The financial issues affecting "safety net" hospitals in Illinois are increasing, putting those in underserved communities at risk. California-based private corporation that owns Waukegan’s Vista Medical Center East is planning to sell a parking lot in order to pay a $2.1 million property tax bill. The hospital, which closed last month, also owes over $50 million in tax debt to the state and has no cash reserves and significant debt. The financial issues are not only affecting other struggling hospitals in the state, West Suburban Medical Center in Oak Park recently closed. The fourth-largest for-profit health system in the US., Prime Healthcare, now owns several Illinois hospitals and has suspended inpatient pediatric care at St. Joseph Medical Center and St. Mary’S Hospital in Kankakee and lost its Level II trauma center designation at Mercy Medical Center. Concerns have been raised about the future of Vista Medical in Waukgan, while others are concerned over the lack of a law preventing hospitals from abruptly closing without notice, which could lead to hospital closures. There are also concerns over the potential closure of hospitals that close without notice or layoffs, and bills in the county for tax bills.