The Healthcare Financial Management Association is noting several encouraging signs for not-for-profit healthcare organizations in recent news.

First, though bond rating downgrades were still more common than upgrades in 2009, the rate of downgrades slowed significantly in the second half of the year, according to Moody's. Last month, the debt of the parent company of Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans in Illinois, Texas, Oklahoma and New Mexico was downgraded, but only slightly; the company remained in the upper tiers.

Second, a new Standard & Poor's Ratings Services report says "the sector is showing signs of stabilization." The report said credit solidification began at the end of 2009, and ratings and outlooks are expected to settle this year.

Though neither piece of news answers longer-term questions about the healthcare environment, these positive developments can give leaders of not-for-profit healthcare organizations reason to take a new look at their broad assumptions. Our Healthcare Services team can help dig into these findings to look for new opportunities so you can be one of the first back in as the economy returns. Please contact us today.