer to employees of our affiliates. We are subject to various state and federal laws that regulate wages, hours, benefits and other terms and conditions relating to employment. At December 31, 2016, certain employees at 37 of our domestic hospitals are represented by various labor unions. While no elections are expected in 2017, it is possible additional hospitals may unionize in the future. We consider our employee relations to be good and have not experienced work stoppages that have materially, adversely affected our business or results of operations. Our hospitals, like most hospitals, have experienced rising labor costs. In some markets, nurse and medical support personnel availability has become a significant operating issue to health care providers. To address this challenge, we have implemented several initiatives to improve retention, recruiting, compensation programs and productivity.
Our hospitals are staffed by licensed physicians, including both employed physicians and physicians who are not employees of our hospitals. Some physicians provide services in our hospitals under contracts, which generally describe a term of service, provide and establish the duties and obligations of such physicians, require the maintenance of certain performance criteria and fix compensation for such services. Any licensed physician may apply to be accepted to the medical staff of any of our hospitals, but the hospital’s medical staff and the appropriate governing board of the hospital, in accordance with established credentialing criteria, must approve acceptance to the staff. Members of the medical staffs of our hospitals often also serve on the medical staffs of other hospitals and may terminate their affiliation with one of our hospitals at any time.
We may be required to continue to enhance wages and benefits to recruit and retain nurses and other medical support personnel or to hire more expensive temporary or contract personnel. As a result, our labor costs could increase. We also depend on the available labor pool of semi-skilled and unskilled employees in each of the markets in which we operate. Recent changes by the National Labor Relations Board (the “NLRB”) in its election procedures could increase the likelihood of employee unionization attempts. To the extent a significant portion of our employee base unionizes, our costs could increase materially. In addition, the states in which we operate could adopt mandatory nurse-staffing ratios or could reduce mandatory nurse-staffing ratios already in place. State-mandated nurse-staffing ratios could significantly affect labor costs, and have an adverse impact on revenues if we are required to limit patient admissions in order to meet the required ratios.
Executive Officers of the Registrant
As of February 1, 2017, our executive officers were as follows:
Name
Age
Position(s)
R. Milton Johnson
Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Director
Victor L. Campbell
Senior Vice President
Ravi S. Chari, M.D.
Senior Vice President - Clinical Excellence
Michael S. Cuffe, M.D.
President - Physician Services Group
Jana J. Davis
Senior Vice President - Corporate Affairs
Jane D. Englebright
Senior Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer
Jon M. Foster
President - American Group
Charles J. Hall
President - National Group
Samuel N. Hazen
President and Chief Operating Officer
A. Bruce Moore, Jr.
President - Service Line and Operations Integration
Sandra L. Morgan
Senior Vice President - Provider Relations
J. William B. Morrow
Senior Vice President - Finance and Treasurer
P. Martin Paslick
Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer
Jonathan B. Perlin, M.D.
President - Clinical Services Group and Chief Medical Officer
William B. Rutherford
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Joseph A. Sowell, III
Senior Vice President and Chief Development Officer
Joseph N. Steakley
Senior Vice President - Internal Audit Services
John M. Steele
Senior Vice President - Human Resources
Kathryn A. Torres
Senior Vice President - Employer and Payer Engagement
Robert A. Waterman
Senior Vice President and General Counsel
Christopher F. Wyatt
Senior Vice President and Controller
Alan R. Yuspeh
Senior Vice President and Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer
R. Milton Johnson was appointed Chairman and Chief Executive Officer effective December 31, 2014. Mr. Johnson served as President and Chief Executive Officer from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2014 and has been a director of the Company since December 2009. Mr. Johnson previously served the Company as President and Chief Financial Officer from February 2011 through December 2013 and Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer from July 2004 to February 2011. Prior to that time, he served as Senior Vice President and Controller from July 1999 until July 2004 and as Vice President and Controller of the Company from November 1998 to July 1999. From April 1995 to October 1998, Mr. Johnson served as Vice President - Tax of the Company. Prior to that time, Mr. Johnson served as Director of Tax for Healthtrust, Inc. - The Hospital Company from September 1987 to April 1995.
Victor L. Campbell has served as Senior Vice President of the Company since February 1994. He is responsible for government and investor relations. Prior to that time, Mr. Campbell served as HCA-Hospital Corporation of America’s Vice President for Investor, Corporate and Government Relations. Mr. Campbell joined HCA-Hospital Corporation of America in 1972. Mr. Campbell serves on the board of the Coalition to Protect America’s Health Care, as a member of the American Hospital Association’s President’s Forum, and on the board of trustees of the Federation of American Hospitals.
Dr. Ravi S. Chari was appointed Senior Vice President - Clinical Excellence in January 2015. Prior to that time, Dr. Chari served as Vice President - Clinical Excellence from September 2011 to January 2015 and Chief Medical Officer of HCA’s TriStar Division from October 2010 to September 2011. He served as Chief Medical Officer at Centennial Medical Center from September 2008 to October 2010 and also served as interim Chief Operating Officer of the Sarah Cannon Cancer Centers for the TriStar Division from October 2009 to March 2010. Dr. Chari has also served as Clinical Professor of Surgery at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine since November 2008 and previously served as Professor of Surgery from 2005 to 2008 and Associate Professor from 2001 to 2005.
Dr. Michael S. Cuffe has served as President - Physician Services Group since October 2011. From October 2011 to January 2015, Dr. Cuffe also served as a Vice President of the Company. Prior to that time, Dr. Cuffe served Duke University Health System as Vice President for Ambulatory Services and Chief Medical Officer from March 2011 to October 2011 and Vice President Medical Affairs from June 2005 to March 2011. He also served Duke University School of Medicine as Vice Dean for Medical Affairs from June 2008 to March 2011, Deputy Chair of the Department of Medicine from August 2009 to August 2010 and Associate Professor of Medicine from March 2005 to October 2011. Prior that time, Dr. Cuffe served in various leadership roles with the Duke Clinical Research Institute, Duke University Medical Center and Duke University School of Medicine.
Jana J. Davis was appointed Senior Vice President - Corporate Affairs of the Company in December 2012. Prior to that time, she served as the Company’s Senior Vice President - Communications from February 2011 to December 2012 and Vice President of Communications from November 1997 to February 2011. Ms. Davis joined HCA in 1997 from Burson-Marsteller, where she was a Managing Director and served as Corporate Practice Chair for Latin American operations. Ms. Davis also held a number of Public Affairs positions in the George H.W. Bush and Reagan Administrations. Ms. Davis is an attorney and serves as chair of the Public Relations Committee for the Federation of American Hospitals.
Dr. Jane D. Englebright was appointed Senior Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer in January 2015. Dr. Englebright previously served as Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer from 2007 to January 2015. Dr. Englebright joined HCA in 1992 as a critical care nurse at Lewisville Medical Center in Texas and became Chief Nursing Officer of HCA’s San Antonio Community Hospital in 1996. Dr. Englebright currently serves as the At-Large Nursing Representative to The Joint Commission’s Board of Commissioners and chairs the Board of Governors of the National Patient Safety Foundation.
Jon M. Foster was appointed President - American Group in January 2013. Prior to that, Mr. Foster served as President - Southwest Group from February 2011 to January 2013 and as Division President for the Central and West Texas Division from January 2006 to February 2011. Mr. Foster joined HCA in March 2001 as President and CEO of St. David’s HealthCare in Austin, Texas and served in that position until February 2011. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Foster served in various executive capacities within the Baptist Health System, Knoxville, Tennessee and The Methodist Hospital System in Houston, Texas.
Charles J. Hall was appointed President - National Group in February 2011. Prior to that, Mr. Hall served as President - Eastern Group from October 2006 to February 2011. Mr. Hall had previously served the Company as President - North Florida Division from April 2003 until October 2006, as President of the East Florida Division from January 1999 until April 2003, as a Market President in the East Florida Division from January 1998 until December 1998, as President of the South Florida Division from February 1996 until December 1997, and as President of the Southwest Florida Division from October 1994 until February 1996, and in various other capacities since 1987.
Samuel N. Hazen was appointed President and Chief Operating Officer in November 2016. Prior to that time, he had served as Chief Operating Officer since January 2015. Mr. Hazen served as President - Operations of the Company from February 2011 to January 2015. Mr. Hazen served as President - Western Group from July 2001 to February 2011 and as Chief Financial Officer - Western Group of the Company from August 1995 to July 2001. Mr. Hazen served as Chief Financial Officer - North Texas Division of the Company from February 1994 to July 1995. Prior to that time, Mr. Hazen served in various hospital and regional Chief Financial Officer positions with Humana Inc. and Galen Health Care, Inc.
A. Bruce Moore, Jr. was appointed President - Service Line and Operations Integration in February 2011. Prior to that, Mr. Moore had served as President - Outpatient Services Group since January 2006. Mr. Moore served as Senior Vice President and as Chief Operating Officer - Outpatient Services Group from July 2004 to January 2006 and as Senior Vice President - Operations Administration from July 1999 until July 2004. Mr. Moore served as Vice President - Operations Administration of the Company from September 1997 to
July 1999, as Vice President - Benefits from October 1996 to September 1997, and as Vice President - Compensation from March 1995 until October 1996.
Sandra L. Morgan was appointed Senior Vice President - Provider Relations in January 2015. Prior to that time, she served as Vice President - National Sales from April 2008 to January 2015. From 2000 to 2008, Ms. Morgan served in various capacities with Pfizer Inc., including Vice President of Sales for the Customer Business Unit from 2005 to 2008.
J. William B. Morrow was appointed Senior Vice President - Finance and Treasurer effective February 1, 2017. Mr. Morrow served as Vice President - Finance and Treasurer from July 2016 through January 31, 2017. From 2011 to 2016, Mr. Morrow served the Company as Vice President - Development/Special Assets. Mr. Morrow served as a partner in the law firm of Waller Lansden Dortch & Davis from 2006 to October 2011. Prior to becoming a partner, Mr. Morrow was an associate at Waller Lansden Dortch & Davis and at Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton.
P. Martin Paslick was appointed Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer of the Company in June 2012. Prior to that time, he served as Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Information Technology & Services from March 2010 to May 2012 and Vice President - Information Technology & Services Field Operations from September 2006 to February 2010. From January 1998 to September 2006, he served in various Vice President roles in the Company’s Information Technology & Services department. Mr. Paslick joined the Company in 1985.
Dr. Jonathan B. Perlin was appointed President - Clinical Services Group and Chief Medical Officer in November 2007. Dr. Perlin had served as Chief Medical Officer and Senior Vice President - Quality of the Company from August 2006 to November 2007. Prior to joining the Company, Dr. Perlin served as Under Secretary for Health in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs since April 2004. Dr. Perlin joined the Veterans Health Administration in November 1999 where he served in various capacities, including as Deputy Under Secretary for Health from July 2002 to April 2004, and as Chief Quality and Performance Officer from November 1999 to September 2002. He also served as Senior Advisor to the Acting Secretary of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs from July 2014 to September 2014 and is the immediate past Chairman for the American Hospital Association.
William B. Rutherford has served as the Company’s Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since January 2014. Mr. Rutherford previously served as Chief Operating Officer of the Company’s Clinical and Physician Services Group from January 2011 to January 2014 and Chief Financial Officer of the Company’s Outpatient Services Group from November 2008 to January 2011. Prior to that time, Mr. Rutherford was employed by Summit Consulting Group of Tennessee from July 2007 to November 2008 and was Chief Operating Officer of Psychiatric Solutions, Inc. from March 2006 to June 2007. Mr. Rutherford also previously served in various positions with the Company from 1986 to 2005, including Chief Financial Officer of what was then the Company’s Eastern Group, Director of Internal Audit and Director of Operations Support.
Joseph A. Sowell, III was appointed as Senior Vice President and Chief Development Officer of the Company in December 2009. From 1987 to 1996 and again from 1999 to 2009, Mr. Sowell was a partner at the law firm of Waller Lansden Dortch & Davis where he specialized in the areas of health care law, mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, private equity financing, tax law and general corporate law. He also co-managed the firm’s corporate and commercial transactions practice. From 1996 to 1999, Mr. Sowell served as the head of development, and later as the Chief Operating Officer of Arcon Healthcare.
Joseph N. Steakley has served as Senior Vice President - Internal Audit Services of the Company since July 1999. Mr. Steakley served as Vice President - Internal Audit Services from November 1997 to July 1999. From October 1989 until October 1997, Mr. Steakley was a partner with Ernst & Young LLP.
John M. Steele has served as Senior Vice President - Human Resources of the Company since November 2003. Mr. Steele served as Vice President - Compensation and Recruitment of the Company from November 1997 to October 2003. From March 1995 to November 1997, Mr. Steele served as Assistant Vice President - Recruitment.
Kathryn A. Torres was appointed Senior Vice President - Employer and Payer Engagement in July 2016. Ms. Torres joined HCA in 1993 and served in various capacities, including as Vice President of Employer and Payer Engagement and Vice President - Strategy.
Robert A. Waterman has served as Senior Vice President and General Counsel of the Company since November 1997. Mr. Waterman served as a partner in the law firm of Latham & Watkins from September 1993 to October 1997; he was Chair of the firm’s health care group during 1997.
Christopher F. Wyatt was appointed Senior Vice President and Controller in April 2016. Prior to that time, Mr. Wyatt served the Company as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer - IT&S from January 2013 to April 2016 and Chief Financial Officer - Clinical Services Group from October 2010 until January 2013. From 2000 to 2010, Mr. Wyatt served in various capacities with Ernst & Young LLP.
Alan R. Yuspeh has served as Senior Vice President and Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer of the Company since May 2007. From October 1997 to May 2007, Mr. Yuspeh served as Senior Vice President - Ethics, Compliance and Corporate Responsibility of the Company. From September 1991 until October 1997, Mr. Yuspeh was a partner with the law firm of Howrey & Simon. As a part of his law practice, Mr. Yuspeh served from 1987 to 1997 as Coordinator of the Defense Industry Initiative on Business Ethics and Conduct.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
If any of the events discussed in the following risk factors were to occur, our business, financial position, results of operations, cash flows or prospects could be materially, adversely affected. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known, or currently deemed immaterial, may also constrain our business and operations.
Our substantial leverage could adversely affect our ability to raise additional capital to fund our operations, limit our ability to react to changes in the economy or our industry, expose us to interest rate risk to the extent of our variable rate debt and prevent us from meeting our obligations.
We are highly leveraged. As of December 31, 2016, our total indebtedness was $31.376 billion. As of December 31, 2016, we had availability of $1.767 billion under our senior secured revolving credit facility and $330 million under our asset-based revolving credit facility, after giving effect to letters of credit and borrowing base limitations. Our high degree of leverage could have important consequences, including:
•
increasing our vulnerability to downturns or adverse changes in general economic, industry or competitive conditions and adverse changes in government regulations;
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requiring a substantial portion of cash flows from operations to be dedicated to the payment of principal and interest on our indebtedness, therefore reducing our ability to use our cash flows to fund our operations, capital expenditures and future business opportunities;
•
exposing us to the risk of increased interest rates as certain of our unhedged borrowings are at variable rates of interest;
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limiting our ability to make strategic acquisitions or causing us to make nonstrategic divestitures;
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limiting our ability to obtain additional financing for working capital, capital expenditures, share repurchases, product or service line development, debt service requirements, acquisitions and general corporate or other purposes; and
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limiting our ability to adjust to changing market conditions and placing us at a competitive disadvantage compared to our competitors who are less highly leveraged.
We and our subsidiaries have the ability to incur additional indebtedness in the future, subject to the restrictions contained in our senior secured credit facilities and the indentures governing our outstanding notes. If new indebtedness is added to our current debt levels, the related risks that we now face could intensify.
We may not be able to generate sufficient cash to service all of our indebtedness and may not be able to refinance our indebtedness on favorable terms. If we are unable to do so, we may be forced to take other actions to satisfy our obligations under our indebtedness, which may not be successful.
Our ability to make scheduled payments on or to refinance our debt obligations depends on our financial condition and operating performance, which are subject to prevailing economic and competitive conditions and to certain financial, business and other factors beyond our control. We cannot assure you we will maintain a level of cash flows from operating activities sufficient to permit us to pay the principal, premium, if any, and interest on our indebtedness.
In addition, we conduct our operations through our subsidiaries. Accordingly, repayment of our indebtedness is dependent on the generation of cash flows by our subsidiaries and their ability to make such cash available to us by dividend, debt repayment or otherwise. Our subsidiaries may not be able to, or may not be permitted to, make distributions to enable us to make payments in respect of our indebtedness. Each subsidiary is a distinct legal entity, and, under certain circumstances, legal and contractual restrictions may limit our ability to obtain cash from our subsidiaries.
We may find it necessary or prudent to refinance our outstanding indebtedness, the terms of which may not be favorable to us. Our ability to refinance our indebtedness on favorable terms, or at all, is directly affected by the then current global economic and financial conditions. In addition, our ability to incur secured indebtedness (which would generally enable us to achieve better pricing than the incurrence of unsecured indebtedness) depends in part on the value of our assets, which depends, in turn, on the strength of our cash flows and results of operations, and on economic and market conditions and other factors.
If our cash flows and capital resources are insufficient to fund our debt service obligations or we are unable to refinance our indebtedness, we may be forced to reduce or delay investments and capital expenditures, or to sell assets, seek additional capital or restructure our indebtedness. These alternative measures may not be successful and may not permit us to meet our scheduled debt service obligations. If our operating results and available cash are insufficient to meet our debt service obligations, we could face substantial liquidity problems and might be required to dispose of material assets or operations to meet our debt service and other obligations. We may not be able to consummate those dispositions, or the proceeds from the dispositions may not be adequate to meet any debt service obligations then due.
Our debt agreements contain restrictions that limit our flexibility in operating our business.
Our senior secured credit facilities and, to a lesser extent, the indentures governing our outstanding notes contain various covenants that limit our ability to engage in specified types of transactions. These covenants limit our and certain of our subsidiaries’ ability to, among other things:
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incur additional indebtedness or issue certain preferred shares;
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pay dividends on, repurchase or make distributions in respect of our capital stock or make other restricted payments;
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make certain investments;
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sell or transfer assets;
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create liens;
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consolidate, merge, sell or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of our assets; and
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enter into certain transactions with our affiliates.
Under our asset-based revolving credit facility, when (and for as long as) the combined availability under our asset-based revolving credit facility and our senior secured revolving credit facility is less than a specified amount for a certain period of time or, if a payment or bankruptcy event of default has occurred and is continuing, funds deposited into any of our depository accounts will be transferred on a daily basis into a blocked account with the administrative agent and applied to prepay loans under the asset-based revolving credit facility and to collateralize letters of credit issued thereunder.
Under our senior secured credit facilities, we are required to satisfy and maintain specified financial ratios. Our ability to meet those financial ratios can be affected by events beyond our control, and there can be no assurance we will continue to meet those ratios. A breach of any of these covenants could result in a default under both the cash flow credit facility and the asset-based revolving credit facility. Upon the occurrence of an event of default under these senior secured credit facilities, the lenders thereunder could elect to declare all amounts outstanding under the senior secured credit facilities to be immediately due and payable and terminate all commitments to extend further credit, which would also result in an event of default under a significant portion of our outstanding indebtedness. If we were unable to repay those amounts, the lenders under the senior secured credit facilities could proceed against the collateral granted to them to secure such indebtedness. We have pledged a significant portion of our assets under our senior secured credit facilities and that collateral is also pledged as collateral under our first lien notes. If any of the lenders under the senior secured credit facilities accelerate the repayment of borrowings, there can be no assurance there will be sufficient assets to repay the senior secured credit facilities, the first lien notes and our other indebtedness.
Our hospitals face competition for patients from other hospitals and health care providers.
The health care business is highly competitive, and competition among hospitals and other health care providers for patients has intensified in recent years. Generally, other hospitals in the communities we serve provide services similar to those offered by our hospitals. In addition, CMS publicizes on its Hospital Compare website performance data related to quality measures and data on patient satisfaction surveys hospitals submit in connection with their Medicare reimbursement. Federal law provides for the future expansion of the number of quality measures that must be reported. Additional quality measures and future trends toward clinical transparency may have an unanticipated impact on our competitive position and patient volumes. Further, every hospital must establish and update annually a public listing of the hospital’s standard charges for items and services. If any of our hospitals achieve poor results (or results that are lower than our competitors) on these quality measures or on patient satisfaction surveys or if our standard charges are higher than our competitors, our patient volumes could decline.
In addition, the number of freestanding specialty hospitals, surgery centers, emergency departments, urgent care centers and diagnostic and imaging centers in the geographic areas in which we operate has increased significantly. As a result, most of our hospitals operate in a highly competitive environment. Some of the facilities that compete with our hospitals are physician-owned or are owned by governmental agencies or not-for-profit corporations supported by endowments, charitable contributions and/or tax revenues and can finance capital expenditures and operations on a tax-exempt basis. Our hospitals face competition from competitors that are implementing physician alignment strategies, such as employing physicians, acquiring physician practice groups and participating in ACOs or other clinical integration models. Our hospitals compete with specialty hospitals and with both our own and unaffiliated freestanding surgery centers for market share in certain high margin services and for quality physicians and personnel. If ASCs are better able to compete in this environment than our hospitals, our hospitals may experience a decline in patient volume, and we may experience a decrease in margin, even if those patients use our ASCs. In states that do not require a CON or other
type of approval for the purchase, construction or expansion of health care facilities or services, competition in the form of new services, facilities and capital spending is more prevalent. Further, if our competitors are better able to attract patients, make capital expenditures and maintain modern and technologically upgraded facilities and equipment, recruit physicians, expand services or obtain favorable managed care contracts at their facilities than our hospitals and ASCs, we may experience an overall decline in patient volume. See Item 1, “Business - Competition.”
A deterioration in the collectability of uninsured and patient due accounts could adversely affect our results of operations.
The primary collection risks for our accounts receivable relate to the uninsured patient accounts and patient accounts for which the primary insurance carrier has paid the amounts covered by the applicable agreement, but patient responsibility amounts (exclusions, deductibles and copayments) remain outstanding. The provision for doubtful accounts relates primarily to amounts due directly from patients. Medicare reimburses hospitals for 65% of eligible Medicare bad debts. To be eligible for reimbursement, the amounts claimed must meet certain criteria, including that the debt is related to unpaid deductible or coinsurance amounts and that the hospital first attempted to collect the fees from the Medicare beneficiary.
The amount of the provision for doubtful accounts is based upon management’s assessment of historical write-offs and expected net collections, business and economic conditions, trends in federal and state governmental and private employer health care coverage, the rate of growth in uninsured patient admissions and other collection indicators. At December 31, 2016, our allowance for doubtful accounts represented approximately 97.5% of the $5.116 billion patient due accounts receivable balance. The sum of the provision for doubtful accounts, uninsured discounts and charity care increased from $15.943 billion for 2014 to $18.287 billion for 2015 and to $20.455 billion for 2016.
Any increase in the amount or deterioration in the collectability of uninsured accounts receivable will adversely affect our cash flows and results of operations. Our facilities may experience growth in bad debts, uninsured discounts and charity care as a result of a number of factors, including conditions impacting the overall economy and high unemployment. As a result of the 2016 federal elections, the provisions of the Health Reform Law that have reduced the number of uninsured individuals may be repealed or significantly changed. Even if the Health Reform Law remains in effect, we will continue to experience collectability issues and provide uninsured discounts and charity care for individuals residing in states that choose not to implement the Medicaid expansion, for undocumented aliens who are not permitted to enroll in an Exchange or government health care programs and for certain others who may not have insurance coverage. Further, some patients may choose to enroll in lower cost Medicaid plans or other insurance plans with lower reimbursement levels. We may also be adversely affected by the growth in patient responsibility accounts as a result of increases in the adoption of plan structures that shift greater responsibility for care to individuals through greater exclusions and copayment and deductible amounts.
Changes in government health care programs may adversely affect our revenues.
A significant portion of our patient volume is derived from government health care programs, principally Medicare and Medicaid. Specifically, we derived 41.7% of our revenues from the Medicare and Medicaid programs in 2016. Changes in government health care programs may reduce the reimbursement we receive and could adversely affect our business and results of operations. The Health Reform Law has made significant changes to Medicare and Medicaid, and future health reform efforts or efforts to repeal or significantly change the Health Reform Law may impact these programs.
In recent years, legislative and regulatory changes have resulted in limitations on and, in some cases, reductions in levels of payments to health care providers for certain services under the Medicare program. The BCA requires automatic spending reductions of $1.2 trillion for federal fiscal years 2013 through 2021, minus
any deficit reductions enacted by Congress and debt service costs. However, the percentage reduction for Medicare may not be more than 2% for a fiscal year, with a uniform percentage reduction across all Medicare programs. These reductions have been extended by Congress through 2025. We are unable to predict what other deficit reduction initiatives may be proposed by Congress or whether Congress will attempt to suspend or restructure the automatic budget cuts. These reductions are in addition to reductions mandated by the Health Reform Law, which provides for material reductions in the growth of Medicare program spending, including reductions in Medicare market basket updates and Medicare DSH funding. Further, from time to time, CMS revises the reimbursement systems used to reimburse health care providers, including changes to the MS-DRG system and other payment systems, which may result in reduced Medicare payments. For example, CMS has established what is referred to as the “two midnight rule.” Under the rule, services provided to Medicare beneficiaries are only payable as inpatient hospital services when there is a reasonable expectation that the hospital care is medically necessary and will be required across two midnights, absent unusual circumstances. Stays expected to need fewer than two midnights of hospital care will be subject to medical review by QIOs on a case-by-case basis. Providers that exhibit persistent noncompliance with the two midnight rule may be referred to RACs.
Because most states must operate with balanced budgets and because the Medicaid program is often a state’s largest program, some states have enacted or may consider enacting legislation designed to reduce their Medicaid expenditures. Further, many states have also adopted, or are considering, legislation designed to reduce coverage, enroll Medicaid recipients in managed care programs and/or impose additional taxes on hospitals to help finance or expand the states’ Medicaid systems. Periods of economic weakness may increase the budgetary pressures on many states, and these budgetary pressures may result in decreased spending, or decreased spending growth, for Medicaid programs and CHIP in many states. Some states that provide Medicaid supplemental payments are reviewing these programs or have filed waiver requests with CMS to replace these programs, and CMS has performed and continues to perform compliance reviews of some states’ programs, which could result in Medicaid supplemental payments being reduced or eliminated. Currently, Texas operates a Medicaid Waiver Program pursuant to a waiver that CMS agreed to extend through December 31, 2017. Texas has requested an additional extension of the waiver through September 30, 2019. We cannot predict whether the Texas Medicaid Waiver Program will be further extended, continue in its current form or guarantee that revenues recognized from the program will not decrease. Further, legislation and administrative actions at the federal level may significantly alter the funding for, or structure of, the Medicaid program. For example, from time to time, Congress considers proposals to restructure the Medicaid program to involve block grants that would be administered by the states.
In some cases, commercial third-party payers rely on all or portions of Medicare payment systems to determine payment rates. Changes to government health care programs that reduce payments under these programs may negatively impact payments from commercial third-party payers.
Current or future health care reform and deficit reduction efforts, changes in laws or regulations regarding government health care programs, other changes in the administration of government health care programs and changes by commercial third-party payers in response to health care reform and other changes to government health care programs could have a material, adverse effect on our financial position and results of operations.
Our results of operations may be adversely affected if the Health Reform Law is repealed, replaced or otherwise significantly changed. We are unable to predict what, if any, and when such changes will be made in the future.
The Health Reform Law has reduced the number of uninsured patients to whom we provide health care services. It has done so primarily through the Exchanges and Medicaid expansion. It also, however, reduced our Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement, including reductions to “market basket” increases that took effect before the effective date of the market reforms and Medicaid expansion. Some of those decreases were substantial. Nevertheless, it is expected that the Health Reform Law, as presently implemented, will continue to have a meaningful contribution to the Company’s results of operations.
However, many insurers have exited the Exchanges in the markets served by the Company. To the extent some markets lack a sufficient number of insurers participating in the Exchanges, it could threaten the continued viability of the Exchanges in those markets.
In addition, it has been publicly reported that there are proposals being discussed in Congress and the administration to repeal, amend or replace the law. Some of those proposals include age-based rather than income-based tax credits, as well as “risk pools” for those with pre-existing conditions. Further, there are proposals to create block grants to states for Medicaid or to establish “per capita caps” on state Medicaid programs. Those block grants or per capita caps could apply not only to the Medicaid expansion under the Health Reform Law, but also to Medicaid as a whole. We cannot predict whether any such repeal, amend or replace proposals, or any parts of them, will become law, and if they do what their substance or timing will be. The President of the United States has also signed an executive order that directs agencies to minimize “economic and regulatory burdens” of the Health Reform Law. It is unclear what regulations or policies will be proposed and implemented pursuant to that executive order.
If any of the foregoing events were to occur, our results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.
If our volume of patients with commercial insurance declines or we are unable to retain and negotiate favorable contracts with nongovernment payers, including managed care plans, our revenues may be reduced.
Nongovernment payers, including HMOs, PPOs and other managed care plans, typically reimburse health care providers at a higher rate than Medicare, Medicaid or other government health care programs. Reimbursement rates are set forth by contract when our facilities are in-network, and payers utilize plan structures to encourage or require the use of in-network providers. Revenues derived from nongovernment payers (domestic only) accounted for 56.5%, 55.2% and 54.4% of our revenues for 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. As a result, our ability to maintain or increase patient volumes covered by nongovernment payers and to maintain and obtain favorable contracts with nongovernment payers significantly affects the revenues and operating results of our facilities.
Nongovernment payers, including managed care payers, continue to demand discounted fee structures, and the trend toward consolidation among nongovernment payers tends to increase their bargaining power over fee structures. Nongovernment payers may utilize plan structures such as narrow networks and tiered networks that limit beneficiary provider choices or impose significantly higher cost sharing obligations when care is obtained from providers in a disfavored tier. Other health care providers may impact our ability to enter into managed care contracts or negotiate increases in our reimbursement and other favorable terms and conditions. For example, some of our competitors may negotiate exclusivity provisions with managed care plans or otherwise restrict the ability of managed care companies to contract with us. Our future success will depend, in part, on our ability to
retain and renew our managed care contracts and enter into new managed care contracts on terms favorable to us. It is not clear what impact, if any, future health reform efforts or the repeal of, or changes to, the Health Reform Law will have on our ability to negotiate reimbursement increases and participate in plan networks on favorable terms. If we are unable to retain and negotiate favorable contracts with managed care plans or experience reductions in payment increases or amounts received from nongovernment payers, our revenues may be reduced.
Our performance depends on our ability to recruit and retain quality physicians.
The success of our hospitals depends in part on the number and quality of the physicians on the medical staffs of our hospitals, the admitting and utilization practices of those physicians, maintaining good relations with those physicians and controlling costs related to the employment of physicians. Although we employ some physicians, physicians are often not employees of the hospitals at which they practice, and, in many of the markets we serve, most physicians have admitting privileges at other hospitals in addition to our hospitals. Such physicians may terminate their affiliation with our hospitals at any time. We may face increased challenges in this area as the physician population reaches retirement age, especially if there is a shortage of physicians willing and able to provide comparable services. If we are unable to provide adequate support personnel or technologically advanced equipment and hospital facilities that meet the needs of those physicians and their patients, they may be discouraged from referring patients to our facilities, admissions may decrease and our operating performance may decline.
Our hospitals face competition for staffing, which may increase labor costs and reduce profitability.
Our operations are dependent on the efforts, abilities and experience of our management and medical support personnel, such as nurses, pharmacists and lab technicians, as well as our physicians. We compete with other health care providers in recruiting and retaining qualified management and support personnel responsible for the daily operations of each of our hospitals, including nurses and other nonphysician health care professionals. In some markets, the availability of nurses and other medical support personnel has been a significant operating issue to health care providers. We may be required to continue to enhance wages and benefits to recruit and retain nurses and other medical support personnel or to hire more expensive temporary or contract personnel. As a result, our labor costs could increase. We also depend on the available labor pool of semi-skilled and unskilled employees in each of the markets in which we operate. Certain proposed changes in federal labor laws and the NLRB’s modification of its election procedures could increase the likelihood of employee unionization attempts. To the extent a significant portion of our employee base unionizes, it is possible our labor costs could increase materially. When negotiating collective bargaining agreements with unions, whether such agreements are renewals or first contracts, there is the possibility that strikes could occur during the negotiation process, and our continued operation during any strikes could increase our labor costs. In addition, the states in which we operate could adopt mandatory nurse-staffing ratios or could reduce mandatory nurse staffing ratios already in place. State-mandated nurse-staffing ratios could significantly affect labor costs and have an adverse impact on revenues if we are required to limit admissions in order to meet the required ratios. If our labor costs increase, we may not be able to raise rates to offset these increased costs. Because a significant percentage of our revenues consists of fixed, prospective payments, our ability to pass along increased labor costs is constrained. Our failure to recruit and retain qualified management, nurses and other medical support personnel, or to control labor costs, could have a material, adverse effect on our results of operations.
If we fail to comply with extensive laws and government regulations, we could suffer penalties or be required to make significant changes to our operations.
The health care industry is required to comply with extensive and complex laws and regulations at the federal, state and local government levels relating to, among other things:
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billing and coding for services and properly handling overpayments;
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appropriateness and classification of level of care provided, including proper classification of inpatient admissions, observation services and outpatient care;
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relationships with physicians and other referral sources and referral recipients;
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necessity and adequacy of medical care;
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quality of medical equipment and services;
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qualifications of medical and support personnel;
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confidentiality, maintenance, data breach, identity theft and security issues associated with health-related and personal information and medical records;
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screening, stabilization and transfer of individuals who have emergency medical conditions;
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licensure, certification and enrollment with government programs;
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hospital rate or budget review;
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debt collection;
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preparing and filing of cost reports;
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operating policies and procedures;
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activities regarding competitors;
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addition of facilities and services; and
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environmental protection.
Among these laws are the federal Anti-kickback Statute, the federal Stark Law, the FCA and similar state laws. We have a variety of financial relationships with physicians and others who either refer or influence the referral of patients to our hospitals, other health care facilities and employed physicians or who are the recipients of referrals, and these laws govern those relationships. The OIG has enacted safe harbor regulations that outline practices deemed protected from prosecution under the Anti-kickback Statute. While we endeavor to comply with the applicable safe harbors, certain of our current arrangements, including joint ventures and financial relationships with physicians and other referral sources and persons and entities to which we refer patients, do not qualify for safe harbor protection. Failure to qualify for a safe harbor does not mean the arrangement necessarily violates the Anti-kickback Statute but may subject the arrangement to greater scrutiny. However, we cannot offer assurance that practices outside of a safe harbor will not be found to violate the Anti-kickback Statute. Allegations of violations of the Anti-kickback Statute may be brought under the federal Civil Monetary Penalty Law, which requires a lower burden of proof than other fraud and abuse laws, including the Anti-kickback Statute.
Our financial relationships with referring physicians and their immediate family members must comply with the Stark Law by meeting an exception. We attempt to structure our relationships to meet an exception to the Stark Law, but the regulations implementing the exceptions are detailed and complex, and we cannot provide assurance that every relationship complies fully with the Stark Law. Unlike the Anti-kickback Statute, failure to meet an exception under the Stark Law results in a violation of the Stark Law, even if such violation is technical in nature.
Additionally, if we violate the Anti-kickback Statute or Stark Law, or if we improperly bill for our services, we may be found to violate the FCA, either under a suit brought by the government or by a private person under a qui tam, or “whistleblower,” suit. See Item 1, “Business - Regulation and Other Factors.”
We also operate health care facilities in the United Kingdom and have operations and commercial relationships with companies in other foreign jurisdictions and, as a result, are subject to certain U.S. and foreign laws applicable to businesses generally, including anti-corruption laws. The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act regulates U.S. companies in their dealings with foreign officials, prohibiting bribes and similar practices, and requires that they maintain records that fairly and accurately reflect transactions and appropriate internal accounting controls. In addition, the United Kingdom Bribery Act has wide jurisdiction over certain activities that affect the United Kingdom.
We engage in consumer debt collection for HCA affiliated hospitals and certain non-affiliated hospitals. The federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and Telephone Consumer Protection Act restrict the methods that companies may use to contact and seek payment from consumer debtors regarding past due accounts. Many states impose additional requirements on debt collection practices, and some of those requirements may be more stringent than the federal requirements.
If we fail to comply with these or other applicable laws and regulations, we could be subject to liabilities, including civil penalties, the loss of our licenses to operate one or more facilities, exclusion of one or more facilities from participation in the Medicare, Medicaid and other federal and state health care programs and criminal penalties.
We do not always have the benefit of significant regulatory or judicial interpretation of these laws and regulations. In the future, different interpretations or enforcement of, or amendment to, these or other laws and regulations could subject our current or past practices to allegations of impropriety or illegality or could require us to make changes in our facilities, equipment, personnel, services, capital expenditure programs and operating expenses. A determination that we have violated these or other laws, or the public announcement that we are being investigated for possible violations of these or other laws, could have a material, adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or prospects, and our business reputation could suffer significantly. In addition, other legislation or regulations at the federal or state level may be adopted that adversely affect our business.
We have been and could become the subject of governmental investigations, claims and litigation.
Health care companies are subject to numerous investigations by various governmental agencies. Further, under the FCA, private parties have the right to bring qui tam, or “whistleblower,” suits against companies that submit false claims for payments to, or improperly retain overpayments from, the government. Some states have adopted similar state whistleblower and false claims provisions. Certain of our individual facilities have received, and other facilities may receive, government inquiries from, and may be subject to investigation by, federal and state agencies. Depending on whether the underlying conduct in these or future inquiries or investigations could be considered systemic, their resolution could have a material, adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations and liquidity.
Governmental agencies and their agents, such as the MACs, fiscal intermediaries and carriers, as well as the OIG, CMS and state Medicaid programs, conduct audits of our health care operations. Private payers may conduct similar post-payment audits, and we also perform internal audits and monitoring. Depending on the nature of the conduct found in such audits and whether the underlying conduct could be considered systemic, the resolution of these audits could have a material, adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations and liquidity.
CMS contracts with RACs on a contingency fee basis to conduct post-payment reviews to detect and correct improper payments in the fee-for-service Medicare program. The Health Reform Law expanded the RAC program’s scope to include managed Medicare plans and Medicaid claims. RAC denials are appealable; however, there are currently significant delays in the assignment of new Medicare appeals to Administrative Law Judges, which negatively impacts our ability to appeal RAC payment denials. In addition, CMS employs MICs to perform post-payment audits of Medicaid claims and identify overpayments, and state Medicaid agencies and other contractors have increased their review activities.
Should we be found out of compliance with any of these laws, regulations or programs, depending on the nature of the findings, our business, our financial position and our results of operations could be negatively impacted.
Changes to physician utilization practices and treatment methodologies, governmental or managed care controls designed to reduce inpatient services or surgical procedures and other factors outside our control that impact demand for medical services may reduce our revenues.
Controls imposed by Medicare, managed Medicare, Medicaid, managed Medicaid and commercial third-party payers designed to reduce admissions, intensity of services, surgical volumes and lengths of stay, in some instances referred to as “utilization review,” have affected and are expected to continue to affect our facilities. Utilization review entails the review of the admission and course of treatment of a patient by health plans. The Medicare program also issues national or local coverage determinations that restrict the circumstances under which Medicare pays for certain services. Inpatient utilization, average lengths of stay and occupancy rates continue to be negatively affected by payer-required preadmission authorization, coverage restrictions and utilization review and by payer pressure to maximize outpatient and alternative health care delivery services for less acutely ill patients. Efforts to impose more stringent cost controls are expected to continue. Additionally, trends in physician treatment protocols and managed care health plan design, such as plans that shift increased costs and accountability for care to patients, could reduce our surgical volumes and admissions in favor of lower intensity and lower cost treatment methodologies.
Volume, admission and case-mix trends may be impacted by other factors beyond our control, such as changes in volume of certain high acuity services, variations in the prevalence and severity of outbreaks of influenza and other illnesses and medical conditions, seasonal and severe weather conditions, changes in treatment regimens and medical technology and other advances. These factors may reduce the demand for services we offer and decrease the reimbursement that we receive. Significant limits on the scope of services reimbursed, cost controls, changes to physician utilization practices, treatment methodologies, reimbursement rates and fees and other factors beyond our control could have a material, adverse effect on our business, financial position and results of operations.
Our overall business results may suffer during periods of general economic weakness.
Budget deficits at federal, state and local government entities have had a negative impact on spending, and may continue to negatively impact spending, for health and human service programs, including Medicare, Medicaid and similar programs, which represent significant payer sources for our hospitals. Other risks we face during periods of economic weakness and high unemployment include potential declines in the population covered under managed care agreements, patient decisions to postpone or cancel elective and nonemergency health care procedures (including delaying surgical procedures), potential increases in the uninsured and underinsured populations and further difficulties in collecting patient copayment and deductible receivables.
The industry trend toward value-based purchasing may negatively impact our revenues.
There is a trend in the health care industry toward value-based purchasing of health care services. These value-based purchasing programs include both public reporting of quality data and preventable adverse events tied to the quality and efficiency of care provided by facilities. Governmental programs including Medicare currently require hospitals to report certain quality data to receive full reimbursement updates. In addition, Medicare does not reimburse for care related to certain preventable adverse events (also called “never events”). The Health Reform Law also prohibits the use of federal funds under the Medicaid program to reimburse providers for medical assistance provided to treat HACs. As of federal fiscal year 2015, the 25% of hospitals with the worst risk-adjusted HAC rates in the designated performance period receive a 1% reduction in their inpatient PPS Medicare payments.
Hospitals with excess readmission rates for conditions designated by HHS will receive a reduction in their inpatient PPS operating Medicare payments for all Medicare inpatient discharges, not just discharges relating to the conditions subject to the excess readmission standard. The reduction in payments to hospitals with excess readmissions can be up to 3% for federal fiscal year 2015 and subsequent years.
HHS has implemented a value-based purchasing program for inpatient hospital services that reduces inpatient hospital payments for all discharges by 2% in federal fiscal year 2017 and for subsequent years. HHS pools the amount collected from these reductions to fund payments to reward hospitals that meet or exceed certain quality performance standards established by HHS. HHS estimates that $1.8 billion in value-based incentive payments will be available to hospitals in federal fiscal year 2017 based on achievement (relative to other hospitals) and improvement (relative to the hospital’s own past performance). Hospitals that meet or exceed the quality performance standards will receive greater reimbursement under the value-based purchasing program than they would have otherwise.
In 2016, CMS implemented a five-year mandatory bundled payment initiative for orthopedic services in selected markets. It also established a new mandatory bundled payment initiative that is focused on cardiac care and is scheduled to begin in 2017. Depending on whether overall CMS spending per episode exceeds or falls below a target specified by CMS and whether quality standards are met, hospitals may receive supplemental Medicare payments or owe repayments to CMS. Mandatory participation in demonstration projects, particularly demonstrations with the potential to affect payment, may negatively impact our results of operations.
Many large commercial payers currently require hospitals to report quality data, and several commercial payers do not reimburse hospitals for certain preventable adverse events. Further, we have implemented a policy pursuant to which we do not bill patients or third-party payers for fees or expenses incurred due to certain preventable adverse events.
We expect value-based purchasing programs, including programs that condition reimbursement on patient outcome measures, to become more common and to involve a higher percentage of reimbursement amounts. CMS has announced aggressive goals for adopting alternative payment models, which may include additional mandatory bundled or other alternative payment programs, and commercial insurers may also transition away from fee-for-service payment models. We are unable at this time to predict our future payments or whether we will be subject to payment reductions under these programs or how this trend will affect our results of operations, but it could negatively impact our revenues.
Our operations could be impaired by a failure of our information systems.
The performance of our information systems is critical to our business operations. In addition to our shared services initiatives, our information systems are essential to a number of critical areas of our operations, including:
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accounting and financial reporting;
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billing and collecting accounts;
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coding and compliance;
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clinical systems;
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medical records and document storage;
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inventory management;
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negotiating, pricing and administering managed care contracts and supply contracts; and
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monitoring quality of care and collecting data on quality measures necessary for full Medicare payment updates.
Information systems may be vulnerable to damage from a variety of sources, including telecommunications or network failures, human acts and natural disasters. We have taken precautionary measures to prevent unanticipated problems that could affect our information systems. Nevertheless, we may experience system failures. The occurrence of any system failure could result in interruptions, delays, the loss or corruption of data and cessations or interruptions in the availability of systems, all of which could have a material, adverse effect on our financial position and results of operations and harm our business reputation.
A cybersecurity incident could result in the compromise of a facility, confidential data or critical data systems and give rise to potential harm to patients, remediation and other expenses, expose us to liability under HIPAA, consumer protection laws, or other common law theories, subject us to litigation and federal and state governmental inquiries, damage our reputation, and otherwise be disruptive to our business.
We collect and store on our networks sensitive information, including intellectual property, proprietary business information and personally identifiable information of our patients and employees. In addition, we have made significant investments in technology to adopt and utilize EHR and to become meaningful users of health information technology. The secure maintenance of this information and technology is critical to our business operations. We have implemented multiple layers of security measures to protect the confidentiality, integrity and availability of this data and the systems and devices that store and transmit such data. We utilize current security technologies, and our defenses are monitored and routinely tested internally and by external parties. Despite these efforts, threats from malicious persons and groups, new vulnerabilities and advanced new attacks against information systems create risk of cybersecurity incidents. There can be no assurance that we will not be subject to cybersecurity incidents that bypass our security measures, impact the integrity, availability or privacy of personal health information or other data subject to privacy laws or disrupt our information systems, devices or business, including our ability to provide various health care services. As a result, cybersecurity, physical security and the continued development and enhancement of our controls, processes and practices designed to protect our facilities, information systems and data from attack, damage or unauthorized access remain a priority for us. As cyber threats continue to evolve, we may be required to expend significant additional resources to continue to modify or enhance our protective measures or to investigate and remediate any cybersecurity vulnerabilities. The occurrence of any of these events could result in (i) harm to patients; (ii) business interruptions and delays; (iii) the loss, misappropriation, corruption or unauthorized access of data; (iv) litigation and potential liability under privacy, security and consumer protection laws or other applicable laws; (v) reputational damage and (vi) federal and state governmental inquiries, any of which could have a material, adverse effect on our financial position and results of operations and harm our business reputation.
If we fail to continue to demonstrate meaningful use of certified electronic health record systems, our operations could be adversely affected.
As of 2015, eligible hospitals and eligible professionals that fail to demonstrate meaningful use of certified EHR technology in an applicable prior reporting period are subject to reduced payments from Medicare. Failure to continue to demonstrate meaningful use of certified EHR technology could have a material, adverse effect on our financial position and results of operations.
The emergence and effects related to a pandemic, epidemic or outbreak of an infectious disease could adversely affect our operations.
If a pandemic, epidemic, outbreak of an infectious disease or other public health crisis were to occur in an area in which we operate, our operations could be adversely affected. Such a crisis could diminish the public trust in health care facilities, especially hospitals that fail to accurately or timely diagnose, or are treating (or have treated) patients affected by infectious diseases. If any of our facilities were involved, or perceived as being involved, in treating patients from such an infectious disease, patients might cancel elective procedures or fail to seek needed care at our facilities. Further, a pandemic, epidemic or outbreak might adversely affect our operations by causing a temporary shutdown or diversion of patients, by disrupting or delaying production and delivery of materials and products in the supply chain or by causing staffing shortages in our facilities. We have disaster plans in place and operate pursuant to infectious disease protocols, but the potential emergence of a pandemic, epidemic or outbreak is difficult to predict and could adversely affect our operations.
State efforts to regulate the construction or expansion of health care facilities could impair our ability to operate and expand our operations.
Some states, particularly in the eastern part of the country, require health care providers to obtain prior approval, often known as a CON, for the purchase, construction or expansion of health care facilities, to make certain capital expenditures or to make changes in services or bed capacity. In giving approval, these states consider the need for additional or expanded health care facilities or services. We currently operate health care facilities in a number of states with CON laws or that require other types of approvals for the establishment or expansion of certain facility types or services. The failure to obtain any required CON or other required approval could impair our ability to operate or expand operations. Any such failure could, in turn, adversely affect our ability to attract patients and physicians to our facilities and grow our revenues, which would have an adverse effect on our results of operations.
We may encounter difficulty acquiring hospitals and other health care businesses, encounter challenges integrating the operations of acquired hospitals and other health care businesses and become liable for unknown or contingent liabilities as a result of acquisitions.
A component of our business strategy is acquiring hospitals and other health care businesses. We may encounter difficulty acquiring new facilities or other businesses as a result of competition from other purchasers that may be willing to pay purchase prices that are higher than we believe are reasonable. Some states require CONs in order to acquire a hospital or other facility or to expand facilities or services. In addition, the acquisition of health care facilities often involves licensure approvals or reviews and complex change of ownership processes for Medicare and other payers. Further, many states have laws that restrict the conversion or sale of not-for-profit hospitals to for-profit entities. These laws may require prior approval from the state attorney general, advance notification of the attorney general or other regulators and community involvement. Attorneys general in states without specific requirements may exercise broad discretionary authority over transactions involving the sale of not-for-profits under their general obligations to protect the use of charitable assets. These conversion legislative and administrative efforts often focus on the appropriate valuation of the assets divested and the use of the proceeds of the sale by the non-profit seller and may include consideration of commitments for capital improvements and charity care by the purchaser. Also, the increasingly challenging regulatory and enforcement environment may negatively impact our ability to acquire health care businesses if they are found to have material unresolved compliance issues, such as repayment obligations. Resolving compliance issues as well as completion of oversight, review or approval processes could seriously delay or even prevent our ability to acquire hospitals or other businesses and increase our acquisition costs.
We may be unable to timely and effectively integrate hospitals and other businesses that we acquire with our ongoing operations, or we may experience delays implementing operating procedures and systems. Hospitals and other health care businesses that we acquire may have unknown or contingent liabilities, including liabilities for failure to comply with health care and other laws and regulations, medical and general professional liabilities, workers’ compensation liabilities and tax liabilities. Although we typically exclude significant liabilities from our acquisition transactions and seek indemnification from the sellers for these matters, we could experience difficulty enforcing those obligations, experience liability in excess of any indemnification obtained or otherwise incur material liabilities for the pre-acquisition conduct of acquired businesses. Such liabilities and related legal or other costs could harm our business and results of operations.
Our facilities are heavily concentrated in Florida and Texas, which makes us sensitive to regulatory, economic, environmental and competitive conditions and changes in those states.
We operated 170 hospitals at December 31, 2016, and 83 of those hospitals are located in Florida and Texas. Our Florida and Texas facilities’ combined revenues represented approximately 47% of our consolidated revenues for the year ended December 31, 2016. This concentration makes us particularly sensitive to regulatory, economic, environmental and competitive conditions and changes in those states. Any material change in the
current payment programs or regulatory, economic, environmental or competitive conditions in those states could have a disproportionate effect on our overall business results.
In addition, our hospitals in Florida, Texas and other areas across the Gulf Coast are located in hurricane-prone areas. In the past, hurricanes have had a disruptive effect on the operations of our hospitals in Florida, Texas and other coastal states and the patient populations in those states. Our business activities could be harmed by a particularly active hurricane season or even a single storm, and the property insurance we obtain may not be adequate to cover losses from future hurricanes or other natural disasters.
We may be subject to liabilities from claims by taxing authorities.
We are subject to examination by federal, state and foreign taxing authorities. Management believes HCA Holdings, Inc., its predecessors, subsidiaries and affiliates properly reported taxable income and paid taxes in accordance with applicable laws and agreements established with the IRS, state and foreign taxing authorities and final resolution of any disputes will not have a material, adverse effect on our results of operations or financial position. However, if payments due upon final resolution of any issues exceed our recorded estimates, such resolutions could have a material, adverse effect on our results of operations or financial position.
We may be subject to liabilities from claims brought against our facilities.
We are subject to litigation relating to our business practices, including claims and legal actions by patients and others in the ordinary course of business alleging malpractice, product liability or other legal theories. Many of these actions seek large sums of money as damages and involve significant defense costs. We insure a portion of our professional liability risks through a 100% owned subsidiary. Management believes our reserves for self-insured retentions and insurance coverage are sufficient to cover insured claims arising out of the operation of our facilities. Our 100% owned liability insurance subsidiary has entered into certain reinsurance contracts; however, the subsidiary remains liable to the extent that the reinsurers do not meet their obligations under the reinsurance contracts. If payments for claims exceed actuarially determined estimates, are not covered by insurance, or reinsurers, if any, fail to meet their obligations, our results of operations and financial position could be adversely affected.
We are exposed to market risk related to changes in the market values of securities and interest rate changes.
We are exposed to market risk related to changes in market values of securities. The investments in debt and equity securities of our 100% owned insurance subsidiaries were $381 million and $4 million, respectively, at December 31, 2016. These investments are carried at fair value, with changes in unrealized gains and losses being recorded as adjustments to other comprehensive income. At December 31, 2016, we had a net unrealized gain of $11 million on the insurance subsidiaries’ investment securities.
We are exposed to market risk related to market illiquidity. Investments in debt and equity securities of our 100% owned insurance subsidiaries could be impaired by the inability to access the capital markets. Should the 100% owned insurance subsidiaries require significant amounts of cash in excess of normal cash requirements to pay claims and other expenses on short notice, we may have difficulty selling these investments in a timely manner or be forced to sell them at a price less than what we might otherwise have been able to in a normal market environment. We may be required to recognize other-than-temporary impairments on long-term investments in future periods should issuers default on interest payments or should the fair market valuations of the securities deteriorate due to ratings downgrades or other issue specific factors.
We are also exposed to market risk related to changes in interest rates, and we periodically enter into interest rate swap agreements to manage our exposure to these fluctuations. Our interest rate swap agreements involve the exchange of fixed and variable rate interest payments between two parties, based on common notional principal amounts and maturity dates. The notional amounts of the swap agreements represent balances used to calculate the exchange of cash flows and are not our assets or liabilities.
Certain of our investors may continue to have influence over us.
On November 17, 2006, HCA Inc. was acquired by a private investor group, including affiliates of HCA founder, Dr. Thomas F. Frist, Jr. and by members of management and certain other investors. Through their investment in Hercules Holding II, certain of these investors continue to hold a significant interest in our outstanding common stock (approximately 18.6% as of January 31, 2017). In addition, pursuant to a shareholders agreement we entered into with Hercules Holding II, certain representatives of these investors have the continued right to nominate certain of the members of our Board of Directors. As a result, certain of these investors potentially have the ability to influence our decisions to enter into corporate transactions (and the terms thereof) and prevent changes in the composition of our Board of Directors and any transaction that requires stockholder approval.
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
None.
Item 2. Properties
The following table lists, by state, the number of hospitals (general, acute care, psychiatric and rehabilitation) directly or indirectly owned and operated by us as of December 31, 2016:
In addition to the hospitals listed in the above table, we directly or indirectly operate 118 freestanding surgery centers. We also operate medical office buildings in conjunction with some of our hospitals. These office buildings are primarily occupied by physicians who practice at our hospitals. Fourteen of our general, acute care hospitals and two of our other properties have been mortgaged to support our obligations under our senior secured cash flow credit facility and first lien secured notes.
We maintain our headquarters in approximately 1,800,000 square feet of space in the Nashville, Tennessee area. In addition to the headquarters in Nashville, we maintain regional service centers related to our shared services initiatives. These service centers are located in markets in which we operate hospitals.
We believe our headquarters, hospitals and other facilities are suitable for their respective uses and are, in general, adequate for our present needs. Our properties are subject to various federal, state and local statutes and ordinances regulating their operation. Management does not believe that compliance with such statutes and ordinances will materially affect our financial position or results of operations.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
We operate in a highly regulated and litigious industry. As a result, various lawsuits, claims and legal and regulatory proceedings have been and can be expected to be instituted or asserted against us. We are also subject to claims and suits arising in the ordinary course of business, including claims for personal injuries or wrongful restriction of, or interference with, physicians’ staff privileges. In certain of these actions the claimants may seek punitive damages against us which may not be covered by insurance. We are also subject to claims by various taxing authorities for additional taxes and related interest and penalties. The resolution of any such lawsuits, claims or legal and regulatory proceedings could have a material, adverse effect on our results of operations, financial position or liquidity.
Government Investigations, Claims and Litigation
Health care companies are subject to numerous investigations by various governmental agencies. Under the federal False Claims Act (“FCA”), private parties have the right to bring qui tam, or “whistleblower,” suits against companies that submit false claims for payments to, or improperly retain overpayments from, the government. Some states have adopted similar state whistleblower and false claims provisions. Certain of our individual facilities have received, and from time to time, other facilities may receive, government inquiries from, and may be subject to investigation by, federal and state agencies. Depending on whether the underlying conduct in these or future inquiries or investigations could be considered systemic, their resolution could have a material, adverse effect on our results of operations, financial position or liquidity.
Health Midwest Litigation
In October 2009, the Health Care Foundation of Greater Kansas City, a nonprofit health foundation, filed suit against HCA Inc. in the Circuit Court of Jackson County, Missouri and alleged that HCA did not fund the level of capital expenditures and uncompensated care agreed to in connection with HCA’s purchase of hospitals from Health Midwest in 2003. The central issue in the case was whether HCA’s construction of new hospitals counted towards its $450 million five-year capital commitment. In addition, the plaintiff alleged that HCA did not make its required capital expenditures in a timely fashion. On January 24, 2013, the court ruled in favor of the plaintiff and awarded at least $162 million. The court also ordered a court-supervised accounting of HCA’s capital expenditures, as well as of expenditures on charity and uncompensated care during the ten years following the purchase. The court also indicated it would award plaintiff attorneys fees, which the parties stipulated were approximately $12 million for the trial phase. HCA recorded $175 million of legal claim costs in the fourth quarter of 2012 related to this ruling, and consistent with the judge’s order, accrued interest on that sum at 9% per annum. On April 25, 2014, the parties stipulated to an additional $78 million shortfall relating to the capital expenditures issue. HCA recorded $78 million of legal claims costs in the first quarter of 2014 as a result of the stipulation, and accrued interest on that amount at 9% per annum. Pursuant to the terms of the stipulation, the parties preserved their respective rights to contest the judge’s underlying ruling, whether through motions in the trial court or on appeal. On February 9, 2015, the parties reached an agreement to settle the part of their dispute relating to charity and uncompensated care for $15 million. The foundation is required to use that amount, net of attorneys’ fees, for charitable activities in the Kansas City area. The parties also agreed on an additional amount for attorneys’ fees for the plaintiff for the accounting phase of the case. The parties filed post-
trial motions, on which the court ruled on October 21, 2015. The court denied defendants’ motion to have the court change its rulings on liability and damages related to the capital expenditures issue. The court granted the plaintiff’s motion for an award of additional pre-judgment interest, but did not specify whether the interest awarded was simple interest or would be compounded. The court subsequently concluded that interest was to be compounded, and on December 9, 2015, the court entered judgment in the case in the total sum of $434 million, with interest continuing to accrue at 9% per annum, compounded annually, from and after November 19, 2015, until the matter is resolved. On January 15, 2016, HCA filed a Notice of Appeal in the Missouri Court of Appeals for the Western District, and oral arguments were presented during December 2016. On January 17, 2017, the Court of Appeals issued an opinion that partly affirmed and partly overruled the trial court. The Court of Appeals ruled that the construction of new hospitals did qualify as capital expenditures, and that HCA had met its overall $450 million five-year capital commitment. The Court of Appeals ruled, however, that certain interim milestones were not properly met, and consequently found HCA liable to the foundation for a shortfall amount plus attorneys’ fees. The Court of Appeals reversed the trial court on the issues of pre-judgement interest and compounding of interest. It entered a modified judgment in the amount of $188 million, plus post-judgement interest accruing at 9% per annum, simple interest, beginning in December 2015. The parties subsequently reached a settlement whereby each side gave up their rights to seek further review in the Missouri Supreme Court in return for payment by HCA of $188 million (no interest was paid in the settlement), which payment was made on February 1, 2017. The settlement agreement enabled HCA to reduce the accrual for this claim by $290 million and resulted in the recognition of net legal claim benefits of $246 million for the year ended December 31, 2016.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
None.
PART II
Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
During October 2015 and November 2016, our Board of Directors authorized share repurchase programs for up to $3 billion and $2 billion, respectively, of our outstanding common stock. Repurchases made during the fourth quarter of 2016, as detailed below, were made pursuant to the $3 billion October 2015 (which was completed during the quarter) and the $2 billion November 2016 share repurchase authorizations and were made in the open market.
The following table provides certain information with respect to our repurchases of common stock from October 1, 2016 through December 31, 2016 (dollars in millions, except per share amounts).
Our common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) (symbol “HCA”). There were no dividends or distributions declared during 2016 or 2015.
The table below sets forth, for the calendar quarters indicated, the high and low sales prices per share reported on the NYSE for our common stock.
At the close of business on February 10, 2017, there were approximately 350 holders of record of our common stock.
The graph shows the cumulative total return to our stockholders beginning as of December 31, 2011 through December 31, 2016, in comparison to the cumulative returns of the S&P 500 Index and the S&P Health Care Index. The graph assumes $100 invested on December 31, 2011 in our common stock and in each index with the subsequent reinvestment of dividends. The stock performance shown on the graph represents historical stock performance and is not necessarily indicative of future stock price performance.
Item 6. Selected Financial Data
HCA HOLDINGS, INC.
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
AS OF AND FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31
(Dollars in millions, except per share amounts)
(a) Licensed beds are those beds for which a facility has been granted approval to operate from the applicable state licensing agency.
(b) Represents the average number of licensed beds, weighted based on periods owned.
(c) Represents the total number of patients admitted to our hospitals and is used by management and certain investors as a general measure of inpatient volume.
(d) Equivalent admissions are used by management and certain investors as a general measure of combined inpatient and outpatient volume. Equivalent admissions are computed by multiplying admissions (inpatient volume) by the sum of gross inpatient revenue and gross outpatient revenue and then dividing the resulting amount by gross inpatient revenue. The equivalent admissions computation “equates” outpatient revenue to the volume measure (admissions) used to measure inpatient volume, resulting in a general measure of combined inpatient and outpatient volume.
(e) Represents the average number of days admitted patients stay in our hospitals.
(f) Represents the average number of patients in our hospital beds each day.
(g) Represents the percentage of hospital licensed beds occupied by patients. Both average daily census and occupancy rate provide measures of the utilization of inpatient rooms.
(h) Represents the number of patients treated in our emergency rooms.
(i) Represents the number of surgeries performed on patients who were not admitted to our hospitals. Pain management and endoscopy procedures are not included in outpatient surgeries.
(j) Represents the number of surgeries performed on patients who have been admitted to our hospitals. Pain management and endoscopy procedures are not included in inpatient surgeries.
(k) Revenues per day is calculated by dividing the revenues for the fourth quarter of each year by the days in the period. Days revenues in accounts receivable is then calculated as accounts receivable, net of the allowance for doubtful accounts, at the end of the period divided by revenues per day. “Revenues” used in this computation are net of the provision for doubtful accounts.
(l) Represents the percentage of patient revenues related to patients who are not admitted to our hospitals.
HCA HOLDINGS, INC.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The selected financial data and the accompanying consolidated financial statements present certain information with respect to the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of HCA Holdings, Inc. which should be read in conjunction with the following discussion and analysis. The terms “HCA,” “Company,” “we,” “our,” or “us,” as used herein, refer to HCA Holdings, Inc. and its affiliates. The term “affiliates” means direct and indirect subsidiaries of HCA Holdings, Inc. and partnerships and joint ventures in which such subsidiaries are partners.
Forward-Looking Statements
This annual report on Form 10-K includes certain disclosures which contain “forward-looking statements.” Forward-looking statements include statements regarding expected share-based compensation expense, expected capital expenditures, expected net claim payments and all other statements that do not relate solely to historical or current facts, and can be identified by the use of words like “may,” “believe,” “will,” “expect,” “project,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “initiative” or “continue.” These forward-looking statements are based on our current plans and expectations and are subject to a number of known and unknown uncertainties and risks, many of which are beyond our control, which could significantly affect current plans and expectations and our future financial position and results of operations. These factors include, but are not limited to (1) the impact of our substantial indebtedness and the ability to refinance such indebtedness on acceptable terms, (2) the impact of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, as amended by the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 (collectively, the “Health Reform Law”), including the effects of any repeal of, or changes to, the Health Reform Law, the possible enactment of additional federal or state health care reforms and possible changes to other federal, state or local laws or regulations affecting the health care industry, (3) the effects related to the continued implementation of the sequestration spending reductions required under the Budget Control Act of 2011, and related legislation extending these reductions, and the potential for future deficit reduction legislation that may alter these spending reductions, which include cuts to Medicare payments, or create additional spending reductions, (4) increases in the amount and risk of collectability of uninsured accounts and deductibles and copayment amounts for insured accounts, (5) the ability to achieve operating and financial targets, and attain expected levels of patient volumes and control the costs of providing services, (6) possible changes in Medicare, Medicaid and other state programs, including Medicaid upper payment limit programs or Waiver Programs, that may impact reimbursements to health care providers and insurers, (7) the highly competitive nature of the health care business, (8) changes in service mix, revenue mix and surgical volumes, including potential declines in the population covered under managed care agreements, the ability to enter into and renew managed care provider agreements on acceptable terms and the impact of consumer-driven health plans and physician utilization trends and practices, (9) the efforts of insurers, health care providers and others to contain health care costs, (10) the outcome of our continuing efforts to monitor, maintain and comply with appropriate laws, regulations, policies and procedures, (11) increases in wages and the ability to attract and retain qualified management and personnel, including affiliated physicians, nurses and medical and technical support personnel, (12) the availability and terms of capital to fund the expansion of our business and improvements to our existing facilities, (13) changes in accounting practices, (14) changes in general economic conditions nationally and regionally in our markets, (15) the emergence and effects related to infectious diseases, (16) future divestitures which may result in charges and possible impairments of long-lived assets, (17) changes in business strategy or development plans, (18) delays in receiving payments for services provided, (19) the outcome of pending and any future tax audits, disputes and litigation associated with our tax positions, (20) potential adverse impact of known and unknown government investigations, litigation and other claims that may be made against us, (21) the impact of potential cybersecurity incidents or security breaches, (22) our ongoing ability to demonstrate meaningful use of certified electronic health record (“EHR”) technology, and (23) other risk factors described in this annual report on Form
HCA HOLDINGS, INC.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)
Forward-Looking Statements (continued)
10-K. As a consequence, current plans, anticipated actions and future financial position and results of operations may differ from those expressed in any forward-looking statements made by or on behalf of HCA. You are cautioned not to unduly rely on such forward-looking statements when evaluating the information presented in this report.
2016 Operations Summary
Net income attributable to HCA Holdings, Inc. totaled $2.890 billion, or $7.30 per diluted share, for 2016, compared to $2.129 billion, or $4.99 per diluted share, for 2015. The 2016 results include tax benefits of $51 million, or $0.13 per diluted share, related to the resolution of federal income tax issues for our 2011 and 2012 tax years and $162 million, or $0.41 per diluted share, related to our early adoption, during the first quarter of 2016, of a new accounting standard that requires the excess tax benefits related to employee equity award settlements to be recorded as a component of the provision for income taxes for periods subsequent to adoption. The 2016 results also include net gains on sales of facilities of $23 million, or $0.05 per diluted share, losses on retirement of debt of $4 million, or $0.01 per diluted share, and legal claim benefits of $246 million, or $0.39 per diluted share, related to the settlement of a previously disclosed contractual dispute regarding our obligation to fund certain capital expenditures in connection with our purchase of hospitals from Health Midwest in 2003. The 2015 results include net losses on sales of facilities of $5 million, losses on retirement of debt of $135 million, or $0.20 per diluted share, and legal claim costs of $249 million, or $0.37 per diluted share. All “per diluted share” disclosures are based upon amounts net of the applicable income taxes. Shares used for diluted earnings per share were 395.851 million shares and 426.721 million shares for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. During 2016 and 2015, we repurchased 36.325 million and 31.991 million shares, respectively, of our common stock.
Revenues increased to $41.490 billion for 2016 from $39.678 billion for 2015. Revenues increased 4.6% and 4.1%, respectively, on a consolidated basis and on a same facility basis for 2016, compared to 2015. The consolidated revenues increase can be primarily attributed to the combined impact of a 2.3% increase in revenue per equivalent admission and a 2.2% increase in equivalent admissions. The same facility revenues increase resulted from a 2.2% increase in same facility revenue per equivalent admission and a 1.9% increase in same facility equivalent admissions.
During 2016, consolidated admissions increased 1.2% and same facility admissions increased 1.1%, compared to 2015. Inpatient surgical volumes increased 1.4% on both a consolidated and same facility basis during 2016, compared to 2015. Outpatient surgical volumes increased 2.5% on a consolidated basis and increased 1.2% on a same facility basis during 2016, compared to 2015. Emergency room visits increased 4.1% on a consolidated basis and increased 3.8% on a same facility basis during 2016, compared to 2015.
For 2016, the provision for doubtful accounts declined $656 million, compared to 2015. The self-pay revenue deductions for charity care and uninsured discounts increased $469 million and $2.355 billion, respectively, for 2016, compared to 2015. The sum of the provision for doubtful accounts, uninsured discounts and charity care, as a percentage of the sum of revenues, the provision for doubtful accounts, uninsured discounts and charity care, was 33.0% for 2016, compared to 31.5% for 2015. Same facility uninsured admissions increased 3.8% and same facility uninsured emergency room visits increased 4.5% for 2016, compared to 2015. Same facility uninsured admissions increased 4.5% and same facility uninsured emergency room visits increased 1.2% for 2015, compared to 2014.
Interest expense totaled $1.707 billion for 2016, compared to $1.665 billion for 2015. The $42 million increase in interest expense for 2016 was due to an increase in the average debt balance.
HCA HOLDINGS, INC.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)
2016 Operations Summary (continued)
Cash flows from operating activities increased $919 million, from $4.734 billion for 2015 to $5.653 billion for 2016. The increase in cash flows from operating activities was primarily related to the $736 million increase in net income.
Business Strategy
We are committed to providing the communities we serve with high quality, cost-effective health care while growing our business, increasing our profitability and creating long-term value for our stockholders. To achieve these objectives, we align our efforts around the following growth agenda:
Grow Our Presence in Existing Markets. We believe we are well positioned in a number of large and growing markets that will allow us the opportunity to generate long-term, attractive growth through the expansion of our presence in these markets. We plan to continue recruiting and strategically collaborating with the physician community and adding attractive service lines such as cardiology, emergency services, oncology and women’s services. Additional components of our growth strategy include expanding our footprint through developing various outpatient access points, including surgery centers, urgent care clinics, freestanding emergency departments and walk-in clinics.
Achieve Industry-Leading Performance in Clinical and Satisfaction Measures. Achieving high levels of patient safety, patient satisfaction and clinical quality are central goals of our business model. To achieve these goals, we have implemented a number of initiatives including infection reduction initiatives, hospitalist programs, advanced health information technology and evidence-based medicine programs. We routinely analyze operational practices from our best-performing hospitals to identify ways to implement organization-wide performance improvements and reduce clinical variation. We believe these initiatives will continue to improve patient care, help us achieve cost efficiencies, grow our revenues and favorably position us in an environment where our constituents are increasingly focused on quality, efficacy and efficiency.
Recruit and Employ Physicians to Meet Need for High Quality Health Services. We depend on the quality and dedication of the health care providers and other team members who serve at our facilities. We believe a critical component of our growth strategy is our ability to successfully recruit and strategically collaborate with physicians and other professionals to provide high quality care. We attract and retain physicians by providing high quality, convenient facilities with advanced technology, by expanding our specialty services and by building our outpatient operations. We believe our continued investment in the employment, recruitment and retention of physicians will improve the quality of care at our facilities.
Continue to Leverage Our Scale and Market Positions to Enhance Profitability. We believe there is significant opportunity to continue to grow the profitability of our company by fully leveraging the scale and scope of our franchise. We are currently investing in initiatives such as additional care navigators, clinical data exchange and centralized patient transfer operations, which will enable us to improve coordination of care and patient retention across our markets. We believe our centrally managed business processes and ability to leverage cost-saving practices across our extensive network will enable us to continue to manage costs effectively. We continue to invest in our Parallon subsidiary group to leverage key components of our support infrastructure, including revenue cycle management, health care group purchasing, supply chain management and staffing functions.
HCA HOLDINGS, INC.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)
Business Strategy (continued)
Pursue a Disciplined Development Strategy. We continue to believe there are significant growth opportunities in our markets. We will continue to provide financial and operational resources to analyze and develop our in-market opportunities. To complement our in-market growth agenda, we intend to focus on selectively developing and acquiring new hospitals, outpatient facilities and other health care service providers. We believe the challenges faced by the hospital industry may spur consolidation and we believe our size, scale, national presence and access to capital will position us well to participate in any such consolidation. We have a strong record of successfully acquiring and integrating hospitals and entering into joint ventures and intend to continue leveraging this experience.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The preparation of our consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent liabilities and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses. Our estimates are based on historical experience and various other assumptions we believe are reasonable under the circumstances. We evaluate our estimates on an ongoing basis and make changes to the estimates and related disclosures as experience develops or new information becomes known. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
We believe the following critical accounting policies affect our more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements.
Revenues
Revenues are recorded during the period the health care services are provided, based upon the estimated amounts due from payers. Estimates of contractual allowances under managed care health plans are based upon the payment terms specified in the related contractual agreements. Laws and regulations governing the Medicare and Medicaid programs are complex and subject to interpretation. The estimated reimbursement amounts are made on a payer-specific basis and are recorded based on the best information available regarding management’s interpretation of the applicable laws, regulations and contract terms. Management continually reviews the contractual estimation process to consider and incorporate updates to laws and regulations and the frequent changes in managed care contractual terms resulting from contract renegotiations and renewals. We have invested significant resources to refine and improve our billing systems and the information system data used to make contractual allowance estimates. We have developed standardized calculation processes and related training programs to improve the utility of our patient accounting systems.
The Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (“EMTALA”) requires any hospital participating in the Medicare program to conduct an appropriate medical screening examination of every person who presents to the hospital’s emergency room for treatment and, if the individual is suffering from an emergency medical condition, to either stabilize the condition or make an appropriate transfer of the individual to a facility able to handle the condition. The obligation to screen and stabilize emergency medical conditions exists regardless of an individual’s ability to pay for treatment. Federal and state laws and regulations, including but not limited to EMTALA, require, and our commitment to providing quality patient care encourages, the provision of services to patients who are financially unable to pay for the health care services they receive. The Health Reform Law requires health plans to reimburse hospitals for emergency services provided to enrollees without prior authorization and without regard to whether a participating provider contract is in place. Further, the Health Reform Law contains provisions that are decreasing the number of uninsured individuals, including requirements or incentives for individuals to obtain, and large employers to provide, insurance coverage. These mandates are
HCA HOLDINGS, INC.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates (continued)
Revenues (continued)
reducing the financial impact of screening for and stabilizing emergency medical conditions. However, the 2016 federal elections may result in the repeal or relacement of, or significant changes to, the Health Reform Law, which could impact the number of uninsured individuals and coverage for care provided to screen for and stabilize such conditions.
We do not pursue collection of amounts related to patients who meet our guidelines to qualify as charity care; therefore, they are not reported in revenues. Patients treated at our hospitals for nonelective care, who have income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level, are eligible for charity care. The federal poverty level is established by the federal government and is based on income and family size. We provide discounts from our gross charges to uninsured patients who do not qualify for Medicaid or charity care. After the discounts are applied, we are still unable to collect a significant portion of uninsured patients’ accounts, and we record significant provisions for doubtful accounts (based upon our historical collection experience) related to uninsured patients in the period the services are provided.
Due to the complexities involved in the classification and documentation of health care services authorized and provided, the estimation of revenues earned and the related reimbursement are often subject to interpretations that could result in payments that are different from our estimates. Adjustments to estimated Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement amounts and disproportionate-share funds, which resulted in net increases to revenues, related primarily to cost reports filed during the respective year were $31 million, $48 million and $50 million in 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The adjustments to estimated reimbursement amounts, which resulted in net increases to revenues, related primarily to cost reports filed during previous years were $90 million, $85 million and $53 million in 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. We expect adjustments during the next 12 months related to Medicare and Medicaid cost report filings and settlements will result in increases to revenues generally similar to the amounts recorded during these years.
Provision for Doubtful Accounts and the Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
The collection of outstanding receivables from Medicare, Medicaid, managed care payers, other third-party payers and patients is our primary source of cash and is critical to our operating performance. The primary collection risks relate to uninsured patient accounts, including patient accounts for which the primary insurance carrier has paid the amounts covered by the applicable agreement, but patient responsibility amounts (deductibles and copayments) remain outstanding. The provision for doubtful accounts and the allowance for doubtful accounts relate primarily to amounts due directly from patients. An estimated allowance for doubtful accounts is recorded for all uninsured accounts, regardless of the aging of those accounts. Accounts are written off when all reasonable internal and external collection efforts have been performed. Our collection policies include a review of all accounts against certain standard collection criteria, upon completion of our primary internal collection efforts. Accounts determined to possess positive collectibility attributes are forwarded to a secondary internal or external collection agency and the other accounts are written off. The accounts that are not collected by the secondary collection agency are written off when secondary collection efforts are completed (usually within 12 months). Writeoffs are based upon specific identification and the writeoff process requires a writeoff adjustment entry to the patient accounting system. We do not pursue collection of amounts related to patients that meet our guidelines to qualify as charity care.
The amount of the provision for doubtful accounts is based upon management’s assessment of historical writeoffs and expected net collections, business and economic conditions, trends in federal, state, and private
HCA HOLDINGS, INC.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates (continued)
Provision for Doubtful Accounts and the Allowance for Doubtful Accounts (continued)
employer health care coverage and other collection indicators. Management relies on the results of detailed reviews of historical writeoffs and recoveries at facilities that represent a majority of our revenues and accounts receivable (the “hindsight analysis”) as a primary source of information in estimating the collectibility of our accounts receivable. We perform the hindsight analysis quarterly, utilizing rolling twelve-months accounts receivable collection and writeoff data. We believe our quarterly updates to the estimated allowance for doubtful accounts at each of our hospital facilities provide reasonable valuations of our accounts receivable. These routine, quarterly changes in estimates have not resulted in material adjustments to our allowance for doubtful accounts, provision for doubtful accounts or period-to-period comparisons of our results of operations. At December 31, 2016 and 2015, the allowance for doubtful accounts represented approximately 97.5% of the $5.116 billion and 94.5% of the $5.636 billion, respectively, patient due accounts receivable balance. The patient due accounts receivable balance represents the estimated uninsured portion of our accounts receivable. The estimated uninsured portion of Medicaid pending and uninsured discount pending accounts is included in our patient due accounts receivable balance.
To quantify the total impact of and trends related to uninsured accounts, we believe it is beneficial to view the revenue deductions related to uninsured accounts (charity care and uninsured discounts) and provision for doubtful accounts in combination, rather than each separately. A summary of these amounts for the years ended December 31, follows (dollars in millions):
The sum of the provision for doubtful accounts, uninsured discounts and charity care, as a percentage of the sum of revenues, the provision for doubtful accounts, uninsured discounts and charity care was 33.0% for 2016, 31.5% for 2015 and 30.2% for 2014. Days revenues in accounts receivable were 50 days, 53 days and 54 days at December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Management expects a continuation of the challenges related to the collection of the patient due accounts. Adverse changes in the percentage of our patients having adequate health care coverage, increases in patient responsibility amounts under certain health care coverages, general economic conditions, patient accounting service center operations, payer mix, or trends in federal, state, and private employer health care coverage could affect the collection of accounts receivable, cash flows and results of operations.
HCA HOLDINGS, INC.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates (continued)
Provision for Doubtful Accounts and the Allowance for Doubtful Accounts (continued)
The approximate breakdown of accounts receivable by payer classification as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 is set forth in the following table:
Professional Liability Claims
We, along with virtually all health care providers, operate in an environment with professional liability risks. Our facilities are insured by our 100% owned insurance subsidiary for losses up to $50 million per occurrence, subject to a $15 million per occurrence self-insured retention. The insurance subsidiary has obtained reinsurance for professional liability risks generally above a retention level of $25 million per occurrence. We purchase excess insurance on a claims-made basis for losses in excess of $50 million per occurrence. Provisions for losses related to professional liability risks were $430 million, $344 million and $395 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
Reserves for professional liability risks represent the estimated ultimate cost of all reported and unreported losses incurred through the respective consolidated balance sheet dates. The estimated ultimate cost includes estimates of direct expenses and fees paid to outside counsel and experts, but does not include the general overhead costs of our insurance subsidiary or corporate office. Individual case reserves are established based upon the particular circumstances of each reported claim and represent our estimates of the future costs that will be paid on reported claims. Case reserves are reduced as claim payments are made and are adjusted upward or downward as our estimates regarding the amounts of future losses are revised. Once the case reserves for known claims are determined, information is stratified by loss layers and retentions, accident years, reported years, and geographic location of our hospitals. Several actuarial methods are employed to utilize this data to produce estimates of ultimate losses and reserves for incurred but not reported claims, including: paid and incurred extrapolation methods utilizing paid and incurred loss development to estimate ultimate losses; frequency and severity methods utilizing paid and incurred claims development to estimate ultimate average frequency (number of claims) and ultimate average severity (cost per claim); and Bornhuetter-Ferguson methods which add expected development to actual paid or incurred experience to estimate ultimate losses. These methods use our company-specific historical claims data and other information. Company-specific claim reporting and payment data collected over an approximate 20-year period is used in our reserve estimation process. This company-specific
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Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates (continued)
Professional Liability Claims (continued)
data includes information regarding our business, including historical paid losses and loss adjustment expenses, historical and current case loss reserves, actual and projected hospital statistical data, professional liability retentions for each policy year, geographic information and other data.
Reserves and provisions for professional liability risks are based upon actuarially determined estimates. The estimated reserve ranges, net of amounts receivable under reinsurance contracts, were $1.358 billion to $1.625 billion at December 31, 2016 and $1.294 billion to $1.548 billion at December 31, 2015. Our estimated reserves for professional liability claims may change significantly if future claims differ from expected trends. We perform sensitivity analyses which model the volatility of key actuarial assumptions and monitor our reserves for adequacy relative to all our assumptions in the aggregate. Based on our analysis, we believe the estimated professional liability reserve ranges represent the reasonably likely outcomes for ultimate losses. We consider the number and severity of claims to be the most significant assumptions in estimating reserves for professional liabilities. A 2.5% change in the expected frequency trend could be reasonably likely and would increase the reserve estimate by $28 million or reduce the reserve estimate by $26 million. A 2.5% change in the expected claim severity trend could be reasonably likely and would increase the reserve estimate by $102 million or reduce the reserve estimate by $93 million. We believe adequate reserves have been recorded for our professional liability claims; however, due to the complexity of the claims, the extended period of time to resolve the claims and the wide range of potential outcomes, our ultimate liability for professional liability claims could change by more than the estimated sensitivity amounts and could change materially from our current estimates.
The reserves for professional liability risks cover approximately 2,700 individual claims at both December 31, 2016 and 2015 and estimates for unreported potential claims. The time period required to resolve these claims can vary depending upon the jurisdiction and whether the claim is settled or litigated. The average time period between the occurrence and final resolution for our professional liability claims is approximately four years, although the facts and circumstances of each individual claim can result in an occurrence-to-resolution timeframe that varies from this average. The estimation of the timing of payments beyond a year can vary significantly.
Reserves for professional liability risks were $1.539 billion and $1.465 billion at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The current portion of these reserves, $391 million and $350 million at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, is included in “other accrued expenses.” Obligations covered by reinsurance and excess insurance contracts are included in the reserves for professional liability risks, as we remain liable to the extent reinsurers and excess insurance carriers do not meet their obligations. Reserves for professional liability risks (net of $45 million and $44 million receivable under reinsurance and excess insurance contracts at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively) were $1.494 billion and $1.421 billion at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The estimated total net reserves for professional liability risks at December 31, 2016 and 2015 are comprised of $830 million and $863 million, respectively, of case reserves for known claims and $664 million and $558 million, respectively, of reserves for incurred but not reported claims.
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AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates (continued)
Professional Liability Claims (continued)
Changes in our professional liability reserves, net of reinsurance recoverable, for the years ended December 31, are summarized in the following table (dollars in millions):
Income Taxes
We calculate our provision for income taxes using the asset and liability method, under which deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized by identifying the temporary differences that arise from the recognition of items in different periods for tax and accounting purposes. Deferred tax assets generally represent the tax effects of amounts expensed in our income statement for which tax deductions will be claimed in future periods.
Although we believe we have properly reported taxable income and paid taxes in accordance with applicable laws, federal, state or international taxing authorities may challenge our tax positions upon audit. Significant judgment is required in determining and assessing the impact of uncertain tax positions. We report a liability for unrecognized tax benefits from uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken in our income tax return. During each reporting period, we assess the facts and circumstances related to uncertain tax positions. If the realization of unrecognized tax benefits is deemed probable based upon new facts and circumstances, the estimated liability and the provision for income taxes are reduced in the current period. Final audit results may vary from our estimates.
Results of Operations
Revenue/Volume Trends
Our revenues depend upon inpatient occupancy levels, the ancillary services and therapy programs ordered by physicians and provided to patients, the volume of outpatient procedures and the charge and negotiated payment rates for such services. Gross charges typically do not reflect what our facilities are actually paid. Our facilities have entered into agreements with third-party payers, including government programs and managed care health plans, under which the facilities are paid based upon the cost of providing services, predetermined rates per diagnosis, fixed per diem rates or discounts from gross charges. We do not pursue collection of amounts related to patients who meet our guidelines to qualify for charity care; therefore, they are not reported in revenues. We provide discounts to uninsured patients who do not qualify for Medicaid or charity care.
Revenues increased 4.6% to $41.490 billion for 2016 from $39.678 billion for 2015 and increased 7.5% for 2015 from $36.918 billion for 2014. The increase in revenues in 2016 can be primarily attributed to the combined
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Results of Operations (continued)
Revenue/Volume Trends (continued)
impact of a 2.3% increase in revenue per equivalent admission and a 2.2% increase in equivalent admissions compared to the prior year. The increase in revenues in 2015 can be primarily attributed to the combined impact of a 1.8% increase in revenue per equivalent admission and a 5.5% increase in equivalent admissions compared to the prior year.
Same facility revenues increased 4.1% for the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to the year ended December 31, 2015 and increased 6.4% for the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to the year ended December 31, 2014. The 4.1% increase for 2016 can be attributed to the combined impact of a 2.2% increase in same facility revenue per equivalent admission and a 1.9% increase in same facility equivalent admissions. The 6.4% increase for 2015 can be primarily attributed to the combined impact of a 1.7% increase in same facility revenue per equivalent admission and a 4.6% increase in same facility equivalent admissions.
Consolidated admissions increased 1.2% during 2016 compared to 2015 and increased 4.1% during 2015 compared to 2014. Consolidated surgeries increased 2.1% during 2016 compared to 2015 and increased 2.0% during 2015 compared to 2014. Consolidated emergency room visits increased 4.1% during 2016 compared to 2015 and increased 8.0% during 2015 compared to 2014.
Same facility admissions increased 1.1% during 2016 compared to 2015 and increased 3.4% during 2015 compared to 2014. Same facility surgeries increased 1.3% during 2016 compared to 2015 and increased 1.8% during 2015 compared to 2014. Same facility emergency room visits increased 3.8% during 2016 compared to 2015 and increased 7.0% during 2015 compared to 2014.
Same facility uninsured emergency room visits increased 4.5% and same facility uninsured admissions increased 3.8% during 2016 compared to 2015. Same facility uninsured emergency room visits increased 1.2% and same facility uninsured admissions increased 4.5% during 2015 compared to 2014.
The approximate percentages of our admissions related to Medicare, managed Medicare, Medicaid, managed Medicaid, managed care and other insurers, and the uninsured for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 are set forth below.
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AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)
Results of Operations (continued)
Revenue/Volume Trends (continued)
The approximate percentages of our inpatient revenues, before provision for doubtful accounts, related to Medicare, managed Medicare, Medicaid, managed Medicaid, managed care plans and other insurers, and the uninsured for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 are set forth below.
At December 31, 2016, we owned and operated 43 hospitals and 32 surgery centers in the state of Florida. Our Florida facilities’ revenues totaled $9.522 billion, $9.059 billion and $8.336 billion for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. At December 31, 2016, we owned and operated 40 hospitals and 26 surgery centers in the state of Texas. Our Texas facilities’ revenues totaled $9.898 billion, $9.517 billion and $8.706 billion for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. During 2016, 2015 and 2014, 56% of our admissions and 47%, 47% and 46%, respectively, of our revenues were generated by our Florida and Texas facilities. Uninsured admissions in Florida and Texas represented 69%, 68% and 66% of our uninsured admissions during 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
We receive a significant portion of our revenues from government health programs, principally Medicare and Medicaid, which are highly regulated and subject to frequent and substantial changes. In 2011, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (“CMS”) approved a Medicaid waiver that allows Texas to continue receiving supplemental Medicaid reimbursement while expanding its Medicaid managed care program. Texas currently operates its Medicaid Waiver Program pursuant to this waiver, which CMS has agreed to extend through December 2017. Texas has requested an additional extension of the waiver and related funding through September 30, 2019. We cannot predict whether the Texas Medicaid Waiver Program will be further extended, be revised or that revenues recognized from the program will not decline.
The Texas Waiver Program includes two primary components: an indigent care component and a Delivery System Reform Incentive Payment (“DSRIP”) component. Initiatives under the DSRIP program are designed to provide incentive payments to hospitals and other providers for their investments in delivery system reforms that increase access to health care, improve the quality of care and enhance the health of patients and families they serve. We provide indigent care services in several communities in the state of Texas, in affiliation with other hospitals. The state of Texas has been involved in efforts to increase the indigent care provided by private hospitals. As a result of additional indigent care being provided by private hospitals, public hospital districts or counties in Texas have available funds that were previously devoted to indigent care. The public hospital districts or counties are under no contractual or legal obligation to provide such indigent care. The public hospital districts or counties have elected to transfer some portion of these available funds to the state’s Medicaid program. Such action is at the sole discretion of the public hospital districts or counties. It is anticipated that these contributions to the state will be matched with federal Medicaid funds. The state then may make supplemental payments to
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Results of Operations (continued)
Revenue/Volume Trends (continued)
hospitals in the state for Medicaid services rendered. Hospitals receiving Medicaid supplemental payments may include those that are providing additional indigent care services. Our Texas Medicaid revenues included $370 million ($101 million DSRIP related and $269 million indigent care related), $347 million ($95 million DSRIP related and $252 million indigent care related) and $488 million ($97 million DSRIP related and $391 million indigent care related) during 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively, of Medicaid supplemental payments.
In addition, we receive supplemental payments in several other states. We are aware these supplemental payment programs are currently being reviewed by certain state agencies and some states have made waiver requests to CMS to replace their existing supplemental payment programs. It is possible these reviews and waiver requests will result in the restructuring of such supplemental payment programs and could result in the payment programs being reduced or eliminated. Because deliberations about these programs are ongoing, we are unable to estimate the financial impact the program structure modifications, if any, may have on our results of operations.
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AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)
Results of Operations (continued)
Operating Results Summary
The following are comparative summaries of operating results for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 (dollars in millions):
(a) Represents the total number of patients admitted to our hospitals and is used by management and certain investors as a general measure of inpatient volume.
(b) Equivalent admissions are used by management and certain investors as a general measure of combined inpatient and outpatient volume. Equivalent admissions are computed by multiplying admissions (inpatient volume) by the sum of gross inpatient revenue and gross outpatient revenue and then dividing the resulting amount by gross inpatient revenue. The equivalent admissions computation “equates” outpatient revenue to the volume measure (admissions) used to measure inpatient volume, resulting in a general measure of combined inpatient and outpatient volume.
(c) Same facility information excludes the operations of hospitals and their related facilities that were either acquired, divested or removed from service during the current and prior year.
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AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)
Results of Operations (continued)
Years Ended December 31, 2016 and 2015
Net income attributable to HCA Holdings, Inc. totaled $2.890 billion, or $7.30 per diluted share, for 2016, compared to $2.129 billion, or $4.99 per diluted share, for 2015. Financial results for 2016 include tax benefits of $51 million, or $0.13 per diluted share, related to the resolution of federal income tax issues for our 2011 and 2012 tax years and $162 million, or $0.41 per diluted share, related to our early adoption, during the first quarter of 2016, of a new accounting standard that requires the excess tax benefits related to employee equity award settlements to be recorded as a component of the provision for income taxes for periods subsequent to adoption. Financial results for 2016 also include net gains on sales of facilities of $23 million, or $0.05 per diluted share, losses on retirement of debt of $4 million, or $0.01 per diluted share, and legal claim benefits of $246 million, or $0.39 per diluted share, related to the settlement of a previously disclosed contractual dispute regarding our obligation to fund certain capital expenditures in connection with our purchase of hospitals from Health Midwest in 2003. Financial results for 2015 include net losses on sales of facilities of $5 million, losses on retirement of debt of $135 million, or $0.20 per diluted share and legal claim costs of $249 million, or $0.37 per diluted share. All “per diluted share” disclosures are based upon amounts net of the applicable income taxes. Shares used for diluted earnings per share were 395.851 million shares and 426.721 million shares for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. During 2016 and 2015, we repurchased 36.325 million and 31.991 million shares, respectively, of our common stock.
During 2016, consolidated admissions increased 1.2% and same facility admissions increased 1.1% compared to 2015. Consolidated and same facility inpatient surgeries each increased 1.4% during 2016 compared to 2015. Consolidated outpatient surgeries increased 2.5%, and same facility outpatient surgeries increased 1.2% during 2016 compared to 2015. Emergency room visits increased 4.1% on a consolidated basis and increased 3.8% on a same facility basis during 2016 compared to 2015.
Revenues before provision for doubtful accounts increased 2.7% to $44.747 billion for 2016 from $43.591 billion for 2015. The provision for doubtful accounts declined $656 million from $3.913 billion in 2015 to $3.257 billion in 2016. The provision for doubtful accounts and the allowance for doubtful accounts relate primarily to uninsured amounts due directly from patients, including copayment and deductible amounts for patients who have health care coverage. The self-pay revenue deductions for charity care and uninsured discounts increased $469 million and $2.355 billion, respectively, during 2016 compared to 2015. The sum of the provision for doubtful accounts, uninsured discounts and charity care, as a percentage of the sum of revenues, the provision for doubtful accounts, uninsured discounts and charity care, was 33.0% for 2016 compared to 31.5% for 2015. At December 31, 2016, our allowance for doubtful accounts represented approximately 97.5% of the $5.116 billion total patient due accounts receivable balance, including accounts, net of estimated contractual discounts, related to patients for which eligibility for Medicaid coverage or uninsured discounts was being evaluated.
Revenues increased 4.6% to $41.490 billion for 2016 from $39.678 billion for 2015. The increase in revenues was due primarily to the combined impact of a 2.3% increase in revenue per equivalent admission and a 2.2% increase in equivalent admissions compared to 2015. Same facility revenues increased 4.1% due to the combined impact of a 2.2% increase in same facility revenue per equivalent admission and a 1.9% increase in same facility equivalent admissions compared to 2015.
Salaries and benefits, as a percentage of revenues, were 45.5% in 2016 and 45.7% in 2015. Salaries and benefits per equivalent admission increased 2.1% in 2016 compared to 2015. Same facility labor rate increases averaged 1.9% for 2016 compared to 2015. Share-based compensation expense increased from $239 million in 2015 to $251 million in 2016.
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Results of Operations (continued)
Years Ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 (continued)
Supplies, as a percentage of revenues, were 16.7% in both 2016 and 2015. Supply costs per equivalent admission increased 2.2% in 2016 compared to 2015. Supply costs per equivalent admission increased 4.6% for medical devices and 3.4% for pharmacy supplies and declined 0.1% for general medical and surgical items in 2016 compared to 2015.
Other operating expenses, as a percentage of revenues, was 18.1% in 2016 and 17.9% in 2015. Other operating expenses are primarily comprised of contract services, professional fees, repairs and maintenance, rents and leases, utilities, insurance (including professional liability insurance) and nonincome taxes. Provisions for losses related to professional liability risks were $430 million and $344 million for 2016 and 2015, respectively. The increase in provision for losses related to professional liability risks for 2016 compared to 2015 was primarily due to $64 million of favorable development related to prior years’ claims recorded in 2015.
During 2016 and 2015, respectively, we recognized $12 million and $47 million of electronic health record incentive income.
Equity in earnings of affiliates was $54 million for 2016 and $46 million for 2015.
Depreciation and amortization, as a percentage of revenues, was 4.8% in both 2016 and 2015. Depreciation expense was $1.946 billion for 2016 and $1.880 billion for 2015.
Interest expense increased to $1.707 billion for 2016 from $1.665 billion for 2015. The increase in interest expense was due to an increase in the average debt balance. Our average debt balance was $31.048 billion for 2016 compared to $29.718 billion for 2015. The average interest rate for our long-term debt declined from 5.6% for 2015 to 5.5% for 2016.
Net gains on sales of facilities were $23 million for 2016 and related to sales of real estate and other investments. Net losses on sales of facilities were $5 million for 2015 and related to sales of real estate and other investments.
During 2016, we issued $1.200 billion aggregate principal amount of 4.500% senior secured notes due 2027. We used the net proceeds for general corporate purposes and to retire a portion of one of our senior secured term loans. We also entered into a joinder agreement to retire the remaining portion of this senior secured term loan using proceeds from a new $1.200 billion senior secured term loan facility maturing in February 2024. The pretax loss on retirement of debt was $4 million. During 2015, we redeemed all $1.525 billion aggregate principal amount of 73/4% senior notes due 2021 and all $1.000 billion aggregate principal amount of our outstanding 6.500% senior notes due 2016. We also entered into a joinder agreement to retire certain of our existing senior secured term loans. The pretax losses on retirement of debt related to these redemptions were $135 million.
We reached a settlement agreement with the Health Care Foundation of Greater Kansas City related to a previously disclosed contractual dispute regarding our obligation to fund certain capital expenditures in connection with our purchase of hospitals from Health Midwest in 2003. The settlement agreement enabled us to reduce the accrual for this claim by $290 million and resulted in the recognition of net legal claim benefits of $246 million related to this litigation for 2016. We recorded $129 million of legal claim costs during 2015 related to this matter. We also recorded $120 million of legal claim costs during 2015 to settle a securities class action lawsuit and related derivative actions.
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AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)
Results of Operations (continued)
Years Ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 (continued)
The effective tax rates were 32.3% and 37.2% for 2016 and 2015, respectively. The effective tax rate computations exclude net income attributable to noncontrolling interests as it relates to consolidated partnerships. Our provision for income taxes for 2016 included tax benefits of $51 million primarily related to the resolution of federal income tax issues for our 2011 and 2012 tax years and $162 million related to our early adoption, during the first quarter of 2016, of ASU 2016-09 which requires the excess tax benefits related to employee equity award settlements be recorded as a component of the provision for income taxes for periods subsequent to adoption. Excluding the effect of these adjustments, the effective tax rate for 2016 would have been 37.3%.
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests declined from $567 million for 2015 to $542 million for 2016. The decline in net income attributable to noncontrolling interests related primarily to joint ventures in our United Kingdom market, a Texas market and an Oklahoma market.
Years Ended December 31, 2015 and 2014
Net income attributable to HCA Holdings, Inc. totaled $2.129 billion, or $4.99 per diluted share, for the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to $1.875 billion, or $4.16 per diluted share, for the year ended December 31, 2014. Financial results for 2015 include net losses on sales of facilities of $5 million, losses on retirement of debt of $135 million, or $0.20 per diluted share and legal claim costs of $249 million, or $0.37 per diluted share. Financial results for the year ended December 31, 2014 include net gains on sales of facilities of $29 million, or $0.04 per diluted share, losses on retirement of debt of $335 million, or $0.47 per diluted share, and legal claim costs of $78 million, or $0.11 per diluted share. All “per diluted share” disclosures are based upon amounts net of the applicable income taxes. Shares used for diluted earnings per share were 426.721 million shares and 450.352 million shares for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. During 2015, we repurchased 31.991 million shares of our common stock.
During 2015, consolidated admissions increased 4.1% and same facility admissions increased 3.4% compared to 2014. Consolidated and same facility inpatient surgeries each increased 2.1% during 2015 compared to 2014. Consolidated outpatient surgeries increased 2.0%, and same facility outpatient surgeries increased 1.6% during 2015 compared to 2014. Emergency room visits increased 8.0% on a consolidated basis and increased 7.0% on a same facility basis during 2015 compared to 2014.
Revenues before provision for doubtful accounts increased 8.7% to $43.591 billion for 2015 from $40.087 billion for 2014. The provision for doubtful accounts increased $744 million from $3.169 billion in 2014 to $3.913 billion in 2015. The provision for doubtful accounts and the allowance for doubtful accounts relate primarily to uninsured amounts due directly from patients, including copayment and deductible amounts for patients who have health care coverage. The self-pay revenue deductions for charity care and uninsured discounts declined $93 million and increased $1.693 billion, respectively, during 2015 compared to 2014. The sum of the provision for doubtful accounts, uninsured discounts and charity care, as a percentage of the sum of revenues, the provision for doubtful accounts, uninsured discounts and charity care, was 31.5% for 2015 compared to 30.2% for 2014. At December 31, 2015, our allowance for doubtful accounts represented approximately 94.5% of the $5.636 billion total patient due accounts receivable balance, including accounts, net of estimated contractual discounts, related to patients for which eligibility for Medicaid coverage or uninsured discounts was being evaluated.
Revenues increased 7.5% to $39.678 billion for 2015 from $36.918 billion for 2014. The increase in revenues was due primarily to the combined impact of a 1.8% increase in revenue per equivalent admission and a
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AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)
Results of Operations (continued)
Years Ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 (continued)
5.5% increase in equivalent admissions compared to 2014. Same facility revenues increased 6.4% due primarily to the combined impact of a 1.7% increase in same facility revenue per equivalent admission and a 4.6% increase in same facility equivalent admissions compared to 2014. We recorded $142 million of Medicaid revenues during the second quarter of 2014 related to the receipt of reimbursements in excess of our estimates for the indigent care component of the Texas Medicaid Waiver Program for the program year ended September 30, 2013. We recorded $94 million of Medicare revenues during the third quarter of 2014 as the settlement amount for certain claims denied by Recovery Audit Contractor (“RAC”) entities conducting reviews on behalf of CMS and pending in the appeals process. CMS offered an administrative agreement to providers willing to withdraw their pending appeals in exchange for a timely partial payment (generally, 68% of the claim amount, subject to certain adjustments), which we accepted during 2014. All revenue amounts and revenue-related statistics for the year ended December 31, 2014 include the impact of these two items that resulted in increases to revenues.
Salaries and benefits, as a percentage of revenues, were 45.7% in 2015 and 45.1% in 2014. Salaries and benefits per equivalent admission increased 3.1% in 2015 compared to 2014. Same facility labor rate increases averaged 2.8% for 2015 compared to 2014. Share-based compensation expense increased from $163 million in 2014 to $239 million in 2015.
Supplies, as a percentage of revenues, were 16.7% in 2015 and 17.0% in 2014. Supply costs per equivalent admission increased 0.4% in 2015 compared to 2014. Supply costs per equivalent admission increased 1.0% for medical devices and 4.0% for pharmacy supplies and declined 1.0% for general medical and surgical items in 2015 compared to 2014.
Other operating expenses, as a percentage of revenues, was 17.9% in 2015 and 18.2% in 2014. Other operating expenses are primarily comprised of contract services, professional fees, repairs and maintenance, rents and leases, utilities, insurance (including professional liability insurance) and nonincome taxes. Provisions for losses related to professional liability risks were $344 million and $395 million for 2015 and 2014, respectively, and the expense decline in 2015 was primarily due to favorable development related to prior years’ claims.
During 2015 and 2014, respectively, we recognized $47 million and $125 million of electronic health record incentive income related to Medicare ($46 million and $118 million) and Medicaid ($1 million and $7 million) incentive programs.
Equity in earnings of affiliates was $46 million for 2015 and $43 million for 2014.
Depreciation and amortization, as a percentage of revenues, was 4.8% in 2015 and 5.0% in 2014. Depreciation expense was $1.880 billion for 2015 and $1.798 billion for 2014.
Interest expense declined to $1.665 billion for 2015 from $1.743 billion for 2014. The decline in interest expense was due to a decline in the average interest rate. Our average debt balance was $29.718 billion for 2015 compared to $28.529 billion for 2014. The average interest rate for our long-term debt declined from 6.1% for 2014 to 5.6% for 2015.
Net losses on sales of facilities were $5 million for 2015 and related to sales of real estate and other investments. Net gains on sales of facilities were $29 million for 2014 and related to the sale of a hospital facility and sales of real estate and other investments.
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AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)
Results of Operations (continued)
Years Ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 (continued)
During 2015, we redeemed all $1.525 billion aggregate principal amount of 73/4% senior notes due 2021 and all $1.000 billion aggregate principal amount of our outstanding 6.500% senior notes due 2016. We also entered into a joinder agreement to retire certain of our existing senior secured term loans. The pretax losses on retirement of debt related to these redemptions were $135 million. During 2014, we redeemed all $1.500 billion aggregate principal amount of our outstanding 81/ 2% senior secured notes due 2019, all $1.250 billion aggregate principal amount of our outstanding 77/8% senior secured notes due 2020, and all $1.400 billion aggregate principal amount of our outstanding 71/4% senior secured notes due 2020. The pretax losses on retirement of debt related to these redemptions were $335 million.
We recorded $120 million of legal claim costs during 2015 to settle a securities class action lawsuit and related derivative actions. We also recorded $129 million of legal claim costs during 2015 related to the Health Midwest litigation for additional court-awarded interest costs. We recorded $78 million of legal claim costs during 2014 related to the Health Midwest litigation.
The effective tax rate was 37.2% for both 2015 and 2014. The effective tax rate computations exclude net income attributable to noncontrolling interests as it relates to consolidated partnerships.
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests increased from $498 million for 2014 to $567 million for 2015. The increase in net income attributable to noncontrolling interests related primarily to joint ventures in our United Kingdom market, a Texas market and an Oklahoma market.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Our primary cash requirements are paying our operating expenses, servicing our debt, capital expenditures on our existing properties, acquisitions of hospitals and other health care entities, repurchases of our common stock, distributions to stockholders and distributions to noncontrolling interests. Our primary cash sources are cash flows from operating activities, issuances of debt and equity securities and dispositions of hospitals and other health care entities.
Cash provided by operating activities totaled $5.653 billion in 2016 compared to $4.734 billion in 2015 and $4.448 billion in 2014. Working capital totaled $3.252 billion at December 31, 2016 and $3.716 billion at December 31, 2015. The $919 million increase in cash provided by operating activities for 2016, compared to 2015, was primarily related to the $736 million increase in net income. The $286 million increase in cash provided by operating activities for 2015, compared to 2014, was primarily related to the net impact of an increase in net income of $323 million and net negative changes in working capital items of $59 million. Cash payments for interest and income taxes increased $85 million for 2016 compared to 2015 and increased $21 million for 2015 compared to 2014.
Cash used in investing activities was $3.240 billion, $2.583 billion and $2.918 billion in 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Excluding acquisitions, capital expenditures were $2.760 billion in 2016, $2.375 billion in 2015 and $2.176 billion in 2014. We expended $576 million, $351 million and $766 million for acquisitions of hospitals and health care entities during 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Planned capital expenditures are expected to approximate $2.9 billion in 2017. At December 31, 2016, there were projects under construction which had an estimated additional cost to complete and equip over the next five years of approximately $2.5 billion. We expect to finance capital expenditures with internally generated and borrowed funds.
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AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)
Liquidity and Capital Resources (continued)
Cash used in financing activities totaled $2.508 billion in 2016, $1.976 billion in 2015 and $1.378 billion in 2014. During 2016, we had a net increase of $815 million in our indebtedness and used cash of $2.751 billion for repurchases of common stock. During 2015, we had a net increase of $778 million in our indebtedness and used cash of $2.397 billion for repurchases of common stock. During 2014, we had a net increase of $778 million in our indebtedness and used cash of $1.750 billion for repurchases of common stock. During 2016, 2015 and 2014, we made distributions to noncontrolling interests of $434 million, $495 million and $442 million, respectively. We paid debt issuance costs of $40 million, $50 million and $73 million for 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. We, or our affiliates, may in the future repurchase portions of our debt or equity securities, subject to certain limitations, from time to time in either the open market or through privately negotiated transactions, in accordance with applicable SEC and other legal requirements. The timing, prices, and sizes of purchases depend upon prevailing trading prices, general economic and market conditions, and other factors, including applicable securities laws. At December 31, 2016, $1.853 billion of share repurchase authorization remained available under the $2 billion share repurchase program authorized by our board of directors during November 2016. Funds for the repurchase of debt or equity securities have, and are expected to, come primarily from cash generated from operations and borrowed funds.
In addition to cash flows from operations, available sources of capital include amounts available under our senior secured credit facilities ($2.097 billion as of December 31, 2016 and $2.277 billion as of January 31, 2017) and anticipated access to public and private debt and equity markets.
Investments of our professional liability insurance subsidiaries, to maintain statutory equity and pay claims, totaled $385 million and $482 million at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The insurance subsidiary maintained net reserves for professional liability risks of $215 million and $261 million at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Our facilities are insured by our 100% owned insurance subsidiary for losses up to $50 million per occurrence; however, this coverage is subject to a $15 million per occurrence self-insured retention. Net reserves for the self-insured professional liability risks retained were $1.279 billion and $1.160 billion at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Claims payments, net of reinsurance recoveries, during the next 12 months are expected to approximate $382 million. We estimate that approximately $333 million of the expected net claim payments during the next 12 months will relate to claims subject to the self-insured retention.
Financing Activities
We are a highly leveraged company with significant debt service requirements. Our debt totaled $31.376 billion and $30.488 billion at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Our interest expense was $1.707 billion for 2016 and $1.665 billion for 2015.
During January 2015, we issued $1.000 billion aggregate principal amount of 5.375% senior notes due 2025. We used a portion of the net proceeds to repay at maturity our $750 million aggregate principal amount of 6.375% senior notes due 2015.
During May 2015, we issued $1.600 billion aggregate principal amount of 5.375% senior notes due 2025. We used the net proceeds to redeem all $1.525 billion aggregate principal amount of our outstanding 73/ 4% senior notes due 2021. The pretax loss on retirement of debt related to this redemption was $122 million.
HCA HOLDINGS, INC.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)
Liquidity and Capital Resources (continued)
Financing Activities (continued)
During June 2015, we entered into a joinder agreement to retire certain of our existing senior secured term loans using proceeds from a new $1.400 billion senior secured term loan credit facility maturing on June 10, 2020. The pretax loss on retirement of debt was $3 million.
During November 2015, we issued $1.000 billion aggregate principal amount of 5.875% senior notes due 2026. We used the net proceeds to redeem all $1.000 billion aggregate principal amount of our outstanding 6.500% senior notes due 2016. The pretax loss on retirement of debt related to this redemption was $10 million.
During December 2015, we issued $500 million aggregate principal amount of 5.875% senior notes due 2026. We used the net proceeds for general corporate purposes.
During March 2016, we issued $1.500 billion aggregate principal amount of 5.250% senior secured notes due 2026. We used the net proceeds for general corporate purposes and to retire a portion of one of our senior secured term loans. We also entered into a joinder agreement to retire the remaining portion of this senior secured term loan using proceeds from a new $1.500 billion senior secured term loan facility maturing in March 2023.
During August 2016, we issued $1.200 billion aggregate principal amount of 4.500% senior secured notes due 2027. We used the net proceeds for general corporate purposes and to retire a portion of one of our senior secured term loans. We also entered into a joinder agreement to retire the remaining portion of this senior secured term loan using proceeds from a new $1.200 billion senior secured term loan facility maturing in February 2024. The pretax loss on retirement of debt was $4 million.
Management believes that cash flows from operations, amounts available under our senior secured credit facilities and our anticipated access to public and private debt markets will be sufficient to meet expected liquidity needs during the next twelve months.
HCA HOLDINGS, INC.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)
Contractual Obligations and Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
As of December 31, 2016, maturities of contractual obligations and other commercial commitments are presented in the table below (dollars in millions):
(a) We have not included obligations related to unrecognized tax benefits of $418 million at December 31, 2016, as we cannot reasonably estimate the timing or amounts of cash payments, if any, at this time.
(b) Estimates of interest payments assume that interest rates and borrowing spreads at December 31, 2016, remain constant during the period presented.
(c) The estimation of the timing of payments for professional liability claims beyond a year can vary significantly. The time period required to resolve these claims can vary depending upon the jurisdiction and whether the claim is settled or litigated.
(d) Amounts relate to future operating lease obligations, purchase obligations and other obligations and are not recorded in our consolidated balance sheet. Amounts also include physician commitments that are recorded in our consolidated balance sheet.
(e) Amounts relate primarily to instances in which we have agreed to indemnify various commercial insurers and lenders who have provided surety bonds and letters of credit to cover damages for legal cases which were awarded to plaintiffs by the courts.
(f) In consideration for physicians relocating to the communities in which our hospitals are located and agreeing to engage in private practice for the benefit of the respective communities, we make advances to physicians, normally over a period of one year, to assist in establishing the physicians’ practices. The actual amount of these commitments to be advanced often depends upon the financial results of the physicians’ private practice during the recruitment agreement payment period. The physician commitments reflected were based on our maximum exposure on effective agreements at December 31, 2016.
HCA HOLDINGS, INC.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)
Market Risk
We are exposed to market risk related to changes in market values of securities. The investments in debt and equity securities of our 100% owned insurance subsidiaries were $381 million and $4 million, respectively, at December 31, 2016. These investments are carried at fair value, with changes in unrealized gains and losses being recorded as adjustments to other comprehensive income. At December 31, 2016, we had a net unrealized gain of $11 million on the insurance subsidiaries’ investment securities.
We are exposed to market risk related to market illiquidity. Investments in debt and equity securities of our 100% owned insurance subsidiaries could be impaired by the inability to access the capital markets. Should the 100% owned insurance subsidiaries require significant amounts of cash in excess of normal cash requirements to pay claims and other expenses on short notice, we may have difficulty selling these investments in a timely manner or be forced to sell them at a price less than what we might otherwise have been able to in a normal market environment. We may be required to recognize other-than-temporary impairments on our investment securities in future periods should issuers default on interest payments or should the fair market valuations of the securities deteriorate due to ratings downgrades or other issue-specific factors.
We are also exposed to market risk related to changes in interest rates, and we periodically enter into interest rate swap agreements to manage our exposure to these fluctuations. Our interest rate swap agreements involve the exchange of fixed and variable rate interest payments between two parties, based on common notional principal amounts and maturity dates. The notional amounts of the swap agreements represent balances used to calculate the exchange of cash flows and are not our assets or liabilities. Our credit risk related to these agreements is considered low because the swap agreements are with creditworthy financial institutions. The interest payments under these agreements are settled on a net basis. These derivatives have been recognized in the financial statements at their respective fair values. Changes in the fair value of these derivatives, which are designated as cash flow hedges, are included in other comprehensive income.
With respect to our interest-bearing liabilities, approximately $3.902 billion of long-term debt at December 31, 2016 was subject to variable rates of interest, while the remaining balance in long-term debt of $27.474 billion at December 31, 2016 was subject to fixed rates of interest. Both the general level of interest rates and, for the senior secured credit facilities, our leverage affect our variable interest rates. Our variable debt is comprised primarily of amounts outstanding under the senior secured credit facilities. Borrowings under the senior secured credit facilities bear interest at a rate equal to an applicable margin plus, at our option, either (a) a base rate determined by reference to the higher of (1) the federal funds rate plus 0.50% and (2) the prime rate of Bank of America or (b) a LIBOR rate for the currency of such borrowing for the relevant interest period. The applicable margin for borrowings under the senior secured credit facilities may fluctuate according to a leverage ratio. The average effective interest rate for our long-term debt declined from 5.6% for 2015 to 5.5% for 2016.
The estimated fair value of our total long-term debt was $32.833 billion at December 31, 2016. The estimates of fair value are based upon the quoted market prices for the same or similar issues of long-term debt with the same maturities. Based on a hypothetical 1% increase in interest rates, the potential annualized reduction to future pretax earnings would be approximately $39 million. To mitigate the impact of fluctuations in interest rates, we generally target a majority of our debt portfolio to be maintained at fixed rates.
Our international operations and the related market risks associated with foreign currencies have not been significant to our net income, but unfavorable British pound to US dollar exchange rates during 2016 had a negative impact on comprehensive income.
HCA HOLDINGS, INC.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)
Market Risk (continued)
Financial Instruments
Derivative financial instruments are employed to manage risks, including interest rate exposures, and are not used for trading or speculative purposes. We recognize derivative instruments, such as interest rate swap agreements, in the consolidated balance sheets at fair value. Changes in the fair value of derivatives are recognized periodically either in earnings or in stockholders’ equity, as a component of other comprehensive income, depending on whether the derivative financial instrument qualifies for hedge accounting, and if so, whether it qualifies as a fair value hedge or a cash flow hedge. Gains and losses on derivatives designated as cash flow hedges, to the extent they are effective, are recorded in other comprehensive income, and subsequently reclassified to earnings to offset the impact of the hedged items when they occur.
The net interest paid or received on interest rate swaps is recognized as interest expense. Gains and losses resulting from the early termination of interest rate swap agreements are deferred and amortized as adjustments to expense over the remaining period of the debt originally covered by the terminated swap.
Effects of Inflation and Changing Prices
Various federal, state and local laws have been enacted that, in certain cases, limit our ability to increase prices. Revenues for general, acute care hospital services rendered to Medicare patients are established under the federal government’s prospective payment system. Total fee-for-service Medicare revenues were 21.4%, 21.8% and 22.6% of our revenues for 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
Management believes hospital industry operating margins have been, and may continue to be, under significant pressure because of changes in payer and service mix and growth in operating expenses in excess of the increase in prospective payments under the Medicare program. In addition, as a result of increasing regulatory and competitive pressures, our ability to maintain operating margins through price increases to non-Medicare patients is limited.
Tax Examinations
During 2016, the IRS completed its examination, resolving all outstanding federal income tax issues for our 2011 and 2012 tax years. We are also subject to examination by state and foreign taxing authorities.
Management believes HCA Holdings, Inc., its predecessors and affiliates properly reported taxable income and paid taxes in accordance with applicable laws and agreements established with the IRS, state and foreign taxing authorities and final resolution of any disputes will not have a material, adverse effect on our results of operations or financial position. However, if payments due upon final resolution of any issues exceed our recorded estimates, such resolutions could have a material, adverse effect on our results of operations or financial position.
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
Information with respect to this Item is provided under the caption “Market Risk” under Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Information with respect to this Item is contained in our consolidated financial statements indicated in the Index to Consolidated Financial Statements on Page of this annual report on Form 10-K.
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
None.
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures
1. Conclusion Regarding the Effectiveness of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, we conducted an evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as such term is defined under Rule 13a-15(e) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Based on this evaluation, our principal executive officer and our principal financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this annual report.
2. Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
(a) Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f). Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective, can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation.
Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, we conducted an assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework). Based on our assessment under the framework in Internal Control - Integrated Framework, our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2016.
Ernst & Young, LLP, the independent registered public accounting firm that audited our consolidated financial statements included in this Form 10-K, has issued a report on our internal control over financial reporting, which is included herein.
(b) Attestation Report of the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Board of Directors and Stockholders
HCA Holdings, Inc.
We have audited HCA Holdings, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2016, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) (the COSO criteria). HCA Holdings, Inc.’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
In our opinion, HCA Holdings, Inc. maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2016, based on the COSO criteria.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of HCA Holdings, Inc. as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, stockholders’ deficit, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2016 and our report dated February 22, 2017 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Nashville, Tennessee
February 22, 2017
(c) Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
During the fourth quarter of 2016, there have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect our internal control over financial reporting.
Item 9B. Other Information
None.
PART III
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
The information required by this Item regarding the identity and business experience of our directors and executive officers is set forth under the heading “Election of Directors” in the definitive proxy materials of HCA to be filed in connection with our 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders with respect to our directors and is set forth in Item 1 of Part I of this annual report on Form 10-K with respect to our executive officers. The information required by this Item contained in such definitive proxy materials is incorporated herein by reference.
Information on the beneficial ownership reporting for our directors and executive officers required by this Item is contained under the caption “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” in the definitive proxy materials to be filed in connection with our 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and is incorporated herein by reference.
Information on our Audit and Compliance Committee and Audit Committee Financial Experts required by this Item is contained under the caption “Corporate Governance” in the definitive proxy materials to be filed in connection with our 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and is incorporated herein by reference.
We have a Code of Conduct which is applicable to all our directors, officers and employees (the “Code of Conduct”). The Code of Conduct is available on the Ethics and Compliance and Corporate Governance pages of our website at www.hcahealthcare.com. To the extent required pursuant to applicable SEC regulations, we intend to post amendments to or waivers from our Code of Conduct (to the extent applicable to our chief executive officer, principal financial officer or principal accounting officer) at this location on our website or report the same on a Current Report on Form 8-K. Our Code of Conduct is available free of charge upon request to our Corporate Secretary, HCA Holdings, Inc., One Park Plaza, Nashville, TN 37203.
Item 11. Executive Compensation
The information required by this Item is set forth under the headings “Executive Compensation” and “Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation” in the definitive proxy materials to be filed in connection with our 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which information is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
Information about security ownership of certain beneficial owners required by this Item is set forth under the heading “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters” in the definitive proxy materials to be filed in connection with our 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which information is incorporated herein by reference.
This table provides certain information as of December 31, 2016 with respect to our equity compensation plans:
EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION
(1) Includes 4,111,200 restricted share units which vest solely based upon continued employment over a specific period of time and 790,500 restricted share units and 2,386,200 performance share units which vest based upon continued employment over a specific period of time and the achievement of predetermined financial targets over time. The weighted average exercise price does not take these restricted share units and performance share units into account.
* For additional information concerning our equity compensation plans, see the discussion in Note 2 - Share-Based Compensation in the notes to the consolidated financial statements.
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
The information required by this Item is set forth under the headings “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions” and “Corporate Governance” in the definitive proxy materials to be filed in connection with our 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which information is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services
The information required by this Item is set forth under the heading “Ratification of Appointment of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” in the definitive proxy materials to be filed in connection with our 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which information is incorporated herein by reference.
PART IV
Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
(a) Documents filed as part of the report:
1. Financial Statements. The accompanying Index to Consolidated Financial Statements on page of this annual report on Form 10-K is provided in response to this item.
2. List of Financial Statement Schedules. All schedules are omitted because the required information is either not present, not present in material amounts or presented within the consolidated financial statements.
3. List of Exhibits
2.1
-
Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated July 24, 2006, by and among HCA Inc., Hercules Holding II, LLC and Hercules Acquisition Corporation (filed as Exhibit 2.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed July 25, 2006 (File No. 001-11239), and incorporated herein by reference).
2.2
-
Merger Agreement, dated November 22, 2010, by and among HCA Inc., HCA Holdings, Inc., and HCA Merger Sub LLC (filed as Exhibit 2.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed November 24, 2010 (File No. 000-18406), and incorporated herein by reference).
3.1
-
Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company (filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-171369), and incorporated herein by reference).
3.2
-
Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company (filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed February 19, 2016 (File No. 001-11239), and incorporated herein by reference).
4.1
-
Specimen Certificate for shares of Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the Company. (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-171369), and incorporated herein by reference).
4.2
-
Security Agreement, dated as of November 17, 2006, among HCA Inc., the subsidiary grantors party thereto and The Bank of New York, as collateral agent (filed as Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed November 24, 2006 (File No. 001-11239), and incorporated herein by reference).
4.3
-
Pledge Agreement, dated as of November 17, 2006, among HCA Inc., the subsidiary pledgors party thereto and The Bank of New York, as collateral agent (filed as Exhibit 4.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed November 24, 2006 (File No. 001-11239), and incorporated herein by reference).
4.4(a)
-
$13,550,000,000 - 1,000,000,000 Credit Agreement, dated as of November 17, 2006, among HCA Inc., HCA UK Capital Limited, the lending institutions from time to time parties thereto, Banc of America Securities LLC, J.P. Morgan Securities Inc., Citigroup Global Markets Inc. and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, as joint lead arrangers and joint bookrunners, Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. and Citicorp North America, Inc., as co-syndication agents and Merrill Lynch Capital Corporation, as documentation agent (filed as Exhibit 4.8 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed November 24, 2006 (File No. 001-11239), and incorporated herein by reference).
4.4(b)
-
Amendment No. 1 to the Credit Agreement, dated as of February 16, 2007, among HCA Inc., HCA UK Capital Limited, the lending institutions from time to time parties thereto, Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., and Citicorp North America, Inc., as Co-Syndication Agents, Banc of America Securities, LLC, J.P. Morgan Securities Inc., Citigroup Global Markets Inc. and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, as joint lead arrangers and bookrunners, Deutsche Bank Securities and Wachovia Capital Markets LLC, as joint bookrunners and Merrill Lynch Capital Corporation, as documentation agent (filed as Exhibit 4.7(b) to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006 (File No. 001-11239), and incorporated herein by reference).
4.4(c)
-
Amendment No. 2 to the Credit Agreement, dated as of March 2, 2009, among HCA Inc., HCA UK Capital Limited, the lending institutions from time to time parties thereto, Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., and Citicorp North America, Inc., as Co-Syndication Agents, Banc of America Securities, LLC, J.P. Morgan Securities Inc., Citigroup Global Markets Inc. and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, as joint lead arrangers and bookrunners, Deutsche Bank Securities and Wachovia Capital Markets LLC, as joint bookrunners and Merrill Lynch Capital Corporation, as documentation agent (filed as Exhibit 4.8(c) to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008 (File No. 001-11239), and incorporated herein by reference).
4.4(d)
-
Amendment No. 3 to the Credit Agreement, dated as of June 18, 2009, among HCA Inc., HCA UK Capital Limited, the lending institutions from time to time parties thereto, Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., and Citicorp North America, Inc., as Co-Syndication Agents, Banc of America Securities, LLC, J.P. Morgan Securities Inc., Citigroup Global Markets Inc. and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, as joint lead arrangers and bookrunners, Deutsche Bank Securities and Wachovia Capital Markets LLC, as joint bookrunners and Merrill Lynch Capital Corporation, as documentation agent (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed June 22, 2009 (File No. 001-11239), and incorporated herein by reference).
4.4(e)
-
Extension Amendment No. 1 to the Credit Agreement, dated as of April 6, 2010, among HCA Inc., HCA UK Capital Limited, the lending institutions from time to time parties thereto, Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent and collateral agent (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed April 8, 2010 (File No. 001-11239), and incorporated herein by reference).
4.4(f)
-
Amended and Restated Joinder Agreement No. 1, dated as of November 8, 2010, by and among each of the financial institutions listed as a “Replacement-1 Revolving Credit Lender” on Schedule A thereto, HCA Inc., Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent and as Collateral Agent, and the other parties listed on the signature pages thereto (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2010 (File No. 001-11239), and incorporated herein by reference).
4.4(g)
-
Restatement Agreement, dated as of May 4, 2011, by and among HCA Inc., HCA UK Capital Limited, the lenders party thereto and Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent and collateral agent to the Credit Agreement, dated as of November 17, 2006, as amended on February 16, 2007, March 2, 2009, June 18, 2009, April 6, 2010 and November 8, 2010 (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed May 9, 2011 (File No. 001-11239), and incorporated herein by reference).
4.4(h)
-
Extension Amendment No. 1, dated as of April 25, 2012, by and among HCA Inc., HCA UK Capital Limited, each of the U.S. Guarantors, each of the European Guarantors, the lenders party thereto and Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, swingline lender and letter of credit issuer (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed April 26, 2012 (File No. 001-11239), and incorporated herein by reference).
4.4(i)
-
Restatement Agreement, dated as of February 26, 2014, to (i) the Credit Agreement, dated as of November 17, 2006 and as amended and restated as of May 4, 2011, by and among the HCA Inc., HCA UK Capital Limited, the lenders party thereto and Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent and collateral agent and (ii) the U.S. Guarantee, dated as of November 17, 2006 by and among the guarantors party thereto and Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed February 28, 2014 (File No. 001-11239), and incorporated herein by reference).
4.4(j)
-
Joinder Agreement No. 1, dated as of June 10, 2015, by and among HCA Inc., as borrower, the guarantors party thereto, Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent and collateral agent, and the lenders party thereto (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed June 15, 2015 (File No. 001-11239), and incorporated herein by reference).
4.4(k)
-
Joinder Agreement No. 2, dated as of March 18, 2016, by and among HCA Inc., as borrower, the guarantors party thereto, Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent and collateral agent, and the lenders party thereto (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed March 18, 2016 (File No. 001-11239), and incorporated herein by reference).
4.4(l)
-
Joinder Agreement No. 3, dated as of August 15, 2016, by and among HCA Inc., as borrower, the guarantors party thereto, Bank of America, N. A., as administrative agent and collateral agent, and the lenders party thereto (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed August 15, 2016 (File No. 001-11239), and incorporated herein by reference).
4.4(m)
-
Joinder Agreement No. 4, dated as of February 15, 2017, by and among HCA Inc., as borrower, the guarantors party thereto, Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent and collateral agent, and the lenders party thereto (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed February 15, 2017 (File No. 001-11239), and incorporated herein by reference).
4.5
-
Security Agreement, dated as November 17, 2006, and amended and restated as of March 2, 2009, among the Company, the Subsidiary Grantors named therein and Bank of America, N.A., as Collateral Agent (filed as Exhibit 4.10 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008 (File No. 001-11239), and incorporated herein by reference).
4.6
-
Pledge Agreement, dated as of November 17, 2006, and amended and restated as of March 2, 2009, among the Company, the Subsidiary Pledgors named therein and Bank of America, N.A., as Collateral Agent (filed as Exhibit 4.11 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008 (File No. 001-11239), and incorporated herein by reference).
4.7(a)
-
$2,500,000,000 Credit Agreement, dated as of September 30, 2011, by and among HCA Inc., the subsidiary borrowers party thereto, the lenders from time to time party thereto and Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent (filed as Exhibit 4.4 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed October 3, 2011 (File No. 001-11239), and incorporated herein by reference).
4.7(b)
-
Restatement Agreement, dated as of March 7, 2014, to the Credit Agreement, dated as of September 30, 2011, by and among HCA Inc., the subsidiary borrowers party thereto, the lenders party thereto and Bank of America, N.A. as administrative agent and collateral agent (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed March 11, 2014 (File No. 001-11239), and incorporated herein by reference).
4.7(c)
-
Joinder Agreement and Amendment No. 1, dated as of October 30, 2014, to the Credit Agreement, dated as of September 30, 2011 and amended and restated as of March 7, 2014, by and among HCA Inc., the subsidiary borrowers party thereto, the lenders party thereto and Bank of America, N.A. as administrative agent and collateral agent. (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed October 31, 2014 (File No. 001-11239), and incorporated herein by reference).
4.8
-
Security Agreement, dated as of September 30, 2011, by and among HCA Inc., the subsidiary borrowers party thereto and Bank of America, N.A., as collateral agent (filed as Exhibit 4.5 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed October 3, 2011 (File No. 001-11239), and incorporated herein by reference).
4.9(a)
-
General Intercreditor Agreement, dated as of November 17, 2006, between Bank of America, N.A., as First Lien Collateral Agent, and The Bank of New York, as Junior Lien Collateral Agent (filed as Exhibit 4.13(a) to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-145054), and incorporated herein by reference).
4.9(b)
-
Receivables Intercreditor Agreement, dated as of November 17, 2006, among Bank of America, N.A., as ABL Collateral Agent, Bank of America, N.A., as CF Collateral Agent and The Bank of New York, as Bonds Collateral Agent (filed as Exhibit 4.13(b) to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-145054), and incorporated herein by reference).
4.9(c)
-
Additional General Intercreditor Agreement, dated as of August 1, 2011, by and among Bank of America, N.A., in its capacity as First Lien Collateral Agent, The Bank of New York Mellon, in its capacity as Junior Lien Collateral Agent and in its capacity as trustee for the Second Lien Notes issued on November 17, 2006, and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., in its capacity as trustee for the Second Lien Notes issued on February 19, 2009 (filed as Exhibit 4.9 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed August 1, 2011 (File No. 001-11239), and incorporated herein by reference).
4.9(d)
-
Additional Receivables Intercreditor Agreement, dated as of August 1, 2011 by and between Bank of America, N.A., as ABL Collateral Agent, and Bank of America, N.A., as New First Lien Collateral Agent (filed as Exhibit 4.10 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed August 1, 2011 (File No. 001-11239), and incorporated herein by reference).
4.9(e)
-
Additional General Intercreditor Agreement, dated as of February 16, 2012, by and among Bank of America, N.A., in its capacity as First Lien Collateral Agent, The Bank of New York Mellon, in its capacity as Junior Lien Collateral Agent and in its capacity as trustee for the Second Lien Notes issued on November 17, 2006, and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., in its capacity as trustee for the Second Lien Notes issued on February 19, 2009 (filed as Exhibit 4.9 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed February 16, 2012 (File No. 001-11239), and incorporated herein by reference).
4.9(f)
-
Additional Receivables Intercreditor Agreement, dated as of February 16, 2012, by and between Bank of America, N.A., as ABL Collateral Agent, and Bank of America, N.A., as New First Lien Collateral Agent (filed as Exhibit 4.10 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed February 16, 2012 (File No. 001-11239), and incorporated herein by reference).
4.9(g)
-
Additional General Intercreditor Agreement, dated as of October 23, 2012, by and among Bank of America, N.A., in its capacity as First Lien Collateral Agent, The Bank of New York Mellon, in its capacity as Junior Lien Collateral Agent and in its capacity as trustee for the Second Lien Notes issued on November 17, 2006, and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., in its capacity as trustee for the Second Lien Notes issued on February 19, 2009 (filed as Exhibit 4.10 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed October 23, 2012 (File No. 001-11239), and incorporated herein by reference).
4.9(h)
-
Additional Receivables Intercreditor Agreement, dated as of October 23, 2012, by and between Bank of America, N.A., as ABL Collateral Agent, and Bank of America, N.A., as New First Lien Collateral Agent (filed as Exhibit 4.11 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed October 23, 2012 (File No. 001-11239), and incorporated herein by reference).
4.10
-
Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of November 22, 2010, among HCA Holdings, Inc., Hercules Holding II, LLC and certain other parties thereto (filed as Exhibit 4.4 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed November 24, 2010 (File No. 000-18406), and incorporated herein by reference).
4.11
-
Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of March 16, 1989, by and among HCA-Hospital Corporation of America and the persons listed on the signature pages thereto (filed as Exhibit 4.14 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-145054), and incorporated herein by reference).
4.12
-
Assignment and Assumption Agreement, dated as of February 10, 1994, between HCA-Hospital Corporation of America and the Company relating to the Registration Rights Agreement, as amended (filed as Exhibit 4.15 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-145054), and incorporated herein by reference).
4.13(a)
-
Indenture, dated as of December 16, 1993 between the Company and The First National Bank of Chicago, as Trustee (filed as Exhibit 4.16(a) to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-145054), and incorporated herein by reference).
4.13(b)
-
First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of May 25, 2000 between the Company and Bank One Trust Company, N.A., as Trustee (filed as Exhibit 4.16(b) to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-145054), and incorporated herein by reference).
4.13(c)
-
Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of July 1, 2001 between the Company and Bank One Trust Company, N.A., as Trustee (filed as Exhibit 4.16(c) to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-145054), and incorporated herein by reference).
4.13(d)
-
Third Supplemental Indenture, dated as of December 5, 2001 between the Company and The Bank of New York, as Trustee (filed as Exhibit 4.16(d) to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-145054), and incorporated herein by reference).
4.13(e)
-
Fourth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of November 14, 2006, between the Company and The Bank of New York, as Trustee (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed November 16, 2006 (File No. 001-11239), and incorporated herein by reference).
4.14
-
Form of 7.5% Debentures due 2023 (filed as Exhibit 4.17 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-145054), and incorporated herein by reference).
4.15
-
Form of 8.36% Debenture due 2024 (filed as Exhibit 4.18 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-145054), and incorporated herein by reference).
4.16
-
Form of Fixed Rate Global Medium-Term Note (filed as Exhibit 4.19 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-145054), and incorporated herein by reference).
4.17
-
Form of Floating Rate Global Medium-Term Note (filed as Exhibit 4.20 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-145054), and incorporated herein by reference).
4.18
-
Form of 7.69% Note due 2025 (filed as Exhibit 4.10 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004 (File No. 001-11239), and incorporated herein by reference).
4.19
-
Form of 7.50% Debenture due 2095 (filed as Exhibit 4.23 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-145054), and incorporated herein by reference).
4.20
-
Form of 7.05% Debenture due 2027 (filed as Exhibit 4.24 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-145054), and incorporated herein by reference).
4.21
-
7.50% Note due 2033 in the principal amount of $250,000,000 (filed as Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed November 6, 2003 (File No. 001-11239), and incorporated herein by reference).
4.22
-
Indenture, dated as of November 23, 2010, among HCA Holdings, Inc., Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as paying agent, registrar and transfer agent, and Law Debenture Trust Company of New York, as trustee (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed November 24, 2010 (File No. 000-18406), and incorporated herein by reference).
4.23
-
Form of Indenture of HCA Inc. (filed as Exhibit 4.2 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-175791), and incorporated herein by reference).
4.24
-
Supplemental Indenture No. 1, dated as of August 1, 2011, among HCA Inc., HCA Holdings, Inc., Law Debenture Trust Company of New York, as trustee, and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as paying agent, registrar and transfer agent (filed as Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed August 1, 2011 (File No. 001-11239), and incorporated herein by reference).
4.25
-
Supplemental Indenture No. 2, dated as of August 1, 2011, among HCA Inc., HCA Holdings, Inc., the subsidiary guarantors named therein, Law Debenture Trust Company of New York, as trustee, and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as paying agent, registrar and transfer agent (filed as Exhibit 4.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed August 1, 2011 (File No. 001-11239), and incorporated herein by reference).
4.26
-
Form of 7.50% Senior Notes due 2022 (included in Exhibit 4.24).
4.27
-
Form of 6.50% Senior Secured Notes due 2020 (included in Exhibit 4.25).
4.28
-
Supplemental Indenture No. 3, dated as of October 3, 2011, among HCA Inc., HCA Holdings, Inc., Law Debenture Trust Company of New York, as trustee, and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as paying agent, registrar and transfer agent (filed as Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed October 3, 2011 (File No. 001-11239), and incorporated herein by reference).
4.29
-
Form of 8.00% Senior Notes due 2018 (included in Exhibit 4.28).
4.30
-
Supplemental Indenture No. 4, dated as of February 16, 2012, among HCA Inc., HCA Holdings, Inc., the subsidiary guarantors named therein, Law Debenture Trust Company of New York, as trustee, and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as paying agent, registrar and transfer agent (filed as Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed February 16, 2012 (File No. 001-11239), and incorporated herein by reference).
4.31
-
Form of 5.875% Senior Secured Notes due 2022 (included in Exhibit 4.30).
4.32
-
Supplemental Indenture No. 5, dated as of October 23, 2012, among HCA Inc., HCA Holdings, Inc., Law Debenture Trust Company of New York, as trustee, and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as paying agent, registrar and transfer agent (Unsecured Notes) (filed as Exhibit 4.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed October 23, 2012 (File No. 001-11239), and incorporated herein by reference).
4.33
-
Supplemental Indenture No. 6, dated as of October 23, 2012, among HCA Inc., HCA Holdings, Inc., the subsidiary guarantors named therein, Law Debenture Trust Company of New York, as trustee, and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as paying agent, registrar and transfer agent (Secured Notes) (filed as Exhibit 4.4 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed October 23, 2012 (File No. 001-11239), and incorporated herein by reference).
4.34
-
Form of 5.875% Senior Notes due 2023 (included in Exhibit 4.32).
4.35
-
Form of 4.75% Senior Secured Notes due 2023 (included in Exhibit 4.33).
4.36
-
Indenture, dated as of December 6, 2012, among HCA Holdings, Inc., Law Debenture Trust Company of New York, as trustee, and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as registrar, paying agent and transfer agent (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed December 6, 2012 (File No. 001-11239), and incorporated herein by reference).
4.37
-
Supplemental Indenture No. 1, dated as of December 6, 2012, among HCA Holdings, Inc., Law Debenture Trust Company of New York, as trustee, and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as registrar, paying agent and transfer agent (filed as Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed December 6, 2012 (File No. 001-11239), and incorporated herein by reference).
4.38
-
Form of 6.25% Senior Notes due 2021 (included in Exhibit 4.37).
4.39
-
Supplemental Indenture No. 7, dated as of March 17, 2014, among HCA Inc., HCA Holdings, Inc., the subsidiary guarantors named therein, Law Debenture Trust Company of New York, as trustee, and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as paying agent, registrar and transfer agent (filed as Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed March 21, 2014 (File No. 001-11239), and incorporated herein by reference).
4.40
-
Supplemental Indenture No. 8, dated as of March 17, 2014, among HCA Inc., HCA Holdings, Inc., the subsidiary guarantors named therein, Law Debenture Trust Company of New York, as trustee, and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as paying agent, registrar and transfer agent (filed as Exhibit 4.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed March 21, 2014 (File No. 001-11239), and incorporated herein by reference).
4.41
-
Form of 3.75% Senior Secured Notes due 2019 (included in Exhibit 4.39).
4.42
-
Form of 5.00% Senior Secured Notes due 2024 (included in Exhibit 4.40).
4.43
-
Additional Receivables Intercreditor Agreement, dated as of March 17, 2014, by and between Bank of America, N.A., as ABL Collateral Agent, and Bank of America, N.A., as New First Lien Collateral Agent (filed as Exhibit 4.9 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed March 21, 2014 (File No. 001-11239), and incorporated herein by reference).
4.44
-
Supplemental Indenture No. 9, dated as of October 17, 2014, among HCA Inc., HCA Holdings, Inc., the subsidiary guarantors named therein, Law Debenture Trust Company of New York, as trustee, and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as paying agent, registrar and transfer agent (filed as Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed October 17, 2014 (File No. 001-11239), and incorporated herein by reference).
4.45
-
Supplemental Indenture No. 10, dated as of October 17, 2014, among HCA Inc., HCA Holdings, Inc., the subsidiary guarantors named therein, Law Debenture Trust Company of New York, as trustee, and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as paying agent, registrar and transfer agent (filed as Exhibit 4.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed October 17, 2014 (File No. 001-11239), and incorporated herein by reference).
4.46
-
Form of 4.25% Senior Secured Notes due 2019 (included in Exhibit 4.44).
4.47
-
Form of 5.25% Senior Secured Notes due 2025 (included in Exhibit 4.45).
4.48
-
Additional Receivables Intercreditor Agreement, dated as of October 17, 2014, by and between Bank of America, N.A., as ABL Collateral Agent, and Bank of America, N.A., as New First Lien Collateral Agent (filed as Exhibit 4.9 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed October 17, 2014 (File No. 001-11239), and incorporated herein by reference).
4.49
-
Supplemental Indenture No. 11, dated as of January 16, 2015, among HCA Inc., HCA Holdings, Inc., Law Debenture Trust Company of New York, as trustee, and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as paying agent, registrar and transfer agent (filed as Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed January 16, 2015 (File No. 001-11239), and incorporated herein by reference).
4.50
-
Form of 5.375% Senior Notes due 2025 (included in Exhibit 4.49).
4.51
-
Supplemental Indenture No. 12, dated as of May 20, 2015, among HCA Inc., HCA Holdings, Inc., Law Debenture Trust Company of New York, as trustee, and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as paying agent, registrar and transfer agent (filed as Exhibit 4.4 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed May 20, 2015 (File No. 001-11239), and incorporated herein by reference).
4.52
-
Supplemental Indenture No. 13, dated as of November 13, 2015, among HCA Inc., HCA Holdings, Inc., Law Debenture Trust Company of New York, as trustee, and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as paying agent, registrar and transfer agent (filed as Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed November 13, 2015 (File No. 001-11239), and incorporated herein by reference).
4.53
-
Form of 5.875% Senior Notes due 2026 (included in Exhibit 4.52).
4.54
-
Supplemental Indenture No. 14, dated as of December 8, 2015, among HCA Inc., HCA Holdings, Inc., Law Debenture Trust Company of New York, as trustee, and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as paying agent, registrar and transfer agent (filed as Exhibit 4.4 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed December 8, 2015 (File No. 001-11239), and incorporated herein by reference).
4.55
-
Supplemental Indenture No. 15, dated as of March 15, 2016, among HCA Inc., HCA Holdings, Inc., the subsidiary guarantors named therein, Law Debenture Trust Company of New York, as trustee, and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as paying agent, registrar and transfer agent (filed as Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed March 15, 2016 (File No. 001-11239), and incorporated herein by reference).
4.56
-
Form of 5.250% Senior Secured Notes due 2026 (included in Exhibit 4.55).
4.57
-
Additional Receivables Intercreditor Agreement, dated as of March 15, 2016, by and between Bank of America, N.A., as ABL Collateral Agent, and Bank of America, N.A., as First Lien Collateral Agent (filed as Exhibit 4.7 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed March 15, 2016 (File No. 001-11239), and incorporated herein by reference).
4.58
-
Supplemental Indenture No. 16, dated as of August 15, 2016, among HCA Inc., HCA Holdings, Inc., the subsidiary guarantors named therein, Law Debenture Trust Company of New York, as trustee, and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as paying agent, registrar and transfer agent (filed as Exhibit 4.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed August 15, 2016 (File No. 001-11239), and incorporated herein by reference).
4.59
-
Form of 4.500% Senior Secured Notes due 2027 (included in Exhibit 4.58).
4.60
-
Additional Receivables Intercreditor Agreement, dated as of August 15, 2016, by and between Bank of America, N.A., as ABL Collateral Agent, and Bank of America, N.A., as First Lien Collateral Agent (filed as Exhibit 4.8 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed August 15, 2016 (File No. 001-11239), and incorporated herein by reference).
4.61
-
Supplemental Indenture No. 17, dated as of December 9, 2016, among HCA Inc., HCA Holdings, Inc., the subsidiary guarantors named therein, Delaware Trust Company, as trustee, and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as paying agent, registrar and transfer agent (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed December 9, 2016 (File No. 001-11239), and incorporated herein by reference).
10.1
-
Form of Indemnity Agreement with certain officers and directors (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-145054) and incorporated herein by reference).
10.2(a)
-
2006 Stock Incentive Plan for Key Employees of HCA Holdings, Inc. and its Affiliates as Amended and Restated (filed as Exhibit 10.11(b) to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-171369), and incorporated herein by reference).*
10.2(b)
-
First Amendment to 2006 Stock Incentive Plan for Key Employees of HCA Holdings, Inc. and its Affiliates, as amended and restated (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2011 (File No. 001-11239), and incorporated herein by reference).*
10.2(c)
-
Second Amendment to the 2006 Stock Incentive Plan for Key Employees of HCA Holdings, Inc. and its Affiliates, as amended and restated (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2013 (File No. 001-11239), and incorporated herein by reference).*
10.3(a)
-
Management Stockholder’s Agreement dated November 17, 2006 (filed as Exhibit 10.12 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006 (File No. 001-11239), and incorporated herein by reference).
10.3(b)
-
Form of Omnibus Amendment to HCA Holdings, Inc.’s Management Stockholder’s Agreements (filed as Exhibit 10.39 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-171369), and incorporated herein by reference).
10.4
-
Form of Stock Option Agreement (2007) (filed as Exhibit 10.15 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006 (File No. 001-11239), and incorporated herein by reference).*
10.5
-
Form of Stock Option Agreement (2008) (filed as Exhibit 10.16 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007 (File No. 001-11239), and incorporated herein by reference).*
10.6
-
Form of Stock Option Agreement (2009) (filed as Exhibit 10.17 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008 (File No. 001-11239), and incorporated herein by reference).*
10.7
-
Form of Stock Option Agreement (2010) (filed as Exhibit 10.20 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009 (File No. 001-11239), and incorporated herein by reference).*
10.8
-
Form of 2x Time Stock Option Agreement (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2009 (File No. 001-11239), and incorporated herein by reference).*
10.9
-
Form of Stock Option Agreement (2011) (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2011 (File No. 001-11239), and incorporated herein by reference).*
10.10(a)
-
Form of Stock Appreciation Right Award Agreement Under the 2006 Stock Incentive Plan for Key Employees of HCA Holdings, Inc. and its Affiliates, as Amended and Restated (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed February 14, 2012 (File No. 001-11239), and incorporated herein by reference).*
10.10(b)
-
Form of 2014 Stock Appreciation Right Award Agreement Under the 2006 Stock Incentive Plan for Key Employees of HCA Holdings, Inc. and its Affiliates, as Amended and Restated (filed as Exhibit 10.17(b) to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013 (File No. 001-11239), and incorporated herein by reference).*
10.11
-
Form of Director Restricted Share Unit Agreement (Initial Award) Under the 2006 Stock Incentive Plan for Key Employees of HCA Holdings, Inc. and its Affiliates, as Amended and Restated (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed February 14, 2012 (File No. 001-11239), and incorporated herein by reference).*
10.12
-
Form of Director Restricted Share Unit Agreement (Annual Award) Under the 2006 Stock Incentive Plan for Key Employees of HCA Holdings, Inc. and its Affiliates, as Amended and Restated (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed February 14, 2012 (File No. 001-11239), and incorporated herein by reference).*
10.13
-
Retirement Agreement between the Company and Thomas F. Frist, Jr., M.D. dated as of January 1, 2002 (filed as Exhibit 10.30 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2001 (File No. 001-11239), and incorporated herein by reference).*
10.14
-
Amended and Restated HCA Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, effective December 22, 2010, except as provided therein (filed as Exhibit 10.26 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010 (File No. 001-11239), and incorporated herein by reference).*
10.15
-
Amended and Restated HCA Restoration Plan, effective December 22, 2010 (filed as Exhibit 10.27 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010 (File No. 001-11239), and incorporated herein by reference).*
10.16(a)
-
Employment Agreement dated November 16, 2006 (R. Milton Johnson) (filed as Exhibit 10.27(c) to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006 (File No. 001-11239), and incorporated herein by reference).*
10.16(b)
-
Employment Agreement dated November 16, 2006 (Samuel N. Hazen) (filed as Exhibit 10.27(d) to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006 (File No. 001-11239), and incorporated herein by reference).*
10.16(c)
-
Employment Agreement dated November 16, 2006 (Charles J. Hall) (filed as Exhibit 10.28(d) to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012 (File No. 001-11239), and incorporated herein by reference).*
10.16(d)
-
Amendment to Employment Agreement effective February 9, 2011 (R. Milton Johnson) (filed as Exhibit 10.29(i) to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010 (File No. 001-11239), and incorporated herein by reference).*
10.16(e)
-
Amendment to Employment Agreement effective February 9, 2011 (Samuel N. Hazen) (filed as Exhibit 10.29(j) to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010 (File No. 001-11239), and incorporated herein by reference).*
10.16(f)
-
Second Amendment to Employment Agreement effective January 1, 2014 (R. Milton Johnson) (filed as Exhibit 10.28(g) to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013 (File No. 001-11239), and incorporated herein by reference).*
10.16(g)
-
Third Amendment to Employment Agreement effective December 31, 2014 (R. Milton Johnson) (filed as Exhibit 10.23(h) to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014 (File No. 001-11239), and incorporated herein by reference).*
10.16(h)
-
Second Amendment to Employment Agreement effective January 29, 2015 (Samuel N. Hazen) (filed as Exhibit 10.23(i) to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014 (File No. 001-11239), and incorporated herein by reference).*
10.16(i)
-
Fourth Amendment to Employment Agreement effective January 27, 2016 (R. Milton Johnson) (filed as Exhibit 10.23(i) to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015 (File No. 001-11239), and incorporated herein by reference).*
10.16(j)
-
Third Amendment to Employment Agreement effective January 27, 2016 (Samuel N. Hazen) (filed as Exhibit 10.23(j) to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015 (File No. 001-11239), and incorporated herein by reference).*
10.16(k)
-
Amendment to Employment Agreement effective January 27, 2016 (Charles J. Hall) (filed as
Exhibit 10.23(k) to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015 (File No. 001-11239), and incorporated herein by reference).*
10.16(l)
-
Amendment to Employment Agreement effective November 14, 2016 (Samuel N. Hazen).*
10.17(a)
-
Form of Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of Hercules Holding II, LLC dated as of November 17, 2006, among Hercules Holding II, LLC and certain other parties thereto (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form 8-A, filed April 29, 2008 (File No. 000-18406) and incorporated herein by reference).
10.17(b)
-
Form of Amendment to the Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of Hercules Holding II, LLC (filed as Exhibit 10.32(a) to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-171369), and incorporated herein by reference).
10.18
-
Indemnification Priority and Information Sharing Agreement, dated as of November 1, 2009, between HCA Inc. and certain other parties thereto (filed as Exhibit 10.35 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009 (File No. 001-11239), and incorporated herein by reference).
10.19
-
Assignment and Assumption Agreement, dated November 22, 2010, by and among HCA Inc., HCA Holdings, Inc. and HCA Merger Sub LLC (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed November 24, 2010 (File No. 000-18406), and incorporated herein by reference).
10.20
-
Omnibus Amendment to Various Stock and Option Plans and the Management Stockholders’ Agreement, dated November 22, 2010 (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed November 24, 2010 (File No. 000-18406), and incorporated herein by reference).*
10.21
-
Omnibus Amendment to Stock Option Agreements Issued Under the 2006 Stock Incentive Plan for Key Employees of HCA Holdings, Inc. and its Affiliates, as amended, effective February 16, 2011 (filed as Exhibit 10.38 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010 (File No. 001-11239), and incorporated herein by reference).*
10.22
-
Stockholders’ Agreement, dated as of March 9, 2011, by and among the Company, Hercules Holding II, LLC and the other signatories thereto (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed March 16, 2011 (File No. 001-11239), and incorporated herein by reference).
10.23
-
Amendment, dated as of September 21, 2011, to the Stockholders’ Agreement, dated as of March 9, 2011 (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed September 21, 2011 (File No. 001-11239), and incorporated herein by reference).
10.24
-
Form of Director Restricted Share Unit Agreement Under the 2006 Stock Incentive Plan for Key Employees of HCA Holdings, Inc. and its Affiliates, as Amended and Restated (filed as Exhibit 10.5 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2011 (File No. 001-11239), and incorporated herein by reference).*
10.25
-
HCA Holdings, Inc. 2013 Senior Officer Performance Excellence Program (filed as Exhibit 10.44 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013 (File No. 001-11239), and incorporated herein by reference).*
10.26
-
Form of 2013 PEP Restricted Share Unit Agreement (Officers) (filed as Exhibit 10.45 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013 (File No. 001-11239), and incorporated herein by reference).*
10.27
-
Executive Severance Policy (filed as Exhibit 10.46 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013 (File No. 001-11239), and incorporated herein by reference).*
10.28
-
Form of Director Restricted Share Unit Agreement (Initial Award) under the 2006 Stock Incentive Plan for Key Employees of HCA Holdings, Inc. and its Affiliates, as Amended and Restated (filed as Exhibit 10.48 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013 (File No. 001-11239), and incorporated herein by reference).*
10.29
-
Form of Director Restricted Share Unit Agreement (Annual Award) under the 2006 Stock Incentive Plan for Key Employees of HCA Holdings, Inc. and its Affiliates, as Amended and Restated (filed as Exhibit 10.49 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013 (File No. 001-11239), and incorporated herein by reference).*
10.30
-
HCA Holdings, Inc. 2014 Senior Officer Performance Excellence Program (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed April 3, 2014 (File No. 001-11239), and incorporated herein by reference).*
10.31
-
Form of 2014 PEP Restricted Share Unit Agreement (Officers) (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed April 3, 2014 (File No. 001-11239), and incorporated herein by reference).*
10.32
-
HCA Holdings, Inc. Employee Stock Purchase Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed April 25, 2014 (File No. 001-11239), and incorporated herein by reference).*
10.33
-
Form of 2015 Stock Appreciation Right Award Agreement Under the 2006 Stock Incentive Plan for Key Employees of HCA Holdings, Inc. and its Affiliates, as Amended and Restated (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed February 4, 2015 (File No. 001-11239), and incorporated herein by reference).*
10.34
-
Form of 2015 Performance Share Unit Award Agreement Under the 2006 Stock Incentive Plan for Key Employees of HCA Holdings, Inc. and its Affiliates, as Amended and Restated (filed as Exhibit 10.47 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014 (File No. 001-11239), and incorporated herein by reference).*
10.35
-
HCA Holdings, Inc. 2015 Senior Officer Performance Excellence Program (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed April 2, 2015 (File No. 001-11239), and incorporated herein by reference).*
10.36
-
Form of 2015 PEP Restricted Share Unit Agreement (Officers) (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed April 2, 2015 (File No. 001-11239), and incorporated herein by reference).*
10.37
-
Form of Director Restricted Share Unit Agreement (Annual Award) Under the 2006 Stock Incentive Plan for Key Employees of HCA Holdings, Inc. and its Affiliates, as Amended and Restated (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2015 (File No. 001-11239), and incorporated herein by reference).*
10.38
-
Form of 2016 Stock Appreciation Right Award Agreement Under the 2006 Stock Incentive Plan for Key Employees of HCA Holdings, Inc. and its Affiliates, as Amended and Restated (filed as Exhibit 10.50 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015 (File No. 001-11239), and incorporated herein by reference).*
10.39
-
Form of 2016 Performance Share Unit Award Agreement Under the 2006 Stock Incentive Plan for Key Employees of HCA Holdings, Inc. and its Affiliates, as Amended and Restated (filed as Exhibit 10.51 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015 (File No. 001-11239), and incorporated herein by reference).*
10.40
-
HCA Holdings, Inc. 2016 Senior Officer Performance Excellence Program (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed April 1, 2016 (File No. 001-11239), and incorporated herein by reference).*
10.41
-
Form of Director Restricted Share Unit Agreement (Annual Award) Under the 2006 Stock Incentive Plan for Key Employees of HCA Holdings, Inc. and its Affiliates, as Amended and Restated (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2016 (File No. 001-11239), and incorporated herein by reference).*
10.42
-
Form of 2017 Stock Appreciation Right Award Agreement Under the 2006 Stock Incentive Plan for Key Employees of HCA Holdings, Inc. and its Affiliates, as Amended and Restated.*
10.43
-
Form of 2017 Performance Share Unit Award Agreement Under the 2006 Stock Incentive Plan for Key Employees of HCA Holdings, Inc. and its Affiliates, as Amended and Restated.*
-
List of Subsidiaries.
-
Consent of Ernst & Young LLP.
31.1
-
Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2
-
Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
-
Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
-
The following financial information from our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016, filed with the SEC on February 22, 2017, formatted in Extensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL): (i) the consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2016 and 2015, (ii) the consolidated income statements for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, (iii) the consolidated comprehensive income statements for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, (iv) the consolidated statements of stockholders’ deficit for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, (v) the consolidated statements of cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, and (vi) the notes to consolidated financial statements.
* Management compensatory plan or arrangement.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
HCA HOLDINGS, INC.
By:
/s/ R. MILTON JOHNSON
R. Milton Johnson
Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer
Dated: February 22, 2017
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Signature
Title
Date
/s/ R. MILTON JOHNSON
R. Milton Johnson
Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and
Director (Principal Executive Officer)
February 22, 2017
/s/ WILLIAM B. RUTHERFORD
William B. Rutherford
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer and
Principal Accounting Officer)
February 22, 2017
/s/ ROBERT J. DENNIS
Robert J. Dennis
Director
February 22, 2017
/s/ NANCY-ANN DEPARLE
Nancy-Ann DeParle
Director
February 22, 2017
/s/ THOMAS F. FRIST III
Thomas F. Frist III
Director
February 22, 2017
/s/ WILLIAM R. FRIST
William R. Frist
Director
February 22, 2017
/s/ CHARLES O. HOLLIDAY, JR.
Charles O. Holliday, Jr.
Director
February 22, 2017
/s/ ANN H. LAMONT
Ann H. Lamont
Director
February 22, 2017
/s/ JAY O. LIGHT
Jay O. Light
Director
February 22, 2017
/s/ GEOFFREY G. MEYERS
Geoffrey G. Meyers
Director
February 22, 2017
/s/ WAYNE J. RILEY
Wayne J. Riley
Director
February 22, 2017
/s/ JOHN W. ROWE
John W. Rowe
Director
February 22, 2017
HCA HOLDINGS, INC.
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Page
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Consolidated Financial Statements:
Consolidated Income Statements for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and
Consolidated Comprehensive Income Statements for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and
Consolidated Balance Sheets, December 31, 2016 and 2015
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Deficit for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Quarterly Consolidated Financial Information (Unaudited)
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
The Board of Directors and Stockholders
HCA Holdings, Inc.
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of HCA Holdings, Inc. as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, stockholders’ deficit, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2016. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of HCA Holdings, Inc. at December 31, 2016 and 2015, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2016, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed its accounting for share-based payment accounting under Accounting Standards Update 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting, and applied the change on a prospective basis.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), HCA Holdings, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2016, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework), and our report dated February 22, 2017 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Nashville, Tennessee
February 22, 2017
HCA HOLDINGS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016, 2015 AND 2014
(Dollars in millions, except per share amounts)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
HCA HOLDINGS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED COMPREHENSIVE INCOME STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016, 2015 AND 2014
(Dollars in millions)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
HCA HOLDINGS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND 2015
(Dollars in millions)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
HCA HOLDINGS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016, 2015 AND 2014
(Dollars in millions)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
HCA HOLDINGS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016, 2015 AND 2014
(Dollars in millions)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
HCA HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 1 - ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Reporting Entity
HCA Holdings, Inc. is a holding company whose affiliates own and operate hospitals and related health care entities. The term “affiliates” includes direct and indirect subsidiaries of HCA Holdings, Inc. and partnerships and joint ventures in which such subsidiaries are partners. At December 31, 2016, these affiliates owned and operated 170 hospitals, 118 freestanding surgery centers and provided extensive outpatient and ancillary services. HCA Holdings, Inc.’s facilities are located in 20 states and England. The terms “Company,” “HCA,” “we,” “our” or “us,” as used herein and unless otherwise stated or indicated by context, refer to HCA Holdings, Inc. and its affiliates. The terms “facilities” or “hospitals” refer to entities owned and operated by affiliates of HCA and the term “employees” refers to employees of affiliates of HCA.
Basis of Presentation
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
The consolidated financial statements include all subsidiaries and entities controlled by HCA. We generally define “control” as ownership of a majority of the voting interest of an entity. The consolidated financial statements include entities in which we absorb a majority of the entity’s expected losses, receive a majority of the entity’s expected residual returns, or both, as a result of ownership, contractual or other financial interests in the entity. The accounts of acquired entities are included in our consolidated financial statements for periods subsequent to our acquisition of controlling interests. Significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated. Investments in entities we do not control, but in which we have a substantial ownership interest and can exercise significant influence, are accounted for using the equity method.
The majority of our expenses are “cost of revenue” items. Costs that could be classified as general and administrative include our corporate office costs, which were $373 million, $327 million and $285 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
HCA HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
NOTE 1 - ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
Revenues
Revenues consist primarily of net patient service revenues that are recorded based upon established billing rates less allowances for contractual adjustments. Revenues are recorded during the period the health care services are provided, based upon the estimated amounts due from the patients and third-party payers. Third-party payers include federal and state agencies (under the Medicare and Medicaid programs), managed care health plans and commercial insurance companies (includes plans offered through the health insurance exchanges), and employers. Estimates of contractual allowances under managed care health plans are based upon the payment terms specified in the related contractual agreements. Contractual payment terms in managed care agreements are generally based upon predetermined rates per diagnosis, per diem rates or discounted fee-for-service rates. Revenues related to uninsured patients and uninsured copayment and deductible amounts for patients who have health care coverage may have discounts applied (uninsured discounts and contractual discounts). We also record a provision for doubtful accounts (based primarily on historical collection experience) related to uninsured accounts to record net self pay revenues at the estimated amounts we expect to collect. Our revenues from third party payers, the uninsured and other for the years ended December 31, are summarized in the following table (dollars in millions):
Laws and regulations governing the Medicare and Medicaid programs are complex and subject to interpretation. As a result, there is at least a reasonable possibility recorded estimates will change by a material amount. Estimated reimbursement amounts are adjusted in subsequent periods as cost reports are prepared and filed and as final settlements are determined (in relation to certain government programs, primarily Medicare, this is generally referred to as the “cost report” filing and settlement process). The adjustments to estimated Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement amounts and disproportionate-share funds related primarily to cost reports filed during the respective year resulted in net increases to revenues of $31 million, $48 million and $50 million in 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The adjustments to estimated reimbursement amounts related primarily to cost reports filed during previous years resulted in net increases to revenues of $90 million, $85 million and $53 million in 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
The Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (“EMTALA”) requires any hospital participating in the Medicare program to conduct an appropriate medical screening examination of every person who presents to the hospital’s emergency room for treatment and, if the individual is suffering from an emergency medical condition,
HCA HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
NOTE 1 - ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
Revenues (continued)
to either stabilize the condition or make an appropriate transfer of the individual to a facility able to handle the condition. The obligation to screen and stabilize emergency medical conditions exists regardless of an individual’s ability to pay for treatment. Federal and state laws and regulations require, and our commitment to providing quality patient care encourages, us to provide services to patients who are financially unable to pay for the health care services they receive. Patients treated at hospitals for nonelective care, who have income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level, are eligible for charity care. The federal poverty level is established by the federal government and is based on income and family size. Because we do not pursue collection of amounts determined to qualify as charity care, they are not reported in revenues. We provide discounts to uninsured patients who do not qualify for Medicaid or charity care. In implementing the uninsured discount policy, we may first attempt to provide assistance to uninsured patients to help determine whether they may qualify for Medicaid, other federal or state assistance or charity care. If an uninsured patient does not qualify for these programs, the uninsured discount is applied.
To quantify the total impact of and trends related to uninsured accounts, we believe it is beneficial to view charity care, uninsured discounts and the provision for doubtful accounts in combination, rather than each separately. A summary of these amounts for the years ended December 31, follows (dollars in millions):
A summary of the estimated cost of total uncompensated care for the years ended December 31, follows (dollars in millions):
The sum of charity care, uninsured discounts and the provision for doubtful accounts, as a percentage of the sum of revenues, charity care, uninsured discounts and the provision for doubtful accounts was 33.0% for 2016, 31.5% for 2015 and 30.2% for 2014.
Recent Pronouncements
In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) and the International Accounting Standards Board issued a final, converged, principles-based standard on revenue recognition. Companies across
HCA HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
NOTE 1 - ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
Recent Pronouncements (continued)
all industries will use a five-step model to recognize revenue from customer contracts. The new standard, which replaces nearly all existing revenue recognition guidance, will require significant management judgments and change the way many companies recognize revenue in their financial statements. In July 2015, the FASB decided to defer the effective date of the new revenue standard by one year to annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017 for public entities and permit entities to adopt one year earlier if they choose. The FASB decided, based on its outreach to various stakeholders and continuing amendments to the new revenue standard, that a deferral was necessary to provide adequate time to effectively implement the new standard. We are continuing to evaluate the effects the adoption of this standard will have on our financial statements and financial disclosures. We believe the most significant impact will be to the presentation of our income statement where the provision for doubtful accounts will be recorded as a direct reduction to revenues and will not be presented as a separate line item. We expect to adopt the new standard using the full retrospective application, and we do not believe the adoption will have a significant impact on our recognition of net revenues for any period.
In February 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2016-02, Leases (“ASU 2016-02”), which requires lessees to recognize assets and liabilities for most leases. ASU 2016-02 is effective for public business entities for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2018 (calendar year 2019). Early adoption is permitted. ASU 2016-02’s transition provisions will be applied using a modified retrospective approach at the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements. We are currently evaluating the provisions of ASU 2016-02 to determine how our financial statements will be affected, and we believe the primary effect of adopting the new standard will be to record right-of-use assets and obligations for current operating leases.
In March 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2016-05, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Effect of Derivative Contract Novations on Existing Hedge Accounting Relationships (“ASU 2016-05”), which clarified that a novation of a derivative contract in a hedge accounting relationship does not, in and of itself, represent a termination of the original derivative instrument or a change in the critical terms of the hedge relationship. We elected to adopt ASU 2016-05 prospectively effective January 1, 2016.
In March 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting (“ASU 2016-09”), which requires changes to how companies account for certain aspects of share-based payments to employees, including the accounting for income taxes, forfeitures and statutory tax withholding requirements, as well as classification in the statement of cash flows. We elected to adopt ASU 2016-09 prospectively effective January 1, 2016.
In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment (“ASU 2017-04”). The new guidance eliminates the requirement to calculate the implied fair value of goodwill (i.e., Step 2 of the current goodwill impairment test) to measure a goodwill impairment charge. Instead, entities will record an impairment charge based on the excess of a reporting unit’s carrying amount over its fair value (i.e., measure the charge based on the current Step 1). ASU 2017-04 is effective for annual and any interim impairment tests for periods beginning after December 15, 2019. We are currently evaluating the provisions of ASU 2017-04 to determine how our goodwill impairment testing will be impacted and whether we may elect to adopt ASU 2017-04 prior to the stated effective date. The adoption of ASU 2017-04 would only impact our financial statements in situations where an impairment of a reporting unit’s assets is determined.
HCA HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
NOTE 1 - ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less when purchased. Our insurance subsidiaries’ cash equivalent investments in excess of the amounts required to pay estimated professional liability claims during the next twelve months are not included in cash and cash equivalents as these funds are not available for general corporate purposes. Carrying values of cash and cash equivalents approximate fair value due to the short-term nature of these instruments.
Our cash management system provides for daily investment of available balances and the funding of outstanding checks when presented for payment. Outstanding, but unpresented, checks totaling $565 million and $517 million at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, have been included in “accounts payable” in the consolidated balance sheets. Upon presentation for payment, these checks are funded through available cash balances or our credit facility.
Accounts Receivable
We receive payments for services rendered from federal and state agencies (under the Medicare and Medicaid programs), managed care health plans, commercial insurance companies, employers and patients. We recognize that revenues and receivables from government agencies are significant to our operations, but do not believe there are significant credit risks associated with these government agencies. We do not believe there are any other significant concentrations of revenues from any particular payer that would subject us to any significant credit risks in the collection of our accounts receivable.
Additions to the allowance for doubtful accounts are made by means of the provision for doubtful accounts. Accounts written off as uncollectible are deducted from the allowance for doubtful accounts and subsequent recoveries are added. The amount of the provision for doubtful accounts is based upon management’s assessment of historical and expected net collections, business and economic conditions, trends in federal, state and private employer health care coverage and other collection indicators. The provision for doubtful accounts and the allowance for doubtful accounts relate to “uninsured” amounts due directly from patients (including copayment and deductible amounts from patients who have health care coverage). Accounts are written off when all reasonable internal and external collection efforts have been performed. We consider the return of an account from the secondary collection agency to be the culmination of our reasonable collection efforts and the timing basis for writing off the account balance. Writeoffs are based upon specific identification and the writeoff process requires a writeoff adjustment entry to the patient accounting system. Management relies on the results of detailed reviews of historical writeoffs and recoveries at facilities that represent a majority of our revenues and accounts receivable (the “hindsight analysis”) as a primary source of information to utilize in estimating the collectibility of our accounts receivable. We perform the hindsight analysis quarterly, utilizing rolling twelve-months accounts receivable collection and writeoff data. At December 31, 2016 and 2015, the allowance for doubtful accounts represented approximately 97.5% and 94.5%, respectively, of the $5.116 billion and $5.636 billion, respectively, patient due accounts receivable balance. The patient due accounts receivable balance represents the estimated uninsured portion of our accounts receivable. The estimated uninsured portion of Medicaid pending and uninsured discount pending accounts is included in our patient due accounts receivable balance. Days revenues in accounts receivable were 50 days, 53 days and 54 days at December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Changes in general economic conditions, patient accounting service center operations, payer mix, or federal or state governmental health care coverage could affect our collection of accounts receivable, cash flows and results of operations.
HCA HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
NOTE 1 - ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out) or market.
Property and Equipment
Depreciation expense, computed using the straight-line method, was $1.946 billion in 2016, $1.880 billion in 2015 and $1.798 billion in 2014. Buildings and improvements are depreciated over estimated useful lives ranging generally from 10 to 40 years. Estimated useful lives of equipment vary generally from four to 10 years.
When events, circumstances or operating results indicate the carrying values of certain long-lived assets expected to be held and used might be impaired, we prepare projections of the undiscounted future cash flows expected to result from the use of the assets and their eventual disposition. If the projections indicate the recorded amounts are not expected to be recoverable, such amounts are reduced to estimated fair value. Fair value may be estimated based upon internal evaluations that include quantitative analyses of revenues and cash flows, reviews of recent sales of similar facilities and independent appraisals.
Long-lived assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of their carrying amounts or fair value less costs to sell or close. The estimates of fair value are usually based upon recent sales of similar assets and market responses based upon discussions with and offers received from potential buyers.
Investments of Insurance Subsidiaries
At December 31, 2016 and 2015, the investments of our 100% owned insurance subsidiaries were classified as “available-for-sale” as defined in Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) No. 320, Investments - Debt and Equity Securities and are recorded at fair value. The investment securities are held for the purpose of providing a funding source to pay liability claims covered by the insurance subsidiaries. We perform quarterly assessments of individual investment securities to determine whether declines in market value are temporary or other-than-temporary. Our investment securities evaluation process involves subjective judgments, often involves estimating the outcome of future events, and requires a significant level of professional judgment in determining whether an impairment has occurred. We evaluate, among other things, the financial position and near term prospects of the issuer, conditions in the issuer’s industry, liquidity of the investment, changes in the amount or timing of expected future cash flows from the investment, and recent downgrades of the issuer by a rating agency, to determine if, and when, a decline in the fair value of an investment below amortized cost is considered other-than-temporary. The length of time and extent to which the fair value of the investment is less than amortized cost and our ability and intent to retain the investment, to allow for any anticipated recovery of the investment’s fair value, are important components of our investment securities evaluation process.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Goodwill is not amortized but is subject to annual impairment tests. In addition to the annual impairment review, impairment reviews are performed whenever circumstances indicate a possible impairment may exist. Impairment testing for goodwill is done at the reporting unit level. Reporting units are one level below the business segment level, and our impairment testing is performed at the operating division level. We compare the fair value of the reporting unit assets to the carrying amount, on at least an annual basis, to determine if there is potential impairment. If the fair value of the reporting unit assets is less than their carrying value, we compare the fair value of the goodwill to its carrying value. If the fair value of the goodwill is less than its carrying value, an
HCA HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
NOTE 1 - ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
Goodwill and Intangible Assets (continued)
impairment loss is recognized. Fair value is estimated based upon internal evaluations of each reporting unit that include quantitative analyses of market multiples, revenues and cash flows and reviews of recent sales of similar facilities. No goodwill impairments were recognized during 2016, 2015 and 2014. Since January 1, 2000, we have recognized total goodwill impairments of $102 million in the aggregate. None of the goodwill impairments related to evaluations of goodwill at the reporting unit level, as all recognized goodwill impairments during this period related to goodwill allocated to asset disposal groups.
During 2016, goodwill increased by $41 million related to acquisitions and declined by $49 million related to sales, foreign currency translation and other adjustments. During 2015, goodwill increased by $323 million related to acquisitions and declined by $2 million related to foreign currency translation and other adjustments.
During 2016, identifiable intangible assets declined by $19 million due to amortization, foreign currency translation and other adjustments. During 2015, identifiable intangible assets increased by $22 million related to acquisitions and declined by $22 million due to amortization, foreign currency translation and other adjustments. Identifiable intangible assets are amortized over estimated lives ranging generally from three to 10 years. The gross carrying amount of identifiable intangible assets at both December 31, 2016 and 2015 was $184 million and accumulated amortization was $79 million and $60 million, respectively. The gross carrying amount of indefinite-lived identifiable intangible assets at both December 31, 2016 and 2015 was $269 million. Indefinite-lived identifiable intangible assets are not amortized but are subject to annual impairment tests, and impairment reviews are performed whenever circumstances indicate a possible impairment may exist.
Debt Issuance Costs
Debt issuance costs are amortized based upon the terms of the respective debt obligations. The gross carrying amount of debt issuance costs at December 31, 2016 and 2015 was $334 million and $318 million, respectively, and accumulated amortization was $164 million and $151 million, respectively. Amortization of debt issuance costs is included in interest expense and was $34 million, $35 million and $42 million for 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
Professional Liability Claims
Reserves for professional liability risks were $1.539 billion and $1.465 billion at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The current portion of the reserves, $391 million and $350 million at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, is included in “other accrued expenses” in the consolidated balance sheets. Provisions for losses related to professional liability risks were $430 million, $344 million and $395 million for 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and are included in “other operating expenses” in our consolidated income statements. Provisions for losses related to professional liability risks are based upon actuarially determined estimates. Loss and loss expense reserves represent the estimated ultimate net cost of all reported and unreported losses incurred through the respective consolidated balance sheet dates. The reserves for unpaid losses and loss expenses are estimated using individual case-basis valuations and actuarial analyses. Those estimates are subject to the effects of trends in loss severity and frequency. The estimates are continually reviewed and adjustments are recorded as experience develops or new information becomes known. Adjustments to the estimated reserve amounts are included in current operating results. The reserves for professional liability risks cover approximately 2,700 individual claims at both December 31, 2016 and 2015 and estimates for unreported potential claims. The time period required to resolve these claims can vary depending upon the jurisdiction and whether the claim is settled
HCA HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
NOTE 1 - ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
Professional Liability Claims (continued)
or litigated. During 2016 and 2015, $357 million and $305 million, respectively, of net payments were made for professional and general liability claims. The estimation of the timing of payments beyond a year can vary significantly. Although considerable variability is inherent in professional liability reserve estimates, we believe the reserves for losses and loss expenses are adequate; however, there can be no assurance the ultimate liability will not exceed our estimates.
A portion of our professional liability risks is insured through a 100% owned insurance subsidiary. Subject to a $15 million per occurrence self-insured retention, our facilities are insured by our 100% owned insurance subsidiary for losses up to $50 million per occurrence. The insurance subsidiary has obtained reinsurance for professional liability risks generally above a retention level of $25 million per occurrence. We also maintain professional liability insurance with unrelated commercial carriers for losses in excess of amounts insured by our insurance subsidiary.
The obligations covered by reinsurance and excess insurance contracts are included in the reserves for professional liability risks, as we remain liable to the extent the reinsurers and excess insurance carriers do not meet their obligations under the reinsurance and excess insurance contracts. The amounts receivable under the reinsurance contracts include $36 million and $35 million at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, recorded in “other assets,” and $9 million at both December 31, 2016 and 2015 recorded in “other current assets.”
Financial Instruments
Derivative financial instruments are employed to manage interest rate risks, and are not used for trading or speculative purposes. We recognize our interest rate swap derivative instruments in the consolidated balance sheets at fair value. Changes in the fair value of derivatives are recognized periodically in stockholders’ equity, as a component of other comprehensive income (loss), provided the derivative financial instrument qualifies for hedge accounting. Gains and losses on derivatives designated as cash flow hedges, to the extent they are effective, are recorded in other comprehensive income (loss), and subsequently reclassified to earnings to offset the impact of the forecasted transactions when they occur. In the event the forecasted transaction to which a cash flow hedge relates is no longer likely, the amount in other comprehensive income (loss) is recognized in earnings and generally the derivative is terminated.
The net interest paid or received on interest rate swaps is recognized as interest expense. Gains and losses resulting from the early termination of interest rate swap agreements are deferred and amortized as adjustments to interest expense over the remaining term of the debt originally associated with the terminated swap.
Electronic Health Record Incentive Payments
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 provides for Medicare and Medicaid incentive payments for eligible hospitals and professionals that adopt and meaningfully use certified electronic health record (“EHR”) technology. We recognize income related to Medicare and Medicaid incentive payments using a gain contingency model that is based upon when our eligible hospitals have demonstrated meaningful use of certified EHR technology for the applicable period and the cost report information for the full cost report year that will determine the final calculation of the incentive payment is available.
We recognized $12 million, $47 million and $125 million of electronic health record incentive income during the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
HCA HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
NOTE 1 - ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Entities
The consolidated financial statements include all assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses of less than 100% owned entities that we control. Accordingly, we have recorded noncontrolling interests in the earnings and equity of such entities.
Reclassifications
Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the 2016 presentation.
NOTE 2 - SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION
Stock Incentive Plan
The 2006 Stock Incentive Plan for Key Employees of HCA Holdings, Inc. and its Affiliates, as Amended and Restated (the “Stock Incentive Plan”), is designed to promote the long term financial interests and growth of the Company by attracting and retaining management and other personnel and to motivate them to achieve long range goals and further the alignment of interests of participants with those of our stockholders through opportunities for increased stock, or stock-based, ownership in the Company. Portions of the options, stock appreciation rights (“SARs”) and restricted share units (“RSUs”) granted under the Stock Incentive Plan vest solely based upon continued employment over a specific period of time, and portions of the options, SARs and RSUs, and all performance share units (“PSUs”) vest based both upon continued employment over a specific period of time and upon the achievement of predetermined financial targets over time. We granted 1,601,300 and 1,746,300 SARs and 2,628,500 and 3,105,000 RSUs and PSUs under the Stock Incentive Plan during 2016 and 2015, respectively. At December 31, 2016, there were 11,957,900 stock options and SARs outstanding and exercisable, and there were 25,007,100 shares available for future grants under the Stock Incentive Plan.
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
The HCA Holdings, Inc. Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“ESPP”) was approved by the stockholders of the Company during the April 2014 Annual Meeting with 12,000,000 shares of our common stock reserved for issuance thereunder. The ESPP provides our participating employees an opportunity to obtain shares of our common stock at a discount (through payroll deductions over three-month periods). At December 31, 2016, 9,720,000 shares of common stock were reserved for issuance under the ESPP provisions. During 2016 and 2015, the Company recognized $8 million of compensation expense for each year related to the ESPP.
Stock Option, SAR, RSU and PSU Activity
The fair value of each stock option and SAR award is estimated on the grant date, using valuation models and the weighted average assumptions indicated in the following table. Awards under the Stock Incentive Plan generally vest based on continued employment (“Time Stock Options and SARs” and “Time RSUs”) and based upon continued employment and the achievement of certain financial targets (“Performance Stock Options and SARs”, “Performance RSUs” and “PSUs”). PSUs have a three-year cumulative earnings per share target, and the number of PSUs earned can vary from zero (for actual performance of less than 80% of target) to two times the original PSU grant (for actual performance of 120% or more of target). Each grant is valued as a single award with an expected term equal to the average expected term of the component vesting tranches. We use historical exercise behavior data and other factors to estimate the expected term of the options and SARs. The expected term of the share-based award is limited by the contractual term, and employee post-vesting termination behavior is incorporated in the historical exercise behavior data.
HCA HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
NOTE 2 - SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION (continued)
Stock Option, SAR, RSU and PSU Activity (continued)
Compensation cost is recognized on the straight-line attribution method. The straight-line attribution method requires that total compensation expense recognized must at least equal the vested portion of the grant-date fair value. The expected volatility is derived using historical stock price information for our common stock and that of certain peer group companies, and the volatility implied by the trading of options to purchase our stock on open-market exchanges. The risk-free interest rate is the approximate yield on United States Treasury Strips having a life equal to the expected share-based award life on the date of grant. The expected life is an estimate of the number of years a share-based award will be held before it is exercised.
Information regarding Time Stock Options and SARs and Performance Stock Options and SARs activity during 2016, 2015 and 2014 is summarized below (share amounts in thousands):
The weighted average fair values of stock options and SARs granted during 2016, 2015 and 2014 were $26.60, $26.10 and $19.13 per share, respectively. The total intrinsic value of stock options and SARs exercised in the year ended December 31, 2016 was $398 million. As of December 31, 2016, the unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested stock options and SARs was $70 million.
HCA HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
NOTE 2 - SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION (continued)
Stock Option, SAR, RSU and PSU Activity (continued)
Information regarding Time RSUs, Performance RSUs and PSUs activity during 2016, 2015 and 2014 is summarized below (share amounts in thousands):
As of December 31, 2016, the unrecognized compensation cost related to RSUs and PSUs was $277 million.
NOTE 3 - ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSITIONS
During 2016, we paid $343 million to acquire three hospital facilities and $233 million to acquire nonhospital health care entities. During 2015, we paid $15 million to acquire a hospital and $336 million to acquire nonhospital health care entities. During 2014, we paid $161 million to acquire three hospitals and $605 million to acquire nonhospital health care entities. Purchase price amounts have been allocated to the related assets acquired and liabilities assumed based upon their respective fair values. The purchase price paid in excess of the fair value of identifiable net assets of these acquired entities aggregated $41 million, $323 million and $542 million in 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts and operations of the acquired entities subsequent to the respective acquisition dates. The pro forma effects of these acquired entities on our results of operations for periods prior to the respective acquisition dates were not significant.
During 2016, we received proceeds of $26 million and recognized a net pretax gain of $23 million ($19 million after tax) related to sales of real estate and other investments. During 2015, we received proceeds of $73 million and recognized a net pretax loss of $5 million ($3 million after tax) related to the sale of a hospital facility and sales of real estate and other investments. During 2014, we received proceeds of $51 million and recognized a net pretax gain of $29 million ($18 million after tax) related to the sale of a hospital facility and sales of real estate and other investments.
HCA HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
NOTE 4 - INCOME TAXES
The provision for income taxes consists of the following (dollars in millions):
Our provision for income taxes for the year ended December 31, 2016 included tax benefits of $162 million related to the adoption of ASU 2016-09, which changes how companies account for certain aspects of share-based payments to employees. Under ASU 2016-09, we no longer record excess tax benefits (when the deductible amount related to the settlement of employee equity awards for tax purposes exceeds the cumulative compensation cost recognized for financial reporting purposes) in equity. Instead, we recognize these tax benefits (and deficiencies, if applicable) as a component of our tax provision. This reporting change is applied prospectively and prior period amounts are not restated (the excess tax benefits for the years ending December 31, 2015 and 2014, related to the settlement of employee equity awards, were $222 million and $150 million, respectively, and were recorded in equity). ASU 2016-09 requires companies to present excess tax benefits as an operating activity on the statement of cash flows rather than as a financing activity, as previously required. We have elected to apply the change to the statement of cash flows presentation prospectively.
During 2016, the IRS completed its examination of our 2011 and 2012 tax years, resolving all outstanding federal tax issues. We reduced our provision for income taxes for the year ended December 31, 2016 by $51 million, including interest (net of tax), as a result of this resolution. The provision for income taxes reflects $15 million of reductions in interest expense (net of tax) and $7 million and $6 million of interest expense (net of tax) related to taxing authority examinations for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Our foreign pretax income was $149 million, $178 million and $238 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
A reconciliation of the federal statutory rate to the effective income tax rate follows:
HCA HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
NOTE 4 - INCOME TAXES (continued)
A summary of the items comprising the deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31 follows (dollars in millions):
At December 31, 2016, federal and state net operating loss carryforwards (expiring in years 2019 through 2035) available to offset future taxable income approximated $94 million and $103 million, respectively. Utilization of net operating loss carryforwards in any one year may be limited.
The following table summarizes the activity related to our unrecognized tax benefits (dollars in millions):
Our liability for unrecognized tax benefits was $418 million, including accrued interest of $45 million and excluding $4 million that was recorded as reductions of the related deferred tax assets, as of December 31, 2016 ($554 million, $73 million and $6 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2015). Unrecognized tax benefits of $137 million ($233 million as of December 31, 2015) would affect the effective rate, if recognized.
Depending on the resolution of any federal, state and foreign tax disputes, the completion of examinations by federal, state or foreign taxing authorities, or the expiration of statutes of limitation for specific taxing jurisdictions, we believe it is reasonably possible that our liability for unrecognized tax benefits may significantly increase or decrease within the next 12 months. However, we are currently unable to estimate the range of any possible change.
NOTE 5 - EARNINGS PER SHARE
We compute basic earnings per share using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. We compute diluted earnings per share using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding plus the dilutive effect of outstanding stock options, SARs, RSUs and PSUs, computed using the treasury stock method. During 2016, 2015 and 2014, we repurchased 36.325 million shares, 31.991 million shares and 28.583 million shares, respectively, of our common stock. The following table sets forth the computations of
HCA HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
NOTE 5 - EARNINGS PER SHARE (continued)
basic and diluted earnings per share for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 (dollars and shares in millions, except per share amounts):
NOTE 6 - INVESTMENTS OF INSURANCE SUBSIDIARIES
A summary of the insurance subsidiaries’ investments at December 31 follows (dollars in millions):
HCA HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
NOTE 6 - INVESTMENTS OF INSURANCE SUBSIDIARIES (continued)
At December 31, 2016 and 2015, the investments of our insurance subsidiaries were classified as “available-for-sale.” Changes in temporary unrealized gains and losses are recorded as adjustments to other comprehensive income (loss).
Scheduled maturities of investments in debt securities at December 31, 2016 were as follows (dollars in millions):
The average expected maturity of the investments in debt securities at December 31, 2016 was 3.7 years, compared to the average scheduled maturity of 5.3 years. Expected and scheduled maturities may differ because the issuers of certain securities have the right to call, prepay or otherwise redeem such obligations prior to their scheduled maturity date.
NOTE 7 - FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Interest Rate Swap Agreements
We have entered into interest rate swap agreements to manage our exposure to fluctuations in interest rates. These swap agreements involve the exchange of fixed and variable rate interest payments between two parties based on common notional principal amounts and maturity dates. Pay-fixed interest rate swaps effectively convert LIBOR indexed variable rate obligations to fixed interest rate obligations. The interest payments under these agreements are settled on a net basis. The net interest payments, based on the notional amounts in these agreements, generally match the timing of the related liabilities, for the interest rate swap agreements which have been designated as cash flow hedges. The notional amounts of the swap agreements represent amounts used to calculate the exchange of cash flows and are not our assets or liabilities. Our credit risk related to these agreements is considered low because the swap agreements are with creditworthy financial institutions.
The following table sets forth our interest rate swap agreements, which have been designated as cash flow hedges, at December 31, 2016 (dollars in millions):
During the next 12 months, we estimate $23 million will be reclassified from other comprehensive income (“OCI”) to interest expense.
HCA HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
NOTE 7 - FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (continued)
Derivatives - Results of Operations
The following table presents the effect of our interest rate swaps on our results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2016 (dollars in millions):
NOTE 8 - ASSETS AND LIABILITIES MEASURED AT FAIR VALUE
Accounting Standards Codification 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (“ASC 820”) emphasizes fair value is a market-based measurement, and fair value measurements should be determined based on the assumptions market participants would use in pricing assets or liabilities. ASC 820 utilizes a fair value hierarchy that distinguishes between market participant assumptions based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity (observable inputs classified within Levels 1 and 2 of the hierarchy) and the reporting entity’s own assumptions about market participant assumptions (unobservable inputs classified within Level 3 of the hierarchy).
Level 1 inputs utilize quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2 inputs are inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Level 2 inputs may include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, as well as inputs observable for the asset or liability (other than quoted prices), such as interest rates, foreign exchange rates, and yield curves observable at commonly quoted intervals. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability, which are typically based on an entity’s own assumptions, as there is little, if any, related market activity. In instances where the determination of the fair value measurement is based on inputs from different levels of the fair value hierarchy, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the entire fair value measurement falls is based on the lowest level input significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. Our assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment.
Cash Traded Investments
Our cash traded investments are generally classified within Level 1 or Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy because they are valued using quoted market prices, broker or dealer quotations, or alternative pricing sources with reasonable levels of price transparency. Certain types of cash traded instruments are classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy because they trade infrequently and therefore have little or no price transparency. The valuation of these securities involves the consideration of market factors and management’s judgment.
Derivative Financial Instruments
We have entered into interest rate swap agreements to manage our exposure to fluctuations in interest rates. The valuation of these instruments is determined using widely accepted valuation techniques, including discounted cash flow analysis on the expected cash flows of each derivative. This analysis reflects the contractual terms of the derivatives, including the period to maturity, and uses observable market-based inputs, including interest rate curves and implied volatilities. We incorporate credit valuation adjustments to reflect both our own nonperformance risk and the respective counterparty’s nonperformance risk in the fair value measurements of these instruments.
HCA HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
NOTE 8 - ASSETS AND LIABILITIES MEASURED AT FAIR VALUE (continued)
Derivative Financial Instruments (continued)
Although we determined the majority of the inputs used to value our derivatives fall within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, the credit valuation adjustments associated with our derivatives utilize Level 3 inputs, such as estimates of current credit spreads, to evaluate the likelihood of default by us and our counterparties. We assessed the significance of the impact of the credit valuation adjustments on the overall valuation of our derivative positions, and at December 31, 2016 and 2015, we determined the credit valuation adjustments were not significant to the overall valuation of our derivatives.
The following tables summarize our assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, aggregated by the level in the fair value hierarchy within which those measurements fall (dollars in millions):
HCA HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
NOTE 8 - ASSETS AND LIABILITIES MEASURED AT FAIR VALUE (continued)
The estimated fair value of our long-term debt was $32.833 billion and $31.411 billion at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, compared to carrying amounts, excluding net debt issuance costs, aggregating $31.546 billion and $30.655 billion, respectively. The estimates of fair value are generally based upon the quoted market prices or quoted market prices for similar issues of long-term debt with the same maturities.
NOTE 9 - LONG-TERM DEBT
A summary of long-term debt at December 31, including related interest rates at December 31, 2016, follows (dollars in millions):
HCA HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
NOTE 9 - LONG-TERM DEBT (continued)
2016 Activity
During August 2016, we issued $1.200 billion aggregate principal amount of 4.500% senior secured notes due 2027. We used the net proceeds for general corporate purposes and to retire a portion of one of our senior secured term loans. We also entered into a joinder agreement to retire the remaining portion of this senior secured term loan using proceeds from a new $1.200 billion senior secured term loan facility maturing in February 2024. The pretax loss on retirement of debt was $4 million.
During March 2016, we issued $1.500 billion aggregate principal amount of 5.250% senior secured notes due 2026. We used the net proceeds for general corporate purposes and to retire a portion of one of our senior secured term loans. We also entered into a joinder agreement to retire the remaining portion of this senior secured term loan using proceeds from a new $1.500 billion senior secured term loan facility maturing in March 2023.
2015 Activity
During December 2015, we issued $500 million aggregate principal amount of 5.875% senior notes due 2026. We used the net proceeds for general corporate purposes.
During November 2015, we issued $1.000 billion aggregate principal amount of 5.875% senior notes due 2026. We used the net proceeds to redeem all $1.000 billion aggregate principal amount of our outstanding 6.500% senior notes due 2016. The pretax loss on retirement of debt related to this redemption was $10 million.
During June 2015, we entered into a joinder agreement to retire certain of our existing senior secured term loans using proceeds from a new $1.400 billion senior secured term loan credit facility maturing on June 10, 2020. The pretax loss on retirement of debt was $3 million.
During May 2015, we issued $1.600 billion aggregate principal amount of 5.375% senior notes due 2025. We used the net proceeds to redeem all $1.525 billion aggregate principal amount of our outstanding 3/4% senior notes due 2021. The pretax loss on retirement of debt related to this redemption was $122 million.
During January 2015, we issued $1.000 billion aggregate principal amount of 5.375% senior notes due 2025. We used a portion of the net proceeds to repay at maturity our $750 million aggregate principal amount of 6.375% senior unsecured notes due 2015.
Senior Secured Credit Facilities And Other Senior Secured Debt
We have entered into the following senior secured credit facilities: (i) a $3.250 billion asset-based revolving credit facility maturing on March 7, 2019 with a borrowing base of 85% of eligible accounts receivable, subject to customary reserves and eligibility criteria ($2.920 billion outstanding at December 31, 2016) (the “ABL credit facility”); (ii) a $2.000 billion senior secured revolving credit facility maturing on February 26, 2019 (none outstanding at December 31, 2016 without giving effect to certain outstanding letters of credit); (iii) a $1.295 billion senior secured term loan A-5 facility maturing on June 10, 2020; (iv) a $1.489 billion senior secured term loan B-6 facility maturing on March 18, 2023; and (v) a $1.197 billion senior secured term loan B-7 facility maturing on February 15, 2024. We refer to the facilities described under (ii) through (v) above, collectively, as the “cash flow credit facility” and, together with the ABL credit facility, the “senior secured credit facilities.”
HCA HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
NOTE 9 - LONG-TERM DEBT (continued)
Senior Secured Credit Facilities And Other Senior Secured Debt (continued)
Borrowings under the senior secured credit facilities bear interest at a rate equal to, at our option, either (a) a base rate determined by reference to the higher of (1) the federal funds rate plus 0.50% or (2) the prime rate of Bank of America or (b) a LIBOR rate for the currency of such borrowing for the relevant interest period, plus, in each case, an applicable margin. The applicable margin for borrowings under the senior secured credit facilities may be reduced subject to attaining certain leverage ratios.
The senior secured credit facilities contain a number of covenants that restrict, subject to certain exceptions, our (and some or all of our subsidiaries’) ability to incur additional indebtedness, repay subordinated indebtedness, create liens on assets, sell assets, make investments, loans or advances, engage in certain transactions with affiliates, pay dividends and distributions, and enter into sale and leaseback transactions. In addition, we are required to satisfy and maintain a maximum total leverage ratio covenant under the cash flow credit facility and, in certain situations under the ABL credit facility, a minimum interest coverage ratio covenant.
Senior secured notes consists of (i) $3.000 billion aggregate principal amount of 6.50% first lien notes due 2020; (ii) $1.350 billion aggregate principal amount of 5.875% first lien notes due 2022; (iii) $1.250 billion aggregate principal amount of 4.75% first lien notes due 2023; (iv) $1.500 billion aggregate principal amount of 3.75% first lien notes due 2019; (v) $2.000 billion aggregate principal amount of 5.00% first lien notes due 2024; (vi) $600 million aggregate principal amount of 4.25% first lien notes due 2019; (vii) $1.400 billion aggregate principal amount of 5.25% first lien notes due 2025; (viii) $1.500 billion aggregate principal amount of 5.25% first lien notes due 2026; and (ix) $1.200 billion aggregate principal amount of 4.50% first lien notes due 2027. Capital leases and other secured debt totaled $593 million at December 31, 2016.
We use interest rate swap agreements to manage the variable rate exposure of our debt portfolio. At December 31, 2016, we had entered into effective interest rate swap agreements, in a total notional amount of $3.000 billion, in order to hedge a portion of our exposure to variable rate interest payments associated with the senior secured credit facilities. The effect of the interest rate swaps is reflected in the effective interest rates for the senior secured credit facilities.
Senior Unsecured Notes
Senior unsecured notes consist of (i) $8.391 billion aggregate principal amount of senior notes with maturities ranging from 2018 to 2033; (ii) an aggregate principal amount of $125 million medium-term notes maturing 2025; (iii) an aggregate principal amount of $736 million debentures with maturities ranging from 2023 to 2095; and (iv) an aggregate principal amount of $1.000 billion senior notes due 2021.
General Debt Information
The senior secured credit facilities and senior secured notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by substantially all existing and future, direct and indirect, 100% owned material domestic subsidiaries that are “Unrestricted Subsidiaries” under our Indenture (the “1993 Indenture”) dated December 16, 1993 (except for certain special purpose subsidiaries that only guarantee and pledge their assets under our ABL credit facility).
All obligations under the ABL credit facility, and the guarantees of those obligations, are secured, subject to permitted liens and other exceptions, by a first-priority lien on substantially all of the receivables of the borrowers and each guarantor under such ABL credit facility (the “Receivables Collateral”).
HCA HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
NOTE 9 - LONG-TERM DEBT (continued)
General Debt Information (continued)
All obligations under the cash flow credit facility and the guarantees of such obligations are secured, subject to permitted liens and other exceptions, by:
•
a first-priority lien on the capital stock owned by HCA Inc., or by any U.S. guarantor, in each of their respective first-tier subsidiaries;
•
a first-priority lien on substantially all present and future assets of HCA Inc. and of each U.S. guarantor other than (i) “Principal Properties” (as defined in the 1993 Indenture), (ii) certain other real properties and (iii) deposit accounts, other bank or securities accounts, cash, leaseholds, motor-vehicles and certain other exceptions; and
•
a second-priority lien on certain of the Receivables Collateral.
Our senior secured notes and the related guarantees are secured by first-priority liens, subject to permitted liens, on our and our subsidiary guarantors’ assets, subject to certain exceptions, that secure our cash flow credit facility on a first-priority basis and are secured by second-priority liens, subject to permitted liens, on our and our subsidiary guarantors’ assets that secure our ABL credit facility on a first-priority basis and our other cash flow credit facility on a second-priority basis.
Maturities of long-term debt in years 2018 through 2021, excluding amounts under the ABL credit facility, are $691 million, $2.264 billion, $4.163 billion and $1.065 billion, respectively.
NOTE 10 - CONTINGENCIES AND LEGAL CLAIM COSTS
We operate in a highly regulated and litigious industry. As a result, various lawsuits, claims and legal and regulatory proceedings have been and can be expected to be instituted or asserted against us. We are also subject to claims and suits arising in the ordinary course of business, including claims for personal injuries or wrongful restriction of, or interference with, physicians’ staff privileges. In certain of these actions the claimants may seek punitive damages against us which may not be covered by insurance. We are also subject to claims by various taxing authorities for additional taxes and related interest and penalties. The resolution of any such lawsuits, claims or legal and regulatory proceedings could have a material, adverse effect on our results of operations, financial position or liquidity.
Government Investigations, Claims and Litigation
Health care companies are subject to numerous investigations by various governmental agencies. Under the federal False Claims Act (“FCA”), private parties have the right to bring qui tam, or “whistleblower,” suits against companies that submit false claims for payments to, or improperly retain overpayments from, the government. Some states have adopted similar state whistleblower and false claims provisions. Certain of our individual facilities have received, and from time to time, other facilities may receive, government inquiries from, and may be subject to investigation by, federal and state agencies. Depending on whether the underlying conduct in these or future inquiries or investigations could be considered systemic, their resolution could have a material, adverse effect on our results of operations, financial position or liquidity.
Health Midwest Litigation
In October 2009, the Health Care Foundation of Greater Kansas City, a nonprofit health foundation, filed suit against HCA Inc. in the Circuit Court of Jackson County, Missouri and alleged that HCA did not fund the level of
HCA HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
NOTE 10 - CONTINGENCIES AND LEGAL CLAIM COSTS (continued)
Health Midwest Litigation (continued)
capital expenditures and uncompensated care agreed to in connection with HCA’s purchase of hospitals from Health Midwest in 2003. The central issue in the case was whether HCA’s construction of new hospitals counted towards its $450 million five-year capital commitment. In addition, the plaintiff alleged that HCA did not make its required capital expenditures in a timely fashion. On January 24, 2013, the court ruled in favor of the plaintiff and awarded at least $162 million. The court also ordered a court-supervised accounting of HCA’s capital expenditures, as well as of expenditures on charity and uncompensated care during the ten years following the purchase. The court also indicated it would award plaintiff attorneys fees, which the parties stipulated were approximately $12 million for the trial phase. HCA recorded $175 million of legal claim costs in the fourth quarter of 2012 related to this ruling, and consistent with the judge’s order, accrued interest on that sum at 9% per annum. On April 25, 2014, the parties stipulated to an additional $78 million shortfall relating to the capital expenditures issue. HCA recorded $78 million of legal claims costs in the first quarter of 2014 as a result of the stipulation, and accrued interest on that amount at 9% per annum. Pursuant to the terms of the stipulation, the parties preserved their respective rights to contest the judge’s underlying ruling, whether through motions in the trial court or on appeal. On February 9, 2015, the parties reached an agreement to settle the part of their dispute relating to charity and uncompensated care for $15 million. The foundation is required to use that amount, net of attorneys’ fees, for charitable activities in the Kansas City area. The parties also agreed on an additional amount for attorneys’ fees for the plaintiff for the accounting phase of the case. The parties filed post-trial motions, on which the court ruled on October 21, 2015. The court denied defendants’ motion to have the court change its rulings on liability and damages related to the capital expenditures issue. The court granted the plaintiff’s motion for an award of additional pre-judgment interest, but did not specify whether the interest awarded was simple interest or would be compounded. The court subsequently concluded that interest was to be compounded, and on December 9, 2015, the court entered judgment in the case in the total sum of $434 million, with interest continuing to accrue at 9% per annum, compounded annually, from and after November 19, 2015, until the matter is resolved. On January 15, 2016, HCA filed a Notice of Appeal in the Missouri Court of Appeals for the Western District, and oral arguments were presented during December 2016. On January 17, 2017, the Court of Appeals issued an opinion that partly affirmed and partly overruled the trial court. The Court of Appeals ruled that the construction of new hospitals did qualify as capital expenditures, and that HCA had met its overall $450 million five-year capital commitment. The Court of Appeals ruled, however, that certain interim milestones were not properly met, and consequently found HCA liable to the foundation for a shortfall amount plus attorneys’ fees. The Court of Appeals reversed the trial court on the issues of pre-judgement interest and compounding of interest. It entered a modified judgement in the amount of $188 million, plus post-judgement interest accruing at 9% per annum, simple interest, beginning in December 2015. The parties subsequently reached a settlement whereby each side gave up their rights to seek further review in the Missouri Supreme Court in return for payment by HCA of $188 million (no interest was paid in the settlement), which payment was made on February 1, 2017. The settlement agreement enabled HCA to reduce the accrual for this claim by $290 million and resulted in the recognition of net legal claim benefits of $246 million for the year ended December 31, 2016.
HCA HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
NOTE 11 - LEASES
We lease medical office buildings and certain equipment under operating lease agreements. Commitments relating to noncancellable operating leases for each of the next five years and thereafter are as follows (dollars in millions):
NOTE 12 - CAPITAL STOCK
The amended and restated certificate of incorporation authorizes the Company to issue up to 1,800,000,000 shares of common stock, and our amended and restated by-laws set the number of directors constituting the board of directors of the Company at not less than three members, the exact number to be determined from time to time by resolution adopted by the affirmative vote of a majority of the total number of directors then in office.
Share Repurchase Transactions
During November 2016, our board of directors authorized a share repurchase program for up to $2 billion of our outstanding common stock. During May 2016, the Company repurchased 9.361 million shares of its common stock beneficially owned by affiliates of Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. at a purchase price of $80.12 per share, the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the New York Stock Exchange on May 10, 2016, less a discount of 1%. During 2016, we also repurchased 26.964 million shares of our common stock at an average price of $74.20 per share through market purchases, resulting in total repurchases of 36.325 million shares of our common stock at an average price of $75.72 per share for the year ended December 31, 2016 pursuant to the $3 billion October 2015 (which was completed during the fourth quarter of 2016) and the $2 billion November 2016 share repurchase programs. At December 31, 2016, we had $1.853 billion of repurchase authorization available under the November 2016 authorization.
During October 2015, May 2015 and February 2015, our board of directors authorized share repurchase programs for up to $3 billion, $1 billion and $1 billion, respectively, of our outstanding common stock. During April 2015, the Company entered into an agreement to repurchase 3.806 million shares of its common stock beneficially owned by affiliates of Bain Capital Investors, LLC (the “Bain Entities”) and certain charitable organizations that received shares of common stock as charitable contributions from certain partners and other employees of the Bain Entities at a purchase price of $77.26 per share, the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the New York Stock Exchange on April 17, 2015, less a discount of 1% (the “Share Repurchase”). The Share Repurchase was made pursuant to the February 2015 authorization. During 2015, we also repurchased 28.185 million shares of our common stock at an average price of $74.62 per share through market purchases, resulting in total repurchases pursuant to the October 2015, May 2015 and February 2015
HCA HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
NOTE 12 - CAPITAL STOCK (continued)
Share Repurchase Transactions (continued)
authorizations of 31.991 million shares of our common stock at an average price of $74.93 per share. At December 31, 2015, we had no repurchase authorization remaining under the $1.0 billion May 2015 and $1.0 billion February 2015 authorizations and $2.603 billion of repurchase authorization available under the $3.0 billion October 2015 authorization.
During December 2014, the Company entered into an agreement to repurchase 7.613 million shares of its common stock beneficially owned by affiliates of Bain Capital Investors, LLC at a purchase price of $73.26 per share, the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the New York Stock Exchange on December 5, 2014, less a discount of 1%. The repurchase was made pursuant to the Company’s $1 billion repurchase program adopted by the Company’s board of directors in October 2014 which was completed during the fourth quarter of 2014 through market purchases of an additional 6.416 million shares of our common stock at an average purchase price of $68.96 per share (14.029 million total shares repurchased at an average purchase price of $71.29 per share).
During May 2014, certain of the Company’s stockholders, consisting principally of affiliates of, or funds sponsored by, Bain Capital Partners, LLC and Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. (the “Selling Stockholders”), sold in an underwritten secondary offering, 15 million shares from their holdings of the Company’s common stock. The Selling Shareholders received all the proceeds from this offering. Concurrent with the closing of the secondary offering, we repurchased approximately $750 million of additional shares (14.555 million shares) of our common stock from the Selling Stockholders at the net offering price ($51.53 per share).
NOTE 13 - EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
We maintain defined contribution benefit plans that are available to employees who meet certain minimum requirements. Certain of the plans require that we match specified percentages of participant contributions up to certain maximum levels (generally, 100% of the first 3% to 9%, depending upon years of vesting service, of compensation deferred by participants). The cost of these plans totaled $444 million for 2016, $432 million for 2015 and $404 million for 2014. Our contributions are funded periodically during each year.
We maintain the noncontributory, nonqualified Restoration Plan to provide certain retirement benefits for eligible employees. Eligibility for the Restoration Plan is based upon earning eligible compensation in excess of the Social Security Wage Base and attaining 1,000 or more hours of service during the plan year. Company credits to participants’ account balances (the Restoration Plan is not funded) depend upon participants’ compensation, years of vesting service and certain IRS limitations related to the HCA 401(k) plan. Benefits expense under this plan was $20 million for 2016, $20 million for 2015 and $31 million for 2014. Accrued benefits liabilities under this plan totaled $175 million at December 31, 2016 and $164 million at December 31, 2015.
We maintain a Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (“SERP”) for certain executives (the SERP is not funded). The plan is designed to ensure that upon retirement the participant receives the value of a prescribed life annuity from the combination of the SERP and our other benefit plans. Benefits expense under the plan was $22 million for 2016, $33 million for 2015 and $31 million for 2014. Accrued benefits liabilities under this plan totaled $222 million at December 31, 2016 and $207 million at December 31, 2015.
We maintain defined benefit pension plans which resulted from certain hospital acquisitions in prior years. Benefits expense under these plans was $21 million for 2016, $25 million for 2015, and $13 million for 2014. Accrued benefits liabilities under these plans totaled $111 million at December 31, 2016 and $131 million at December 31, 2015.
HCA HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
NOTE 14 - SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION
We operate in one line of business, which is operating hospitals and related health care entities. We operate in two geographically organized groups: the National and American Groups. At December 31, 2016, the National Group included 84 hospitals located in Alaska, California, Florida, southern Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, northern Kentucky, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Carolina, Utah and Virginia, and the American Group included 80 hospitals located in Colorado, northern Georgia, Kansas, southern Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Texas. We also operate six hospitals in England, and these facilities are included in the Corporate and other group.
Adjusted segment EBITDA is defined as income before depreciation and amortization, interest expense, losses (gains) on sales of facilities, losses on retirement of debt, legal claim costs (benefits), income taxes and net income attributable to noncontrolling interests. We use adjusted segment EBITDA as an analytical indicator for purposes of allocating resources to geographic areas and assessing their performance. Adjusted segment EBITDA is commonly used as an analytical indicator within the health care industry, and also serves as a measure of leverage capacity and debt service ability. Adjusted segment EBITDA should not be considered as a measure of financial performance under generally accepted accounting principles, and the items excluded from adjusted segment EBITDA are significant components in understanding and assessing financial performance. Because adjusted segment EBITDA is not a measurement determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and is thus susceptible to varying calculations, adjusted segment EBITDA, as presented, may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures of other companies. The geographic distributions of our revenues, equity in earnings of affiliates, adjusted segment EBITDA, depreciation and amortization, assets and goodwill and other intangible assets are summarized in the following table (dollars in millions):
HCA HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
NOTE 14 - SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION (continued)
HCA HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
NOTE 15 - OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
The components of accumulated other comprehensive loss are as follows (dollars in millions):
HCA HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
NOTE 16 - ACCRUED EXPENSES AND ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS
A summary of other accrued expenses at December 31 follows (dollars in millions):
A summary of activity for the allowance of doubtful accounts follows (dollars in millions):
NOTE 17 - SUPPLEMENTAL CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL INFORMATION AND OTHER COLLATERAL-RELATED INFORMATION
HCA Inc. is a 100% owned direct subsidiary of HCA Holdings, Inc. On November 23, 2010, HCA Holdings, Inc. issued $1.525 billion aggregate principal amount of 3/4% senior unsecured notes due 2021, which were redeemed in full during May 2015. On December 6, 2012, HCA Holdings, Inc. issued $1.000 billion aggregate principal amount of 6.25% senior unsecured notes due 2021. These notes are senior unsecured obligations and are not guaranteed by any of our subsidiaries.
The senior secured credit facilities and senior secured notes described in Note 9 are jointly and severally, and fully and unconditionally guaranteed by substantially all existing and future, direct and indirect, 100% owned material domestic subsidiaries that are “Unrestricted Subsidiaries” under our Indenture dated December 16, 1993 (except for certain special purpose subsidiaries that only guarantee and pledge their assets under our ABL credit facility).
Our condensed consolidating balance sheets at December 31, 2016 and 2015 and condensed consolidating statements of comprehensive income and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2016, segregating HCA Holdings, Inc. issuer, HCA Inc. issuer, the subsidiary guarantors, the subsidiary non-guarantors and eliminations, follow.
HCA HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
NOTE 17 - SUPPLEMENTAL CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL INFORMATION AND OTHER COLLATERAL-RELATED INFORMATION (continued)
HCA HOLDINGS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING COMPREHENSIVE INCOME STATEMENT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016
(Dollars in millions)
HCA HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
NOTE 17 - SUPPLEMENTAL CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL INFORMATION AND OTHER COLLATERAL-RELATED INFORMATION (continued)
HCA HOLDINGS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING COMPREHENSIVE INCOME STATEMENT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2015
(Dollars in millions)
HCA HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
NOTE 17 - SUPPLEMENTAL CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL INFORMATION AND OTHER COLLATERAL-RELATED INFORMATION (continued)
HCA HOLDINGS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING COMPREHENSIVE INCOME STATEMENT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2014
(Dollars in millions)
HCA HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
NOTE 17 - SUPPLEMENTAL CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL INFORMATION AND OTHER COLLATERAL-RELATED INFORMATION (continued)
HCA HOLDINGS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
DECEMBER 31, 2016
(Dollars in millions)
HCA HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
NOTE 17 - SUPPLEMENTAL CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL INFORMATION AND OTHER COLLATERAL-RELATED INFORMATION (continued)
HCA HOLDINGS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
DECEMBER 31, 2015
(Dollars in millions)
HCA HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
NOTE 17 - SUPPLEMENTAL CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL INFORMATION AND OTHER COLLATERAL-RELATED INFORMATION (continued)
HCA HOLDINGS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016
(Dollars in millions)
HCA HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
NOTE 17 - SUPPLEMENTAL CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL INFORMATION AND OTHER COLLATERAL-RELATED INFORMATION (continued)
HCA HOLDINGS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2015
(Dollars in millions)
HCA HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
NOTE 17 - SUPPLEMENTAL CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL INFORMATION AND OTHER COLLATERAL-RELATED INFORMATION (continued)
HCA HOLDINGS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2014
(Dollars in millions)
HCA HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
NOTE 17 - SUPPLEMENTAL CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL INFORMATION AND OTHER COLLATERAL-RELATED INFORMATION (continued)
Healthtrust, Inc. - The Hospital Company (“Healthtrust”) is the first-tier subsidiary of HCA Inc. The common stock of Healthtrust has been pledged as collateral for the senior secured credit facilities and senior secured notes described in Note 9. Rule 3-16 of Regulation S-X under the Securities Act requires the filing of separate financial statements for any affiliate of the registrant whose securities constitute a substantial portion of the collateral for any class of securities registered or being registered. We believe the separate financial statements requirement applies to Healthtrust due to the pledge of its common stock as collateral for the senior secured notes. Due to the corporate structure relationship of HCA and Healthtrust, HCA’s operating subsidiaries are also the operating subsidiaries of Healthtrust. The corporate structure relationship, combined with the application of push-down accounting in Healthtrust’s consolidated financial statements related to HCA’s debt and financial instruments, results in the consolidated financial statements of Healthtrust being substantially identical to the consolidated financial statements of HCA. The consolidated financial statements of HCA and Healthtrust present the identical amounts for revenues, expenses, net income, assets, liabilities, total stockholders’ deficit, net cash provided by operating activities, net cash used in investing activities and net cash used in financing activities. Certain individual line items in the HCA consolidated statements of stockholders’ deficit are combined into one line item in the Healthtrust consolidated statements of stockholder’s deficit.
Reconciliations of the HCA Holdings, Inc. Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Deficit presentation to the Healthtrust, Inc. - The Hospital Company Consolidated Statements of Stockholder’s Deficit presentation for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 are as follows (dollars in millions):
Due to the consolidated financial statements of Healthtrust being substantially identical to the consolidated financial statements of HCA, except for the items presented in the table above, the separate consolidated financial statements of Healthtrust are not presented.
HCA HOLDINGS, INC.
QUARTERLY CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
(UNAUDITED)
(Dollars in millions)
(a) First quarter results include $2 million of losses on sales of facilities (See Note 3 of the notes to consolidated financial statements) and $7 million of legal claim costs (See Note 10 of the notes to consolidated financial statements).
(b) Second quarter results include $4 million of gains on sales of facilities (See Note 3 of the notes to consolidated financial statements) and $7 million of legal claim costs (See Note 10 of the notes to consolidated financial statements).
(c) Third quarter results include $2 million of gains on sales of facilities (See Note 3 of the notes to consolidated financial statements), $2 million of losses on retirement of debt (See Note 9 of the notes to consolidated financial statements) and $7 million of legal claim costs (See Note 10 of the notes to consolidated financial statements).
(d) Fourth quarter results include $15 million of gains on sales of facilities (See Note 3 of the notes to consolidated financial statements) and $176 million of legal claim benefits (See Note 10 of the notes to consolidated financial statements).
(e) First quarter results include $6 million of gains on sales of facilities (See Note 3 of the notes to consolidated financial statements).
(f) Second quarter results include $3 million of losses on sales of facilities (See Note 3 of the notes to consolidated financial statements) and $79 million of losses on retirement of debt (See Note 9 of the notes to consolidated financial statements).
(g) Third quarter results include $2 million of losses on sales of facilities (See Note 3 of the notes to consolidated financial statements) and $49 million of legal claim costs (See Note 10 of the notes to consolidated financial statements).
(h) Fourth quarter results include $4 million of losses on sales of facilities (See Note 3 of the notes to consolidated financial statements), $7 million of loss on retirement of debt (See Note 9 of the notes to consolidated financial statements) and $108 million of legal claim costs (See Note 10 of the notes to consolidated financial statements).