> The reason most facilities take Medicare is that Medicare typically covers the marginal cost (and then some) of whatever services the patient is using. You ca

> The reason most facilities take Medicare is that Medicare typically covers the marginal cost (and then some) of whatever services the patient is using. You can't sell yesterday's hospital bed, so better take the pittance from Medicare than get nothing for it. Actually, Medicare doesn't cover the marginal cost. In the aggregate, they reimburse 7% less than that. Many facilities take Medicare because they are literally obligated to. Right now, many providers (hospital networks, but some practice groups) are actually trying to figure out ways to restructure their businesses so they can legally drop Medicare, but it's difficult.