S&P Affirms A+ Bond Rating for Bellin Health

Organization’s growth, financial performance cited in evaluation

Standard & Poor’s Rating Service has affirmed Bellin Health’s A+ bond rating, issuing a rating outlook of stable and assessing the health system’s enterprise profile as strong.

In its ratings report on Bellin Health, S&P noted:
• The health system’s growing geographic footprint and medical staff
• Experienced and forward-looking management team driving Bellin’s successful financial performance
• Bellin’s participation in the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ Pioneer Accountable Care Organization (ACO) program, recognized in 2014 for being the program’s top performer in terms of both cost and quality.
• Continued prudent capital investments that helped Bellin increase its unrestricted reserves by 14 percent in fiscal year 2015

Last year, S&P raised its rating for Bellin to A+ from A, grading the organization’s long-term future as stable. It was the third consecutive upgrade since the health system’s initial BBB+ rating in June 2004.

George Kerwin, Bellin Health president and CEO, said the affirmation reflects Bellin’s commitment to the organization’s core principles.

“At Bellin Health, we are steadfastly committed to providing consumers a superior experience while helping them manage their healthcare costs,” Kerwin said. “This focus on cost, quality and the patient experience guides everything we do — and is affirmed by the continued strength of our bond rating.”