09-04-2025
Northwest Side hospital owes construction firms millions of dollars
CHICAGO (WGN) — For months, the bills have gone unpaid. Local construction firms helped build an on-site behavioral treatment center at Community First Medical Center in Chicago's Belmont-Cragin neighborhood.
But they claim they're still waiting on their money, even though the center has received state funding.
The allegations come as small hospitals nationwide struggle to stay afloat, amid the rising cost of care and issues with Medicaid reimbursements.
'Safety net hospitals, almost by definition because they are taking care of [the] Medicaid population, have always had a tougher time making ends meet,' said Dr. Ngozi Ezike, CEO of Sinai Chicago.
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Dr. Ezike isn't affiliated with Community First or aware of any issues at the center. But she does know the challenges that small hospital face.
'When the reimbursement doesn't cover the cost of care – you're losing more,' she said.
In a statement, the CEO of Community First said he hopes to have a resolution soon, adding that 'many of the safety net hospitals in Illinois are dealing with rising costs, slower payments from the managed care organizations, and the possibility of decreased funding.'
Meanwhile, the construction firms said they're owed a total of more than $3 million. Frustrated and fearful of going out of business, they contacted WGN Investigates for help.
'I don't know if I'm ever going to get paid,' said Louis Ochoa, of Ochoa Mechanical,
State records obtained by WGN Investigates indicate show Community First received $6.9 million from the state of Illinois in October. How those dollars were used remains unclear.
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