How Bad Is It for Hospitals?

It must be pretty bad for some, especially when they have to pull out of the American Hospital Association to save on dues:

"The University of Chicago Medical Center has pulled its membership from the American Hospital Association, the nation's largest hospital trade group and lobby.

AHA spokesman Rick Wade confirmed the U. of C. move, "citing financial considerations." He wouldn't say how much the medical center was paying in annual dues."

If other hospitals follow suit, what will happen to the lobby's effectiveness on the Hill during "reform" talks?

-Wes