Tight economy forcing hospitals to make tough decisions

It has become a common drumbeat in recent months.

As the country continues to experience an economic decline, more and more health clinics in Chicago are closing their doors, putting those who are struggling to pay for health care at risk. And hospitals, once thought to be recession-proof, are struggling in the economy, too.

It all illustrates a nationwide problem with no easy answers, experts say.

Mark Rukavina, executive director of a Boston-based health care advocacy group, The Access Project, says hospitals may have felt insulated in past economic downturns. Now they are finding they aren't, and are having to make tough decisions.

"It just seems this time around, more and more people are saying they're putting off going to the doctor, putting off getting procedures because of the economy, and that's dramatically different than it was in the past," he says.

For the full story, check out the Chi-Town Daily News.