10-Q

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 10-Q

(Mark One)

☑ QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2021

or

☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from ___________ to ________

Commission file number 001-15925

COMMUNITY HEALTH SYSTEMS, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware	13-3893191
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)	(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)
4000 Meridian Boulevard Franklin, Tennessee	37067 (Zip Code)
(Address of principal executive offices)

615-465-7000

(Registrant’s telephone number)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class	Trading Symbol(s)	Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, $.01 par value	CYH	New York Stock Exchange

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes ☑     No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).  Yes ☑     No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer ☐	Accelerated filer ☑	Smaller reporting company ☐
Non-accelerated filer ☐		Emerging growth company ☐

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).  Yes ☐    No ☑ 

As of October 22, 2021, there were outstanding 132,107,916 shares of the Registrant’s Common Stock, $0.01 par value.

Community Health Systems, Inc.

Form 10-Q

For the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021

Part I.	Financial Information		Page
	Item 1.	Financial Statements:
		Condensed Consolidated Statements of  Income – Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021 and September 30, 2020 (Unaudited)	2
		Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021 and September 30, 2020 (Unaudited)	3
		Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets – September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 (Unaudited)	4
		Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows – Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021 and September 30, 2020 (Unaudited)	5
		Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)	6
	Item 2.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	26
	Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk	49
	Item 4.	Controls and Procedures	49
Part II.	Other Information
	Item 1.	Legal Proceedings	50
	Item 1A.	Risk Factors	52
	Item 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	52
	Item 3.	Defaults Upon Senior Securities	53
	Item 4.	Mine Safety Disclosures	53
	Item 5.	Other Information	53
	Item 6.	Exhibits	53
Signatures			54

COMMUNITY HEALTH SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(In millions, except share and per share data)

(Unaudited)

	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	September 30,						September 30,
	2021			2020			2021			2020
Net operating revenues	$	3,115		$	3,126		$	9,135		$	8,670
Operating costs and expenses:
Salaries and benefits		1,336			1,365			3,905			4,054
Supplies		529			523			1,521			1,439
Other operating expenses		716			736			2,170			2,211
Government and other legal settlements and related costs		—			—			—			4
Lease cost and rent		75			85			231			248
Pandemic relief funds		(19	)		—			(102	)		(448	)
Depreciation and amortization		137			139			408			424
Impairment and (gain) loss on sale of businesses, net		1			(7	)		24			48
Total operating costs and expenses		2,775			2,841			8,157			7,980
Income from operations		340			285			978			690
Interest expense, net		216			257			666			779
Loss (gain) from early extinguishment of debt		—			(115	)		79			(111	)
Gain on sale of investments in unconsolidated affiliates		(26	)		—			(26	)		—
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates		(4	)		(5	)		(19	)		(11	)
Income before income taxes		154			148			278			33
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes		10			20			132			(221	)
Net income		144			128			146			254
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests		33			16			94			54
Net income attributable to Community Health Systems,    Inc. stockholders	$	111		$	112		$	52		$	200
Earnings per share attributable to Community Health    Systems, Inc. common stockholders:
Basic	$	0.87		$	0.98		$	0.41		$	1.74
Diluted	$	0.85		$	0.97		$	0.40		$	1.74
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding:
Basic		127,077,786			115,015,460			126,638,291			114,764,050
Diluted		130,885,139			115,640,852			129,885,951			115,012,202

See accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

2

COMMUNITY HEALTH SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(In millions)

(Unaudited)

	Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
	September 30,					September 30,
	2021			2020		2021			2020
Net income	$	144		$	128	$	146		$	254
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes:
Net change in fair value of available-for-sale debt securities,    net of tax		(1	)		—		(4	)		3
Amortization and recognition of unrecognized pension cost   components, net of tax		2			—		3			1
Other comprehensive income (loss)		1			—		(1	)		4
Comprehensive income		145			128		145			258
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling    interests		33			16		94			54
Comprehensive income attributable to Community Health    Systems, Inc. stockholders	$	112		$	112	$	51		$	204

See accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

3

COMMUNITY HEALTH SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In millions, except share data)

(Unaudited)

	September 30, 2021			December 31, 2020
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	1,294		$	1,676
Patient accounts receivable		2,024			1,927
Supplies		341			335
Prepaid income taxes		44			50
Prepaid expenses and taxes		189			184
Other current assets		285			338
Total current assets		4,177			4,510
Property and equipment		9,536			9,352
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization		(4,168	)		(4,030	)
Property and equipment, net		5,368			5,322
Goodwill		4,219			4,219
Deferred income taxes		59			59
Other assets, net		1,847			1,896
Total assets	$	15,670		$	16,006
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT
Current liabilities:
Current maturities of long-term debt	$	35		$	123
Current operating lease liabilities		142			142
Accounts payable		763			783
Accrued liabilities:
Employee compensation		687			637
Accrued interest		198			150
Other		1,265			980
Total current liabilities		3,090			2,815
Long-term debt		11,976			12,093
Deferred income taxes		152			29
Long-term operating lease liabilities		538			524
Other long-term liabilities		914			1,599
Total liabilities		16,670			17,060
Redeemable noncontrolling interests in equity of consolidated subsidiaries		493			484
STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT
Community Health Systems, Inc. stockholders’ deficit:
Preferred stock, $.01 par value per share, 100,000,000 shares authorized; none issued		—			—
Common stock, $.01 par value per share, 300,000,000 shares authorized; 132,041,102    shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2021, and 129,612,117 shares issued    and outstanding at December 31, 2020		1			1
Additional paid-in capital		2,092			2,094
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(14	)		(13	)
Accumulated deficit		(3,655	)		(3,707	)
Total Community Health Systems, Inc. stockholders’ deficit		(1,576	)		(1,625	)
Noncontrolling interests in equity of consolidated subsidiaries		83			87
Total stockholders’ deficit		(1,493	)		(1,538	)
Total liabilities and stockholders’ deficit	$	15,670		$	16,006

See accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

4

COMMUNITY HEALTH SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In millions)

(Unaudited)

	Nine Months Ended
	September 30,
	2021			2020
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$	146		$	254
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization		408			424
Deferred income taxes		123			(223	)
Government and other legal settlements and related costs		—			4
Stock-based compensation expense		18			8
Impairment and (gain) loss on sale of businesses, net		24			48
Loss (gain) from early extinguishment of debt		79			(111	)
Gain on sale of investments in unconsolidated affiliates		(26	)		—
Other non-cash expenses, net		22			99
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions and divestitures:
Patient accounts receivable		(99	)		281
Supplies, prepaid expenses and other current assets		14			16
Medicare accelerated payments		—			1,159
Repayment/derecognition of Medicare accelerated payments		(267	)		(22	)
Pandemic relief funds		—			271
Accounts payable, accrued liabilities and income taxes		85			(81	)
Other		(127	)		(25	)
Net cash provided by operating activities		400			2,102
Cash flows from investing activities:
Acquisitions of facilities and other related businesses		(3	)		(1	)
Purchases of property and equipment		(334	)		(317	)
Proceeds from disposition of hospitals and other ancillary operations		17			347
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment		7			4
Purchases of available-for-sale debt securities and equity securities		(135	)		(68	)
Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale debt securities and equity securities		86			80
Proceeds from sale of investments in unconsolidated affiliates		110			—
Increase in other investments		(61	)		(36	)
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities		(313	)		9
Cash flows from financing activities:
Repurchase of restricted stock shares for payroll tax withholding requirements		(5	)		(1	)
Deferred financing costs and other debt-related costs		(310	)		(32	)
Proceeds from noncontrolling investors in joint ventures		1			—
Redemption of noncontrolling investments in joint ventures		(5	)		(4	)
Distributions to noncontrolling investors in joint ventures		(95	)		(84	)
Proceeds from sale-lease back		—			2
Other borrowings		50			31
Issuance of long-term debt		4,310			1,462
Proceeds from ABL Facility		—			540
Repayments of long-term indebtedness		(4,415	)		(2,418	)
Net cash used in financing activities		(469	)		(504	)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents		(382	)		1,607
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period		1,676			216
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	1,294		$	1,823
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Interest payments	$	(572	)	$	(765	)
Income tax payments, net	$	(3	)	$	(2	)

See accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

5

COMMUNITY HEALTH SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) – (continued)

COMMUNITY HEALTH SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

1.  BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES 

The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of Community Health Systems, Inc. (the “Parent” or “Parent Company”) and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 and for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). In the opinion of management, such information contains all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of the results for such periods. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated. The results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full fiscal year ending December 31, 2021. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the condensed consolidated financial statements. Actual results could differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

Certain information and disclosures normally included in the notes to the consolidated financial statements have been condensed or omitted as permitted by the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). The Company believes the disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for the year ended December 31, 2020, contained in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 18, 2021 (“2020 Form 10-K”).

Noncontrolling interests in less-than-wholly-owned consolidated subsidiaries of the Parent are presented as a component of total equity on the condensed consolidated balance sheets to distinguish between the interests of the Parent Company and the interests of the noncontrolling owners. Noncontrolling interests that are redeemable or may become redeemable at a fixed or determinable price at the option of the holder or upon the occurrence of an event outside of the control of the Company are presented in mezzanine equity on the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

Substantially all of the Company’s operating costs and expenses are “cost of revenue” items. Operating costs that could be classified as general and administrative by the Company include the Company’s corporate office costs at its Franklin, Tennessee office, which were $56 million and $41 million for the three months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and $168 million and $136 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Operating costs during the nine months ended September 30, 2021 reflect increased stock compensation and annual cash incentive compensation compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2020.

Throughout these notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements, Community Health Systems, Inc., and its consolidated subsidiaries are referred to on a collective basis as the “Company.” This drafting style is not meant to indicate that the publicly traded Parent or any particular subsidiary of the Parent owns or operates any asset, business, or property. The hospitals, operations and businesses described in this filing are owned and operated by distinct and indirect subsidiaries of Community Health Systems, Inc.

Revenue Recognition.   

Net Operating Revenues

Net operating revenues are recorded at the transaction price estimated by the Company to reflect the total consideration due from patients and third-party payors in exchange for providing goods and services in patient care. These services are considered to be a single performance obligation and have a duration of less than one year. Revenues are recorded as these goods and services are provided. The transaction price, which involves significant estimates, is determined based on the Company’s standard charges for the goods and services provided, with a reduction recorded for price concessions related to third party contractual arrangements as well as patient discounts and other patient price concessions. During each of the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, the impact of changes to the inputs used to determine the transaction price was considered immaterial.

Currently, several states utilize supplemental reimbursement programs for the purpose of providing reimbursement to providers that is not specifically tied to an individual’s care, some of which offsets a portion of the cost of providing care to Medicaid and indigent patients. These programs are designed with input from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (“CMS”) and are funded with a combination of state and federal resources, including, in certain instances, fees or taxes levied on the providers. Under these supplemental programs, the Company recognizes revenue and related expenses in the period in which amounts are estimable and

6

COMMUNITY HEALTH SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) – (continued)

collection or payment is reasonably assured. Reimbursement under these programs is reflected in net operating revenues and fees, taxes or other program-related costs are reflected in other operating expenses.

The Company’s net operating revenues during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020 have been presented in the following table based on an allocation of the estimated transaction price with the patient between the primary patient classification of insurance coverage (in millions):

	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	September 30,				September 30,
	2021		2020		2021		2020
Medicare	$	653	$	723	$	1,988	$	2,086
Medicaid		412		419		1,223		1,167
Managed Care and other third-party payors		2,010		1,967		5,845		5,425
Self-pay		40		17		79		(8	)
Total	$	3,115	$	3,126	$	9,135	$	8,670

Patient Accounts Receivable

Patient accounts receivable are recorded at net realizable value based on certain assumptions determined by each payor. For third-party payors including Medicare, Medicaid, and Managed Care, the net realizable value is based on the estimated contractual reimbursement percentage, which is based on current contract prices or historical paid claims data by payor. For self-pay accounts receivable, which includes patients who are uninsured and the patient responsibility portion for patients with insurance, the net realizable value is determined using estimates of historical collection experience without regard to aging category. These estimates are adjusted for estimated conversions of patient responsibility portions, expected recoveries and any anticipated changes in trends.  

Patient accounts receivable can be impacted by the effectiveness of the Company’s collection efforts. Additionally, significant changes in payor mix, business office operations, economic conditions or trends in federal and state governmental healthcare coverage could affect the net realizable value of accounts receivable. The Company also continually reviews the net realizable value of accounts receivable by monitoring historical cash collections as a percentage of trailing net operating revenues, as well as by analyzing current period net revenue and admissions by payor classification, days revenue outstanding, the composition of self-pay receivables between pure self-pay patients and the patient responsibility portion of third-party insured receivables, the impact of recent acquisitions and dispositions and the impact of current economic and other events.

Final settlements for some payors and programs are subject to adjustment based on administrative review and audit by third parties. As a result of these final settlements, the Company has recorded amounts due to third-party payors of $111 million and $98 million as of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively, and these amounts are included in accrued liabilities-other in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets. Amounts due from third-party payors were $109 million and $136 million as of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively, and are included in other current assets in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets. Substantially all Medicare and Medicaid cost reports are final settled through 2016.

Charity Care

In the ordinary course of business, the Company renders services to patients who are financially unable to pay for hospital care. The Company’s policy is to not pursue collections for such amounts; therefore, the related charges for those patients who are financially unable to pay and that otherwise do not qualify for reimbursement from a governmental program are not reported in net operating revenues, and are thus classified as charity care. The Company determines amounts that qualify for charity care based on the patient’s household income relative to the federal poverty level guidelines, as established by the federal government.

7

COMMUNITY HEALTH SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) – (continued)

These charity care services are estimated to be $215 million and $285 million for the three months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and $659 million and $751 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively, representing the value (at the Company’s standard charges) of these charity care services that are excluded from net operating revenues. The estimated cost incurred by the Company to provide these charity care services to patients who are unable to pay was approximately $25 million and $36 million during the three months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and $77 million and $90 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The estimated cost of these charity care services was determined using a ratio of cost to gross charges and applying that ratio to the gross charges associated with providing care to charity patients for the period.

Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets.    During the nine months ended September 30, 2021, the Company recorded a net loss on disposal of approximately $24 million, of which (i) approximately $29 million was recorded to adjust the carrying value of long-lived assets at several hospitals that were sold at a sales price below carrying value, (ii) approximately $3 million was recorded related to divestiture related expenses, and (iii) approximately $8 million of gain was recorded related to the disposal of the Company’s majority interest in a surgery center that was sold on January 1, 2021. Approximately $7 million of goodwill was allocated to facilities disposed of during the nine months ended September 30, 2021.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2020, the Company recorded a total combined net impairment charge and loss on disposal of approximately $48 million, of which (i) approximately $74 million was recorded primarily to adjust the carrying value of long-lived assets at several hospitals where the Company was in discussions with potential buyers for divestiture at a sales price that indicated a fair value below carrying value, (ii) approximately $43 million was recorded related to certain hospitals that were classified as held for sale based on the difference between the carrying value of the hospital disposal groups compared to their estimated fair value less costs to sell, (iii) approximately $3 million was recorded related to a hospital that closed on September 30, 2020, and (iv) approximately $1 million was recorded related to a shared service center that closed on July 31, 2020. The impairment charge was partially offset by a gain of approximately $73 million related to three hospitals sold on January 1, 2020 and one hospital sold on July 1, 2020.

The Company will continue to evaluate the potential for impairment of the long-lived assets of underperforming hospitals as well as evaluate offers for potential sales, as applicable. Based on such analysis, additional impairment charges may be recorded in the future.

COVID-19 Pandemic.

COVID-19, a disease caused by a novel strain of coronavirus, materially affected the Company’s results of operations during 2020 and continued to affect the Company’s results of operations during the nine months ended September 30, 2021. Federal and state governments have passed legislation, promulgated regulations and taken other administrative actions intended to assist healthcare providers in providing care to COVID-19 and other patients during the public health emergency. Sources of relief include the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”), which was enacted on March 27, 2020, the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act (the “PPPHCE Act”), which was enacted on April 24, 2020, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (the “CAA”), which was enacted on December 27, 2020, and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (the “ARPA”), which was enacted on March 11, 2021. Together, these stimulus laws authorize over $178 billion in funding to be distributed to hospitals and other healthcare providers through the Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund (the “PHSSEF” or “Provider Relief Fund”). In addition to the relief funding, the CARES Act provided for an expansion of the Medicare Accelerated and Advance Payment Program whereby inpatient acute care hospitals and other eligible providers were able to request accelerated payment of up to 100% of their Medicare payment amount for a six-month period to be repaid through withholding of future Medicare fee-for-service payments. Various state and local programs also exist to provide relief, either independently or through distribution of monies received via the CARES Act and other enacted federal legislation. The Company’s accounting policies for the recognition of these stimulus monies are as follows:

Pandemic Relief Funds

Through September 30, 2021, net of amounts that have been repaid to the respective federal, state, or local agency, the Company received approximately $709 million in payments through the PHSSEF and various state and local programs on a cumulative basis since their enactment. Of the net amount received to-date, approximately $705 million was received during the year ended December 31, 2020 and the remainder was received during the nine months ended September 30, 2021.

The recognition of amounts received is conditioned upon the provision of care for individuals with possible or actual cases of COVID-19 after January 31, 2020, certification that payment will be used to prevent, prepare for and respond to coronavirus and shall reimburse the recipient only for healthcare-related expenses or lost revenues, as defined by the U.S. Department of Health and Human

8

COMMUNITY HEALTH SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) – (continued)

Services Agency (“HHS”), that are attributable to coronavirus, as well as receipt of the funds. Amounts are recognized as a reduction to operating costs and expenses only to the extent the Company is reasonably assured that underlying conditions have been met. Amounts recognized are denoted by the caption “pandemic relief funds” within the condensed consolidated statements of income.

The Company’s assessment of whether the terms and conditions for amounts received are reasonably assured of having been met is updated each reporting period and considers, among other things, the requirements set forth in the CARES Act and subsequent relief legislation, responses to all applicable frequently asked questions and other interpretive guidance issued by HHS, including the various Post-Payment Notices of Reporting Requirements, the Company’s expenses incurred attributable to the coronavirus, the Company’s results of operations during such period as compared to the Company’s 2020 budget, and the allocation of general and targeted fund distribution payments among subsidiaries of the Company during such period. The HHS guidance, specifically the various Post-Payment Notices of Reporting Requirements and frequently asked questions, set forth the allowable methods for quantifying eligible healthcare related expenses and lost revenues. Only healthcare related expenses attributable to coronavirus that another source has not reimbursed and is not obligated to reimburse are eligible to be claimed. The use of funds calculation takes into account expenses attributable to each respective entity, which for the Company primarily relate to incremental labor and supply costs, as well as lost revenues. The deadlines for using and required timelines for reporting on the use of funds depend on the dates of receipt of the funds. During the year ended December 31, 2020, pandemic relief funds of approximately $601 million were recognized up to the amount which the Company was reasonably assured that it could or would choose to comply with conditions underlying amounts received. This included the allocation of general fund distributions among subsidiaries according to total unreimbursed losses but not the allocation of targeted fund distributions due to significant uncertainties as to the meaning and interpretation of conditions specific to the allocation of such targeted distribution payments, as previously disclosed. During the three months ended March 31, 2021, pandemic relief funds of approximately $82 million were recognized on the basis of the Company’s facility-by-facility assessment of uncertainties associated with the allocation of targeted distribution payments having been updated for additional facts and circumstances in the period. On the basis of this updated assessment, the Company was reasonably assured that underlying conditions for the allocation of targeted distribution payments were met as of March 31, 2021 (which conclusion has not changed). Pandemic relief funds of approximately $1 million were recognized during the three months ended June 30, 2021.

During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, pandemic relief funds of approximately $19 million and $102 million, respectively, were recognized. Such amounts were recognized on the basis of expenses incurred in the periods attributable to the coronavirus, the Company’s results of operations during such periods as compared to the Company’s 2020 budget for the same period and the allocation of targeted distribution payments to various subsidiaries. During the nine months ended September 30, 2020, pandemic relief funds of approximately $448 million were recognized on the basis of facts and circumstances at that time. No pandemic relief funds were recognized during the three months ended September 30, 2020.

Amounts received through the PHSSEF or state and local programs that have not yet been recognized or otherwise have not been refunded to HHS or the various state and local agencies as of September 30, 2021, are reflected within accrued liabilities-other in the condensed consolidated balance sheet. Such unrecognized amounts may either be returned to HHS or the respective state or local agency, as applicable, or may be recognized in future periods if the underlying conditions for recognition are reasonably assured of having been met. HHS’ interpretation of the underlying terms and conditions of such PHSSEF payments, including auditing and reporting requirements, continues to evolve. Additional guidance or new and amended interpretations of existing guidance on the terms and conditions of such PHSSEF payments may result in changes in the Company’s estimate of amounts for which the terms and conditions are reasonably assured of being met, and any such changes may be material. Additionally, any such changes may result in the Company’s inability to recognize additional PHSSEF payments or may result in the derecognition of amounts previously recognized, which (in any such case) may be material.

Medicare Accelerated Payments

Medicare accelerated payments of approximately $1.2 billion were received by the Company in April 2020. No additional Medicare accelerated payments have been received by the Company since such time, including during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021. Payments under the Medicare Accelerated and Advance Payment Program are advances that must be repaid. Effective October 1, 2020, the program was amended such that providers are required to repay accelerated payments beginning one year after the payment was issued. After such one-year period, Medicare payments owed to providers will be recouped according to the repayment terms. The repayment terms specify that for the first 11 months after repayment begins, repayment will occur through an automatic recoupment of 25% of Medicare payments otherwise owed to the provider. At the end of the eleven-month period, recoupment will increase to 50% for six months. At the end of the six months (or 29 months from the receipt of the initial accelerated payment), Medicare will issue a letter for full repayment of any remaining balance, as applicable. In such event, if payment is not received within 30 days, interest will accrue at the annual percentage rate of four percent (4%) from the date the letter was issued, and will be assessed for each full 30-day period that the balance remains unpaid.

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COMMUNITY HEALTH SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) – (continued)

In April 2021, CMS began recouping Medicare accelerated payments previously received by the Company. As of September 30, 2021, approximately $249 million has been recouped from the Company by CMS subject to the aforementioned repayment terms. Additionally, approximately $18 million and $77 million of amounts previously received were repaid by the Company to CMS or assumed by buyers related to hospitals the Company divested during the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and the year ended December 31, 2020, respectively. As of September 30, 2021, approximately $814 million of Medicare accelerated payments are reflected within accrued liabilities-other in the condensed consolidated balance sheet. As described further in Note 12, the outstanding balance of Medicare accelerated payments was paid in full to CMS in October 2021, prior to the date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (the “Form 10-Q”).

2.  ACCOUNTING FOR STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION 

Stock-based compensation awards have been granted under the Community Health Systems, Inc. Amended and Restated 2009 Stock Option and Award Plan, which was amended and restated as of March 17, 2021 and approved by the Company’s stockholders at the annual meeting of stockholders held on May 11, 2021 (the “2009 Plan”).

The 2009 Plan provides for the grant of incentive stock options intended to qualify under Section 422 of the IRC and for the grant of stock options which do not so qualify, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance-based shares or units and other share awards. Persons eligible to receive grants under the 2009 Plan include the Company’s directors, officers, employees and consultants. To date, all options granted under the 2009 Plan have been “nonqualified” stock options for tax purposes. Generally, these options vest in one-third increments on each of the first three anniversaries of the award date and have a 10-year contractual term. As of September 30, 2021, 12,614,521 shares of unissued common stock were reserved for future grants under the 2009 Plan.  

The exercise price of all options granted under the 2009 Plan is equal to the fair value of the Company’s common stock on the option grant date. 

The following table reflects the impact of total compensation expense related to stock-based equity plans on the reported operating results for the respective periods (in millions):

	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	September 30,						September 30,
	2021			2020			2021			2020
Effect on income before income taxes	$	(5	)	$	(3	)	$	(18	)	$	(8	)
Effect on net income	$	(4	)	$	(2	)	$	(14	)	$	(6	)

At September 30, 2021, $29 million of unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to outstanding unvested stock options, restricted stock and restricted stock units (the terms of which are summarized below) was expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 25 months. Of that amount, $5 million relates to outstanding unvested stock options expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 25 months and $24 million relates to outstanding unvested restricted stock and restricted stock units expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 24 months. There were no modifications to awards during the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020.

The fair value of stock options was estimated using the Black Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions and weighted-average fair values during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020:

	Three Months Ended September 30,		Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2021	2020	2021		2020
Expected volatility	N/A	N/A	84.3% - 88.9%			73.5	%
Expected dividends	N/A	N/A		—		—
Expected term	N/A	N/A	3 - 6 years		6 years
Risk-free interest rate	N/A	N/A	0.3% - 0.9%			1.0	%

In determining the expected term, the Company examined concentrations of option holdings and historical patterns of option exercises and forfeitures, as well as forward-looking factors, in an effort to determine if there were any discernable employee

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COMMUNITY HEALTH SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) – (continued)

populations. From this analysis, the Company identified two primary employee populations, one consisting of certain senior executives and the other consisting of substantially all other recipients.

The expected volatility rate was estimated based on historical volatility. In determining expected volatility, the Company also reviewed the market-based implied volatility of actively traded options of its common stock and determined that historical volatility utilized to estimate the expected volatility rate did not differ significantly from the implied volatility.

The expected term computation is based on historical exercise and cancellation patterns and forward-looking factors, where present, for each population identified. The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of the grant. The pre-vesting forfeiture rate is based on historical rates and forward-looking factors for each population identified. The Company adjusts the estimated forfeiture rate to its actual experience.

Options outstanding and exercisable under the 2009 Plan as of September 30, 2021, and changes during each of the three-month periods following December 31, 2020, was as follows (in millions, except share and per share data):

						Weighted-	Aggregate
				Weighted-		Average	Intrinsic
				Average		Remaining	Value as of
				Exercise		Contractual	September 30,
	Shares			Price		Term	2021
Outstanding at December 31, 2020		1,817,525		$	8.77
Granted		749,250			8.81
Exercised		(65,165	)		4.97
Forfeited and cancelled		(173,189	)		34.66
Outstanding at March 31, 2021		2,328,421			6.96
Granted		—			—
Exercised		—			—
Forfeited and cancelled		(22,334	)		24.23
Outstanding at June 30, 2021		2,306,087			6.79
Granted		—			—
Exercised		—			—
Forfeited and cancelled		(2,000	)		17.95
Outstanding at September 30, 2021		2,304,087		$	6.78	8.2 years	$	12
Exercisable at September 30, 2021		733,162		$	6.79	7.0 years	$	4

No stock options were granted during the three months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020.The weighted-average grant date fair value of stock options granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020 was $6.22 and $3.17, respectively. The aggregate intrinsic value (calculated as the number of in-the-money stock options multiplied by the difference between the Company’s closing stock price on the last trading day of the reporting period ($11.70) and the exercise price of the respective stock options) in the table above represents the amount that would have been received by the option holders had all option holders exercised their options on September 30, 2021. This amount changes based on the market value of the Company’s common stock. The aggregate intrinsic value of options exercised during the nine months ended September 30, 2021 was less than $1 million; no options were exercised during the three months ended September 30, 2021. There were no options exercised during the three or nine months ended September 30, 2020. The aggregate intrinsic value of options vested and expected to vest approximates that of the outstanding options. 

The Company has awarded restricted stock under the 2009 Plan to employees of certain subsidiaries. With respect to time-based vesting restricted stock that has been awarded under the 2009 Plan, the restrictions on these shares have generally lapsed in one-third increments on each of the first three anniversaries of the award date. In addition, certain of the restricted stock awards granted to the Company’s senior executives have contained performance objectives required to be met in addition to any time-based vesting requirements. If the applicable performance objectives are not attained, these awards will be forfeited in their entirety. For performance-based awards, the performance objectives are measured cumulatively over a three-year period. If the applicable target performance objective is met at the end of the three-year period, then the restricted stock award subject to such performance objective will vest in full on the third anniversary of the award date. Additionally, for these performance-based awards, based on the level of achievement for the applicable performance objective within the parameters specified in the award agreement, the number of shares to be issued in connection with the vesting of the award may be adjusted to decrease or increase the number of shares specified in the original award. Notwithstanding the above-mentioned performance objectives and vesting requirements, the restrictions with respect to restricted stock granted under the 2009 Plan may lapse earlier in the event of death, disability or termination of employment by the

11

COMMUNITY HEALTH SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) – (continued)

Company for any reason other than for cause of the holder of the restricted stock, or change in control of the Company. On March 1, 2021, restricted stock awards subject to performance objectives granted on March 1, 2018 vested at 200% of the shares originally granted based on the Company’s cumulative performance compared to objectives for the 2018-2020 performance period. Restricted stock awards subject to performance objectives that have not yet been satisfied are not considered outstanding for purposes of determining earnings per share unless the performance objectives have been satisfied on the basis of results through the end of each respective reporting period.

Restricted stock outstanding under the 2009 Plan as of September 30, 2021, and changes during each of the three-month periods following December 31, 2020, was as follows:

				Weighted-
				Average Grant
	Shares			Date Fair Value
Unvested at December 31, 2020		4,555,735		$	4.84
Granted		2,829,250			7.97
Vested		(2,264,992	)		4.70
Forfeited		(37,334	)		4.94
Unvested at March 31, 2021		5,082,659			6.65
Granted		30,000			16.18
Vested		(17,335	)		3.48
Forfeited		(47,670	)		6.81
Unvested at June 30, 2021		5,047,654			6.72
Granted		—			—
Vested		—			—
Forfeited		(84,338	)		6.61
Unvested at September 30, 2021		4,963,316			6.72

Restricted stock units (“RSUs”) have been granted to the Company’s non-management directors under the 2009 Plan. Each of the Company’s then serving non-management directors received grants under the 2009 Plan of 19,296 RSUs and 34,483 RSUs on March 1, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Each of the 2021 and 2020 grants had a grant date fair value of approximately $170,000. Vesting of these RSUs occurs in one-third increments on each of the first three anniversaries of the award date or upon the director’s earlier cessation of service on the board, other than for cause. Beginning with the 2020 grant, each non-management director may elect, prior to the beginning of the calendar year in which the award is granted, to defer the receipt of shares of the Company’s common stock issuable upon vesting until either his or her (i) separation from service with the Company or (ii) attainment of an age specified in advance by the non-management director. A total of four directors elected to defer the receipt of RSUs granted on March 1, 2021 to a future date and a total of five directors elected to defer the receipt of RSUs granted on March 1, 2020 to a future date.

12

COMMUNITY HEALTH SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) – (continued)

RSUs outstanding under the 2009 Plan as of September 30, 2021, and changes during each of the three-month periods following December 31, 2020, was as follows:

				Weighted-
				Average Grant
	Shares			Date Fair Value
Unvested at December 31, 2020		613,739		$	4.89
Granted		173,664			8.81
Vested		(247,164	)		4.81
Forfeited		—			—
Unvested at March 31, 2021		540,239			6.19
Granted		—			—
Vested		—			—
Forfeited		—			—
Unvested at June 30, 2021		540,239			6.19
Granted		—			—
Vested		—			—
Forfeited		—			—
Unvested at September 30, 2021		540,239			6.19

3.  ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES 

Acquisitions 

The Company accounts for all transactions that represent business combinations using the acquisition method of accounting, where the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed and any noncontrolling interest in the acquired entity are recognized and measured at their fair values on the date the Company obtains a controlling interest in the acquiree. Such fair values that are not finalized for reporting periods following the acquisition date are estimated and recorded as provisional amounts. Adjustments to these provisional amounts during the measurement period (defined as the date through which all information required to identify and measure the consideration transferred, the assets acquired, the liabilities assumed and any noncontrolling interests has been obtained, limited to one year from the acquisition date) are recorded when identified. Goodwill is determined as the excess of the fair value of the consideration conveyed in the acquisition over the fair value of the net assets acquired. 

During the nine months ended September 30, 2021, one or more subsidiaries of the Company paid approximately $3 million to acquire the operating assets and related businesses of certain physician practices, clinics and other ancillary businesses that operate within the communities served by the Company’s affiliated hospitals. The Company allocated the purchase price to property and equipment, working capital, noncontrolling interests and goodwill.

13

COMMUNITY HEALTH SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) – (continued)

Divestitures

The following table provides a summary of hospitals that the Company divested during the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and the year ended December 31, 2020:

			Licensed
Hospital	Buyer	City, State	Beds	Effective Date
2021 Divestitures:
Lea Regional Medical Center	Covenant Health System	Hobbs, NM	84	January 1, 2021
Tennova Healthcare - Tullahoma	Vanderbilt University Medical Center	Tullahoma, TN	135	January 1, 2021
Tennova Healthcare - Shelbyville	Vanderbilt University Medical Center	Shelbyville, TN	60	January 1, 2021
Northwest Mississippi Medical Center	Delta Health System	Clarksdale, MS	181	February 1, 2021
AllianceHealth Midwest	SSM Health Care of Oklahoma	Midwest City, OK	255	April 1, 2021
2020 Divestitures:
Berwick Hospital Center	Fayette Holdings, Inc.	Berwick, PA	90	December 1, 2020
Brownwood Regional Medical Center	Hendrick Health System	Brownwood, TX	188	October 27, 2020
Abilene Regional Medical Center	Hendrick Health System	Abilene, TX	231	October 27, 2020
San Angelo Community Medical Center	Shannon Health System	San Angelo, TX	171	October 24, 2020
Bayfront Health St. Petersburg	Orlando Health, Inc.	St. Petersburg, FL	480	October 1, 2020
Hill Regional Hospital	AHRK Holdings, LLC	Hillsboro, TX	25	August 1, 2020
St. Cloud Regional Medical Center	Orlando Health, Inc.	St. Cloud, FL	84	July 1, 2020
Northern Louisiana Medical Center	Allegiance Health Management, Inc.	Ruston, LA	130	July 1, 2020
Shands Live Oak Regional Medical Center	HCA Healthcare, Inc. (“HCA”)	Live Oak, FL	25	May 1, 2020
Shands Starke Regional Medical Center	HCA	Starke, FL	49	May 1, 2020
Southside Regional Medical Center	Bon Secours Mercy Health System	Petersburg, VA	300	January 1, 2020
Southampton Memorial Hospital	Bon Secours Mercy Health System	Franklin, VA	105	January 1, 2020
Southern Virginia Regional Medical Center	Bon Secours Mercy Health System	Emporia, VA	80	January 1, 2020

Other

On July 30, 2021, the Company sold its unconsolidated minority equity interests in Macon Healthcare, LLC, a joint venture with certain subsidiaries of HCA representing two hospitals in Macon, Georgia, in which the Company held a 38% interest. The Company received $110 million in cash in connection with the sale of its equity interests and, as a result, recognized a pre-tax gain of approximately $26 million on the sale of investments in unconsolidated affiliates during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021.

4.  INCOME TAXES

The total amount of unrecognized benefit that would affect the effective tax rate, if recognized, was less than $1 million as of September 30, 2021. A total of less than $1 million of interest and penalties is included in the amount of the liability for uncertain tax positions at September 30, 2021. It is the Company’s policy to recognize interest and penalties related to unrecognized benefits in its condensed consolidated statements of income as income tax expense.

It is possible the amount of unrecognized tax benefit could change in the next 12 months as a result of a lapse of the statute of limitations and settlements with taxing authorities; however, the Company does not anticipate the change will have a material impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated results of operations or financial position.

The Company’s federal income tax returns for the 2014, 2015 and 2018 tax years are under examination by the Internal Revenue Service. The Company believes the results of these examinations will not be material to its condensed consolidated results of operations or financial position. The Company has extended the federal statute of limitations through December 31, 2021 for Community Health Systems, Inc. for the tax periods ended December 31, 2014 and 2015.

The Company’s effective tax rates were 6.5% and 13.5% for the three months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and 47.5% and (669.7)% for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The difference in the Company’s effective tax rate for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, when compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, was primarily due to an increase in the valuation allowance recognized on IRC Section 163(j) interest carryforwards created as a result of the financing transactions completed during the three months ended September 30, 2020. The difference in the Company’s effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2021, when compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2020, was primarily due to the changes in tax benefits as a result of an increase to the deductible interest expense allowed for 2019 and 2020 under the CARES Act that was enacted during the three months ended March 31, 2020.

14

COMMUNITY HEALTH SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) – (continued)

Cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds received, resulted in a net payment of approximately $1 million and $3 million during the three months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and a net payment of approximately $3 million and $2 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

5.  LONG-TERM DEBT 

Long-term debt, net of unamortized deferred debt issuance costs, consists of the following (in millions):

	September 30,			December 31,
	2021			2020
6⅞% Senior Notes due 2022	$	—		$	126
6¼% Senior Secured Notes due 2023		—			95
8⅝% Senior Secured Notes due 2024		—			1,033
6⅝% Senior Secured Notes due 2025		1,462			1,462
8% Senior Secured Notes due 2026		2,101			2,101
8% Senior Secured Notes due 2027		700			700
5⅝% Senior Secured Notes due 2027		1,900			1,900
6⅞% Senior Notes due 2028		767			767
6% Senior Secured Notes due 2029		900			900
4¾% Senior Secured Notes due 2031		1,095			—
9⅞% Junior-Priority Secured Notes due 2023		—			1,769
8⅛% Junior-Priority Secured Notes due 2024		—			1,348
6⅞% Junior-Priority Secured Notes due 2029		1,775			—
6⅛% Junior-Priority Secured Notes due 2030		1,440			—
ABL Facility		—			—
Finance lease and financing obligations		279			239
Other		37			26
Less:  Unamortized deferred debt issuance costs and note premium		(445	)		(250	)
Total debt		12,011			12,216
Less: Current maturities		(35	)		(123	)
Total long-term debt	$	11,976		$	12,093

On January 28, 2021, the remaining principal amount of the 6¼% Senior Secured Notes due 2023 of approximately $95 million was redeemed using cash on hand.

On February 2, 2021, the Company completed a private offering of $1.775 billion aggregate principal amount of 6⅞% Junior-Priority Secured Notes due April 15, 2029 (the “6⅞% Junior-Priority Secured Notes due 2029”). The proceeds of the offering, together with cash on hand, were used to redeem the 9⅞% Junior-Priority Secured Notes due 2023 in February 2021 and to pay related fees and expenses. The 6⅞% Junior-Priority Secured Notes due 2029 bear interest at a rate of 6.875% per year payable semi-annually in arrears on April 15 and October 15 of each year, commencing on October 15, 2021. The 6⅞% Junior-Priority Secured Notes due 2029 are unconditionally guaranteed on a junior-priority secured basis by the Company and each of the current and future domestic subsidiaries of CHS/Community Health Systems, Inc. (“CHS”) that provide guarantees under CHS’ ABL Facility, any capital market debt securities of CHS (including CHS’ outstanding senior notes) and certain other long-term debt of CHS.

The 6⅞% Junior-Priority Secured Notes due 2029 and the related guarantees are secured by shared (i) second-priority liens on the Non-ABL Priority Collateral that secures on a first-priority basis CHS’ senior-priority secured notes and (ii) third-priority liens on the ABL-Priority Collateral that secures on a first-priority basis the ABL Facility (and also secures on a second-priority basis CHS’ senior-priority secured notes), in each case subject to permitted liens described in the indenture governing the 6⅞% Junior-Priority Secured Notes due 2029.

At any time and from time to time prior to April 15, 2024, CHS may redeem the 6⅞% Junior-Priority Secured Notes due 2029 in whole or in part, at its option, upon not less than 15 nor more than 60 days’ prior written notice at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 6⅞% Junior-Priority Secured Notes due 2029 to be redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, plus a “make-whole” premium, as described in the indenture governing the 6⅞% Junior-Priority Secured Notes due 2029. In addition, CHS may redeem up to 40% of the aggregate principal amount of the 6⅞% Junior-Priority Secured Notes due 2029 at any time prior to

15

COMMUNITY HEALTH SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) – (continued)

April 15, 2024 using the net proceeds from certain equity offerings at a redemption price of 106.875% of the principal amount of the 6⅞% Junior-Priority Secured Notes due 2029 redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any.

At any time and from time to time on or after April 15, 2024, CHS may redeem the 6⅞% Junior-Priority Secured Notes due 2029 in whole or in part, upon not less than 15 nor more than 60 days’ prior written notice at a redemption price equal to the percentage of principal amount set forth below plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on the 6⅞% Junior-Priority Secured Notes due 2029 redeemed, to, but excluding, the applicable date of redemption, if redeemed during the twelve-month period beginning on April 15 of the years indicated below:

Period	Redemption Price
April 15, 2024 to April 14, 2025		103.438	%
April 15, 2025 to April 14, 2026		101.719	%
April 15, 2026 to April 14, 2029		100.000	%

On February 9, 2021, the Company completed a private offering of $1.095 billion aggregate principal amount of 4¾% Senior Secured Notes due February 15, 2031 (the “4¾% Senior Secured Notes due 2031”). The proceeds of the offering, together with cash on hand, were used to redeem the 8⅝% Senior Secured Notes due 2024 on February 9, 2021, and to pay related fees and expenses. The 4¾% Senior Secured Notes due 2031 bear interest at a rate of 4.750% per year payable semi-annually in arrears on February 15 and August 15, commencing on August 15, 2021. The 4¾% Senior Secured Notes due 2031 are unconditionally guaranteed on a senior-priority secured basis by each of CHS’ current and future domestic subsidiaries that provide guarantees under the ABL facility, any capital market debt securities of CHS (including CHS’ outstanding senior notes) and certain other long-term debt of CHS.

The 4¾% Senior Secured Notes due 2031 and the related guarantees are secured by shared (i) first-priority liens on the Non-ABL Priority Collateral and (ii) second-priority liens on the ABL Priority Collateral that secures on a first-priority basis the ABL Facility, in each case subject to permitted liens described in the indenture governing the 4¾% Senior Secured Notes due 2031.

CHS is entitled, at its option, to redeem all or a portion of the 4¾% Senior Secured Notes due 2031 at any time prior to February 15, 2026, upon not less than 15 nor more than 60 days’ notice, at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 4¾% Senior Secured Notes due 2031 redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, plus a “make-whole” premium, as described in the indenture governing the 4¾% Senior Secured Notes due 2031.

CHS may redeem up to 40% of the aggregate principal amount of the 4¾% Senior Secured Notes due 2031 at any time prior to February 15, 2024 using the net proceeds from certain equity offerings at a redemption price of 104.750% of the principal amount of the 4¾% Senior Secured Notes due 2031 redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any. In addition, any time prior to February 15, 2026, but not more than once during each twelve-month period, CHS may redeem up to 10% of the original aggregate principal amount of the 4¾% Senior Secured Notes due 2031 at a redemption price equal to 103% of the principal amount of the 4¾% Senior Secured Notes due 2031 to be redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any.

At any time and from time to time on or after February 15, 2026, CHS may redeem the 4¾% Senior Secured Notes due 2031 in whole or in part, upon not less than 15 nor more than 60 days’ prior written notice at a redemption price equal to the percentage of principal amount set forth below plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on the 4¾% Senior Secured Notes due 2031 redeemed, to, but excluding, the applicable date of redemption, if redeemed during the twelve-month period beginning on February 15 of the years indicated below:

Period	Redemption Price
February 15, 2026 to February 14, 2027		102.375	%
February 15, 2027 to February 14, 2028		101.583	%
February 15, 2028 to February 14, 2029		100.792	%
February 15, 2029 to February 14, 2031		100.000	%

On March 1, 2021, the Company redeemed the remaining principal amount of the 6⅞% Senior Notes due 2022 of approximately $126 million using cash on hand.

On May 19, 2021, the Company completed a private offering of $1.440 billion aggregate principal amount of 6⅛% Junior-Priority Secured Notes due April 1, 2030 (the “6⅛% Junior-Priority Secured Notes due 2030”). The proceeds of the offering, together with cash on hand, were used to redeem the 8⅛% Junior-Priority Secured Notes due 2024 on May 19, 2021, and to pay related fees and

16

COMMUNITY HEALTH SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) – (continued)

expenses. The 6⅛% Junior-Priority Secured Notes due 2030 bear interest at a rate of 6.125% per year payable semi-annually in arrears on April 1 and October 1, commencing on October 1, 2021. The 6⅛% Junior-Priority Secured Notes due 2030 are unconditionally guaranteed on a junior-priority secured basis by each of CHS’ current and future domestic subsidiaries that provide guarantees under the ABL facility, any capital market debt securities of CHS (including CHS’ outstanding senior notes) and certain other long-term debt of CHS.

The 6⅛% Junior-Priority Secured Notes due 2030 and the related guarantees are secured by shared (i) second-priority liens on the Non-ABL Priority Collateral and (ii) third-priority liens on the ABL Priority Collateral that secures on a first-priority basis the ABL Facility, in each case subject to permitted liens described in the indenture governing the 6⅛% Junior-Priority Secured Notes due 2030.

CHS is entitled, at its option, to redeem all or a portion of the 6⅛% Junior-Priority Secured Notes due 2030 at any time prior to April 1, 2025, upon not less than 15 nor more than 60 days’ notice, at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 6⅛% Junior-Priority Secured Notes due 2030 redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, plus a “make-whole” premium, as described in the indenture governing the 6⅛% Junior-Priority Secured Notes due 2030.

CHS may redeem up to 40% of the aggregate principal amount of the 6⅛% Junior-Priority Secured Notes due 2030 at any time prior to May 15, 2024 using the net proceeds from certain equity offerings at a redemption price of 106.125% of the principal amount of the 6⅛% Junior-Priority Secured Notes due 2030 redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any.

At any time and from time to time on or after April 1, 2025, CHS may redeem the 6⅛% Junior-Priority Secured Notes due 2030 in whole or in part, upon not less than 15 nor more than 60 days’ prior written notice at a redemption price equal to the percentage of principal amount set forth below plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on the 6⅛% Junior-Priority Secured Notes due 2030 redeemed, to, but excluding, the applicable date of redemption, if redeemed during the twelve-month period beginning on April 1 of the years indicated below:

Period	Redemption Price
April 1, 2025 to March 31, 2026		103.063	%
April 1, 2026 to March 31, 2027		101.531	%
April 1, 2027 to March 31, 2030		100.000	%

The maximum aggregate principal amount under the ABL Facility is $1.0 billion. At September 30, 2021, the available borrowing base under the ABL Facility was $836 million, of which $108 million was reserved for outstanding letters of credit and $728 million represented excess availability. The Company had no outstanding borrowings as of September 30, 2021. Letters of credit were reduced during the nine months ended September 30, 2021 by $42 million, primarily in relation to a professional liability claim that was settled and funded during the three months ended December 31, 2020. The issued letters of credit are primarily in support of potential insurance-related claims and certain bonds. 

The ABL Facility contains customary representations and warranties, subject to limitations and exceptions, and customary covenants restricting the Company’s ability, subject to certain exceptions, to, among other things (1) declare dividends, make distributions or redeem or repurchase capital stock, (2) prepay, redeem or repurchase other debt, (3) incur liens or grant negative pledges, (4) make loans and investments and enter into acquisitions and joint ventures, (5) incur additional indebtedness or provide certain guarantees, (6) engage in mergers, acquisitions and asset sales, (7) conduct transactions with affiliates, (8) alter the nature of the Company’s, CHS’ or the guarantors’ businesses, (9) grant certain guarantees with respect to physician practices, (10) engage in sale and leaseback transactions or (11) change the Company’s fiscal year. The Company is also required to comply with a consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio, upon certain triggering events described below, and various affirmative covenants. The consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio is calculated as the ratio of (x) consolidated EBITDA (as defined in the ABL Facility) less capital expenditures to (y) the sum of consolidated interest expense (as defined in the ABL Facility), scheduled principal payments, income taxes and restricted payments made in cash or in permitted investments. For purposes of calculating the consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio, the calculation of consolidated EBITDA as defined in the ABL Facility is a trailing 12-month calculation that begins with the Company’s consolidated net income, with certain adjustments for interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, stock compensation expense, restructuring costs, and the financial impact of other non-cash or non-recurring items recorded during any such 12-month period. The consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio is a required covenant only in periods where the total borrowings outstanding under the ABL Facility reduce the amount available in the facility to less than the greater of (i) $95 million or (ii) 10% of the calculated borrowing base. As a result, in the event the Company has less than $95 million available under the ABL Facility, the Company would need to comply with the consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio. At September 30, 2021, the Company is not subject to the consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio as such triggering event had not occurred during the last twelve months ended September 30, 2021.  

17

COMMUNITY HEALTH SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) – (continued)

The Company paid interest of $268 million and $279 million on borrowings during the three months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and $572 million and $765 million on borrowings during the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

6.  FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The fair value of financial instruments has been estimated by the Company using available market information as of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, and valuation methodologies considered appropriate. The estimates presented in the table below are not necessarily indicative of amounts the Company could realize in a current market exchange (in millions):

	September 30, 2021				December 31, 2020
	Carrying		Estimated Fair		Carrying		Estimated Fair
	Amount		Value		Amount		Value
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	1,294	$	1,294	$	1,676	$	1,676
Investments in equity securities		126		126		129		129
Available-for-sale debt securities		169		169		110		110
Trading securities		12		12		12		12
Liabilities:
6⅞% Senior Notes due 2022		—		—		125		125
6¼% Senior Secured Notes due 2023		—		—		95		99
8⅝% Senior Secured Notes due 2024		—		—		1,025		1,080
6⅝% Senior Secured Notes due 2025		1,432		1,532		1,427		1,543
8% Senior Secured Notes due 2026		2,077		2,229		2,074		2,275
8% Senior Secured Notes due 2027		692		767		692		760
5⅝% Senior Secured Notes due 2027		1,816		1,997		1,809		2,048
6⅞% Senior Notes due 2028		759		739		758		618
6% Senior Secured Notes due 2029		859		957		857		973
4¾% Senior Secured Notes due 2031		1,090		1,107		—		—
9⅞% Junior-Priority Secured Notes due 2023		—		—		1,756		1,861
8⅛% Junior-Priority Secured Notes due 2024		—		—		1,336		1,408
6⅞% Junior-Priority Secured Notes due 2029		1,621		1,781		—		—
6⅛% Junior-Priority Secured Notes due 2030		1,350		1,401		—		—
ABL Facility and other debt		35		35		23		23

The carrying value of the Company’s long-term debt in the above table is presented net of unamortized deferred debt issuance costs. The estimated fair value is determined using the methodologies discussed below in accordance with accounting standards related to the determination of fair value based on the U.S. GAAP fair value hierarchy as discussed in Note 7. The estimated fair value for financial instruments with a fair value that does not equal its carrying value is considered a Level 1 valuation. The Company utilizes the market approach and obtains indicative pricing through publicly available subscription services such as Bloomberg to determine fair values where relevant.

Cash and cash equivalents.  The carrying amount approximates fair value due to the short-term maturity of these instruments (less than three months).

Investments in equity securities. Estimated fair value is based on closing price as quoted in public markets.

Available-for-sale debt securities.  Estimated fair value is based on closing price as quoted in public markets or other various valuation techniques.

Trading securities.  Estimated fair value is based on closing price as quoted in public markets.

Senior Notes, Senior Secured Notes and Junior-Priority Secured Notes.  Estimated fair value is based on the closing market price for these notes.

18

COMMUNITY HEALTH SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) – (continued)

ABL Facility and other debt.  The carrying amount of ABL Facility and all other debt approximates fair value due to the nature of these obligations.

7.  FAIR VALUE 

Fair Value Hierarchy

Fair value is a market-based measurement, not an entity-specific measurement. Therefore, a fair value measurement should be determined based on the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. As a basis for considering market participant assumptions in fair value measurements, the Company utilizes the U.S. GAAP fair value hierarchy that distinguishes between market participant assumptions based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity (observable inputs that are classified within Levels 1 and 2 of the hierarchy) and the reporting entity’s own assumption about market participant assumptions (unobservable inputs classified within Level 3 of the hierarchy).

The inputs used to measure fair value are classified into the following fair value hierarchy:

Level 1:  Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2:  Observable market-based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data.

Level 3:  Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities. Level 3 includes values determined using pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies, or similar techniques reflecting the Company’s own assumptions.

In instances where the determination of the fair value hierarchy measurement is based on inputs from different levels of the fair value hierarchy, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the entire fair value measurement falls is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment of factors specific to the asset or liability. Transfers between levels within the fair value hierarchy are recognized by the Company on the date of the change in circumstances that requires such transfer. There were no transfers between levels during the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2021 or 2020.

The following table sets forth, by level within the fair value hierarchy, the financial assets and liabilities recorded at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 (in millions):

	September 30, 2021		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Investments in equity securities	$	126	$	126	$	—	$	—
Available-for-sale debt securities		169		—		169		—
Trading securities		12		—		12		—
Total assets	$	307	$	126	$	181	$	—

	December 31, 2020		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Investments in equity securities	$	129	$	129	$	—	$	—
Available-for-sale debt securities		110		—		110		—
Trading securities		12		—		12		—
Total assets	$	251	$	129	$	122	$	—

Investments in Equity Securities, Available-for-Sale Debt Securities and Trading Securities

Investments in equity securities classified as Level 1 are measured using quoted market prices. Level 2 available-for-sale debt securities and trading securities primarily consisted of bonds and notes issued by the United States government and its agencies and domestic and foreign corporations. The estimated fair values of these securities are determined using various valuation techniques, including a multi-dimensional relational model that incorporates standard observable inputs and assumptions such as benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, issuer spreads, benchmark securities, bids/offers and other pertinent reference data.

19

COMMUNITY HEALTH SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) – (continued)

8.  LEASES

The Company utilizes operating and finance leases for the use of certain hospitals, medical office buildings, and medical equipment. The components of lease cost and rent expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020 are as follows (in millions):

	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
Lease Cost	2021			2020			2021			2020
Operating lease cost:
Operating lease cost	$	49		$	50		$	147		$	152
Short-term rent expense		22			27			70			80
Variable lease cost		5			9			17			20
Sublease income		(1	)		(1	)		(3	)		(4	)
Total operating lease cost	$	75		$	85		$	231		$	248
Finance lease cost:
Amortization of right-of-use assets	$	2		$	2		$	6		$	8
Interest on finance lease liabilities		2			2			5			6
Total finance lease cost	$	4		$	4		$	11		$	14

Supplemental balance sheet information related to leases was as follows (in millions):

	Balance Sheet Classification	September 30, 2021			December 31, 2020
Operating Leases:
Operating Lease ROU Assets	Other assets, net	$	667		$	642
Finance Leases:
Finance Lease ROU Assets	Property and equipment
	Land and improvements	$	8		$	8
	Buildings and improvements		173			134
	Equipment and fixtures		14			8
	Property and equipment		195			150
	Less accumulated depreciation and amortization		(51	)		(46	)
	Property and equipment, net	$	144		$	104
Current finance lease liabilities	Current maturities of long-term debt	$	9		$	5
Long-term finance lease liabilities	Long-term debt		112			74

Supplemental cash flow information related to leases for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020 is as follows (in millions):

	Nine Months Ended September 30,
Cash flow information	2021		2020
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:
Operating cash flows from operating leases (1)	$	149	$	141
Operating cash flows from finance leases		5		6
Financing cash flows from finance leases		4		5
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new finance lease liabilities		46		22
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities		118		119

(1) Included in the change in other operating assets and liabilities in the condensed consolidated statement of cash flows.

20

COMMUNITY HEALTH SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) – (continued)

9.  STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT

Authorized capital shares of the Company include 400,000,000 shares of capital stock consisting of 300,000,000 shares of common stock and 100,000,000 shares of preferred stock. Each of the aforementioned classes of capital stock has a par value of $0.01 per share. Shares of preferred stock, none of which were outstanding as of September 30, 2021, may be issued in one or more series having such rights, preferences and other provisions as determined by the Board of Directors without approval by the holders of common stock.

The Company is a holding company which operates through its subsidiaries. The Company’s ABL Facility and the indentures governing each series of the Company’s outstanding notes contain various covenants under which the assets of the subsidiaries of the Company are subject to certain restrictions relating to, among other matters, dividends and distributions, as referenced in the paragraph below.

The ABL Facility and the indentures governing each series of the Company’s outstanding notes restrict the Company’s subsidiaries from, among other matters, paying dividends and making distributions to the Company, which thereby limits the Company’s ability to pay dividends and/or repurchase stock. As of September 30, 2021, under the most restrictive test in these agreements (and subject to certain exceptions), the Company has approximately $200 million of capacity to pay permitted dividends and/or repurchase shares of stock or make other restricted payments.

21

COMMUNITY HEALTH SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) – (continued)

The following schedule presents the reconciliation of the carrying amount of total equity, equity attributable to the Company’s stockholders, and equity attributable to noncontrolling interests as of September 30, 2021, and during each of the three-month periods following December 31, 2020 (in millions):

				Community Health Systems, Inc. Stockholders
	Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest			Common Stock		Additional Paid-In Capital			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Income)			Accumulated Deficit			Noncontrolling Interest			Total Stockholders’ Deficit
Balance, December 31, 2020	$	484		$	1	$	2,094		$	(13	)	$	(3,707	)	$	87		$	(1,538	)
Comprehensive income (loss)		21			—		—			(3	)		(64	)		8			(59	)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests		(12	)		—		—			—			—			(9	)		(9	)
Dispositions of less-than-wholly owned business		(7	)		—		—			—			—			—			—
Noncontrolling interest in acquired entity		2			—		—			—			—			—			—
Adjustment to redemption value of redeemable    noncontrolling interests		(7	)		—		7			—			—			—			7
Cancellation of restricted stock for tax withholdings    on vested shares		—			—		(4	)		—			—			—			(4	)
Share-based compensation		—			—		8			—			—			—			8
Balance, March 31, 2021		481			1		2,105			(16	)		(3,771	)		86			(1,595	)
Comprehensive income		24			—		—			1			6			7			14
Distributions to noncontrolling interests		(31	)		—		—			—			—			(14	)		(14	)
Purchase of subsidiary shares from noncontrolling    interests		(2	)		—		—			—			—			—			—
Other reclassifications of noncontrolling interests		1			—		(1	)		—			—			—			(1	)
Adjustment to redemption value of redeemable    noncontrolling interests		25			—		(25	)		—			—			—			(25	)
Share-based compensation		—			—		5			—			—			—			5
Balance, June 30, 2021		498			1		2,084			(15	)		(3,765	)		79			(1,616	)
Comprehensive income		20			—		—			1			110			14			125
Contributions from noncontrolling interests		1			—		—			—			—			—			—
Distributions to noncontrolling interests		(19	)		—		—			—			—			(10	)		(10	)
Purchase of subsidiary shares from noncontrolling    interests		(13	)		—		9			—			—			—			9
Adjustment to redemption value of redeemable    noncontrolling interests		6			—		(6	)		—			—			—			(6	)
Share-based compensation		—			—		5			—			—			—			5
Balance, September 30, 2021	$	493		$	1	$	2,092		$	(14	)	$	(3,655	)	$	83		$	(1,493	)

22

COMMUNITY HEALTH SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) – (continued)

The following schedule presents the reconciliation of the carrying amount of total equity, equity attributable to the Company’s stockholders, and equity attributable to the noncontrolling interests as of September 30, 2020, and during each of the three-month periods following December 31, 2019 (in millions):

				Community Health Systems, Inc. Stockholders
	Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest			Common Stock		Additional Paid-In Capital			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss			Accumulated Deficit			Noncontrolling Interest			Total Stockholders’ Deficit
Balance, December 31, 2019	$	502		$	1	$	2,008		$	(9	)	$	(4,218	)	$	77		$	(2,141	)
Comprehensive income		8		—		—				2			18			8			28
Distributions to noncontrolling interests		(22	)	—		—			—			—				(8	)		(8	)
Purchase of subsidiary shares from noncontrolling    interests		(1	)	—			(1	)	—			—			—				(1	)
Other reclassifications of noncontrolling interests		8		—		—			—			—				(8	)		(8	)
Adjustment to redemption value of redeemable    noncontrolling interests		7		—			(7	)	—			—			—				(7	)
Cancellation of restricted stock for tax withholdings    on vested shares	—			—			(1	)	—			—			—				(1	)
Share-based compensation	—			—			2		—			—			—				2
Balance, March 31, 2020		502			1		2,001			(7	)		(4,200	)		69			(2,136	)
Comprehensive income		7		—		—				2			69			16			87
Distributions to noncontrolling interests		(17	)	—		—			—			—				(10	)		(10	)
Purchase of subsidiary shares from noncontrolling    interests		(1	)	—			1		—			—			—				1
Other reclassifications of noncontrolling interests		1		—			—		—			—				—		—
Adjustment to redemption value of redeemable    noncontrolling interests		(3	)	—			3		—			—			—				3
Share-based compensation	—			—			3		—			—			—				3
Balance, June 30, 2020		489			1		2,008			(5	)		(4,131	)		75			(2,052	)
Comprehensive income (loss)		23		—		—				—			112			(8	)		104
Distributions to noncontrolling interests		(20	)	—		—			—			—				(7	)		(7	)
Purchase of subsidiary shares from noncontrolling    interests		(2	)	—			—		—			—			—				—
Dispositions of less-than-wholly owned hospital		(15	)	—			—		—			—				—			—
Adjustment to redemption value of redeemable    noncontrolling interests		6		—			(6	)	—			—			—				(6	)
Share-based compensation	—			—			3		—			—			—				3
Balance, September 30, 2020	$	481		$	1	$	2,005		$	(5	)	$	(4,018	)	$	60		$	(1,957	)

23

The following schedule discloses the effects of changes in the Company’s ownership interest in its less-than-wholly-owned subsidiaries on Community Health Systems, Inc. stockholders’ deficit (in millions):

	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	September 30,				September 30,
	2021		2020		2021		2020
Net income attributable to Community Health Systems,    Inc. stockholders	$	111	$	112	$	52	$	200
Transfers to the noncontrolling interests:
Net increase in Community Health Systems,    Inc. paid-in-capital for purchase of    subsidiary partnership interests		9		—		9		—
Net transfers to the noncontrolling interests		9		—		9		—
Change to Community Health Systems, Inc. stockholders'    deficit from net income attributable to    Community Health Systems, Inc. stockholders and    transfers to noncontrolling interests	$	120	$	112	$	61	$	200

10.  EARNINGS PER SHARE 

The following table sets forth the components of the denominator for the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share for net income attributable to Community Health Systems, Inc. common stockholders:

	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	September 30,				September 30,
	2021		2020		2021		2020
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding — basic		127,077,786		115,015,460		126,638,291		114,764,050
Effect of dilutive securities:
Restricted stock awards		2,652,676		500,857		2,249,117		205,600
Employee stock options		795,471		2,193		698,941		890
Other equity-based awards		359,206		122,342		299,602		41,662
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding — diluted		130,885,139		115,640,852		129,885,951		115,012,202

	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	September 30,				September 30,
	2021		2020		2021		2020
Dilutive securities outstanding not included in the computation    of earnings per share because their effect is antidilutive:
Employee stock options and restricted stock awards		748,002		1,846,026		784,752		3,673,618

11.  CONTINGENCIES

The Company is a party to various legal, regulatory and governmental proceedings incidental to its business. Based on current knowledge, management does not believe that loss contingencies arising from pending legal, regulatory and governmental matters will have a material adverse effect on the condensed consolidated financial position or liquidity of the Company. However, in light of the inherent uncertainties involved in pending legal, regulatory and governmental matters, some of which are beyond the Company’s control, and the very large or indeterminate damages sought in some of these matters, an adverse outcome in one or more of these matters could be material to the Company’s results of operations or cash flows for any particular reporting period.

24

With respect to all legal, regulatory and governmental proceedings, the Company considers the likelihood of a negative outcome. If the Company determines the likelihood of a negative outcome with respect to any such matter is probable and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated, the Company records an accrual for the estimated loss for the expected outcome of the matter. If the likelihood of a negative outcome with respect to material matters is reasonably possible and the Company is able to determine an estimate of the possible loss or a range of loss, whether in excess of a related accrued liability or where there is no accrued liability, the Company discloses the estimate of the possible loss or range of loss. However, the Company is unable to estimate a possible loss or range of loss in some instances based on the significant uncertainties involved in, and/or the preliminary nature of, certain legal, regulatory and governmental matters.

Probable Contingencies

The table below presents a reconciliation of the beginning and ending liability balances (in millions) during the nine months ended September 30, 2021, with respect to the Company’s determination of the contingencies of the Company in respect of which an accrual has been recorded. The liability as of September 30, 2021 is comprised of individually insignificant amounts for various matters.

Summary of Recorded Amounts

	Probable
	Contingencies
Balance as of December 31, 2020	$	11
Expense		1
Reserve for insured claim		(1	)
Cash payments		(1	)
Balance as of September 30, 2021	$	10

In accordance with applicable accounting guidance, the Company establishes a liability for litigation, regulatory and governmental matters for which, based on information currently available, the Company believes that a negative outcome is known or is probable and the amount of the loss is reasonably estimable. For all such matters (whether or not discussed in this contingencies footnote), such amounts have been recorded in other accrued liabilities on the condensed consolidated balance sheet and are included in the table above. Due to the uncertainties and difficulty in predicting the ultimate resolution of these contingencies, the actual amount could differ from the estimated amount reflected as a liability on the condensed consolidated balance sheet.

12.  SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

The Company has evaluated all material events occurring subsequent to the balance sheet date for events requiring disclosure or recognition in the condensed consolidated financial statements.

On October 1, 2021, Tyler Memorial Hospital in Tunkhannock, Pennsylvania, which previously offered inpatient care and surgical services as a stand-alone acute care hospital, began operating as a campus of Regional Hospital of Scranton, in Scranton, Pennsylvania, offering emergency room and outpatient services such as primary care, laboratory and imaging. Effective with this change, the Company owns or leases 83 hospitals, comprised of 81 general acute care hospitals and two stand-alone rehabilitation or psychiatric hospitals.

Pandemic Relief Funds and Medicare Accelerated Payments:

In October 2021, the Company submitted a combined application for Phase 4 of the Provider Relief Fund (“PRF Phase 4”) and amounts appropriated by the ARPA for providers serving rural healthcare patients (“ARP Rural”). No amounts have been received by the Company for the PRF Phase 4 or ARP Rural programs as of the date of this Form 10-Q, and the Company is not able to predict the extent to which it may receive amounts pursuant to such programs, if any.

The outstanding balance of Medicare accelerated payments of $814 million as of September 30, 2021 was repaid in full to CMS in October 2021, prior to the date of this Form 10-Q, through a combination of recoupments via Medicare remittances and lump-sum payments.

25

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

You should read this discussion together with our condensed consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes included herein.

Throughout this Form 10-Q, we refer to Community Health Systems, Inc., or the Parent Company, and its consolidated subsidiaries in a simplified manner and on a collective basis, using words like “we,” “our,” “us” and the “Company”. This drafting style is suggested by the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, and is not meant to indicate that the publicly traded Parent Company or any particular subsidiary of the Parent Company owns or operates any asset, business or property. The hospitals, operations and businesses described in this filing are owned and operated by distinct and indirect subsidiaries of Community Health Systems, Inc.

Executive Overview

We are one of the largest publicly traded hospital companies in the United States and a leading operator of general acute care hospitals and outpatient facilities in communities across the country. We provide healthcare services through the hospitals that we own and operate and affiliated businesses in non-urban and selected urban markets throughout the United States. We generate revenues by providing a broad range of general and specialized hospital healthcare services and outpatient services to patients in the communities in which we are located. As of September 30, 2021, we owned or leased 84 hospitals, comprised of 82 general acute care hospitals and two stand-alone rehabilitation or psychiatric hospitals. As described in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) in Part I, Item 1 of this Form 10-Q under the heading “Subsequent Events”, we owned or leased 83 hospitals effective October 1, 2021 after giving effect to the hospital consolidation described therein. We are paid for our services by governmental agencies, private insurers and directly by the patients we serve.

We previously disclosed that our portfolio rationalization and deleveraging strategy involving the divestiture of hospitals and non-hospital businesses had concluded. However, we continue to receive interest from potential acquirers for certain of our hospitals, and may, from time to time, consider selling additional hospitals or our unconsolidated equity interests in hospitals if we consider any such disposition to be in our best interests.

COVID-19 Pandemic

A novel strain of coronavirus causing the disease known as COVID-19 was first identified in December 2019, and has spread throughout the world, including across the United States. The Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, or HHS, has renewed the agency’s declaration of a national public health emergency, which was originally declared in January 2020, due to the continued consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. During the third quarter of 2021, the number of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations increased in the United States in comparison to earlier levels, and restrictive measures, including mask and vaccine requirements, were implemented or reinstituted by various government authorities and private businesses.

As a provider of healthcare services, we are significantly affected by the public health and economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The safety of our patients, physicians, nurses, and employees in the communities in which we serve remains our primary focus. We have been working with federal, state and local health authorities to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic in the communities we serve.

Our hospitals, medical clinics, medical personnel, and employees have been actively caring for COVID-19 patients. Although we have implemented considerable safety measures, treatment of COVID-19 patients has associated risks, which may include the manner in which medical personnel perceive and respond to such risks. While our hospitals have not generally experienced major capacity constraints to date arising from the treatment of COVID-19 patients, there are hospitals in the United States that have been overwhelmed in caring for COVID-19 patients, which has prevented such hospitals from treating all patients who seek care. One or more of our hospitals could be subject to such conditions in the future if a major COVID-19 outbreak occurs in a geographic region where any of our hospitals are located.

We have incurred, and may continue to incur, certain increased expenses arising from the COVID-19 pandemic, including additional labor, supply chain, capital and other expenditures.

Negative economic conditions and other factors resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic have affected, and may continue to affect, our service mix, revenue mix, payor mix and/or patient volumes, as well as our ability to collect outstanding receivables. Pandemic-related factors may continue to adversely affect demand for our services, as well as the ability of patients and other payors to pay for services rendered. We have observed deterioration in the collectability of patient accounts receivable from uninsured patients compared to pre-pandemic levels which, if sustained, may adversely affect our financial results and require an increased level of working capital.

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While we are not able to fully quantify the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic will have on our future financial results, we expect developments related to COVID-19 to continue to affect our financial performance. Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic may otherwise have material adverse effects on our results of operations, financial position, and/or our cash flows if economic and/or public health conditions in the United States deteriorate. The ultimate impact of the pandemic on our financial results will depend on, among other factors, the duration and severity of the pandemic, the volume of canceled or rescheduled procedures at our facilities, the volume of COVID-19 patients cared for across our health systems, the timing, availability and acceptance of effective medical treatments and vaccines, the spread of potentially more contagious and/or virulent forms of the virus, including any possible variants of the virus that may be resistant to currently available vaccines, and the impact of government actions and administrative regulation on the hospital industry and broader economy, including through existing and any future stimulus efforts as well as vaccine requirements. As discussed below under “Overview of Legislative Developments”, we have received, and may continue to receive, payments and advances made available under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security act, or the CARES Act, the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act, or the PPPHCE Act, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, or the CAA, the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, or the ARPA, and other stimulus laws, which have been beneficial in partially mitigating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our results of operation and financial position to date. The federal government may consider additional stimulus and relief efforts but we are unable to predict whether any additional stimulus measures will be enacted or their impact, if any. We are unable to assess the extent to which potential ongoing negative impacts on us arising from the COVID-19 pandemic will ultimately be offset by amounts received, and benefits which we may in the future receive, under the CARES Act, the PPPHCE Act, the CAA, the ARPA or any future stimulus measures.

Completed Divestiture and Acquisition Activity

During the nine months ended September 30, 2021, we completed the divestiture of five hospitals, including three which closed effective January 1, 2021 (for these hospitals we received net proceeds at a preliminary closing on December 31, 2020). These five hospitals represented annual net operating revenues in 2020 of approximately $275 million and, including the net proceeds for the three hospital divestitures that preliminarily closed on December 31, 2020, we received total net proceeds of approximately $28 million in connection with the disposition of these hospitals.

During 2020, we completed the divestiture of 13 hospitals, including three which closed effective January 1, 2020 (for these hospitals we received the net proceeds at a preliminary closing on December 31, 2019), but not including the divestiture of three hospitals noted in the prior paragraph which closed on January 1, 2021. These 13 hospitals represented annual net operating revenues in 2019 of approximately $1.2 billion and, including the net proceeds for the divestiture of three hospitals that preliminarily closed on December 31, 2019, we received total net proceeds of approximately $845 million in connection with the disposition of these hospitals.

The following table provides a summary of hospitals that we divested during the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and the year ended December 31, 2020:

Hospital	Buyer	City, State	Licensed Beds	Effective Date
2021 Divestitures:
Lea Regional Medical Center	Covenant Health System	Hobbs, NM	84	January 1, 2021
Tennova Healthcare - Tullahoma	Vanderbilt University Medical Center	Tullahoma, TN	135	January 1, 2021
Tennova Healthcare - Shelbyville	Vanderbilt University Medical Center	Shelbyville, TN	60	January 1, 2021
Northwest Mississippi Medical Center	Delta Health System	Clarksdale, MS	181	February 1, 2021
AllianceHealth Midwest	SSM Health Care of Oklahoma	Midwest City, OK	255	April 1, 2021
2020 Divestitures:
Berwick Hospital Center	Fayette Holdings, Inc.	Berwick, PA	90	December 1, 2020
Brownwood Regional Medical Center	Hendrick Health System	Brownwood, TX	188	October 27, 2020
Abilene Regional Medical Center	Hendrick Health System	Abilene, TX	231	October 27, 2020
San Angelo Community Medical Center	Shannon Health System	San Angelo, TX	171	October 24, 2020
Bayfront Health St. Petersburg	Orlando Health, Inc.	St. Petersburg, FL	480	October 1, 2020
Hill Regional Hospital	AHRK Holdings, LLC	Hillsboro, TX	25	August 1, 2020
St. Cloud Regional Medical Center	Orlando Health, Inc.	St. Cloud, FL	84	July 1, 2020
Northern Louisiana Medical Center	Allegiance Health Management, Inc.	Ruston, LA	130	July 1, 2020
Shands Live Oak Regional Medical Center	HCA Healthcare, Inc. (“HCA”)	Live Oak, FL	25	May 1, 2020
Shands Starke Regional Medical Center	HCA	Starke, FL	49	May 1, 2020
Southside Regional Medical Center	Bon Secours Mercy Health System	Petersburg, VA	300	January 1, 2020
Southampton Memorial Hospital	Bon Secours Mercy Health System	Franklin, VA	105	January 1, 2020
Southern Virginia Regional Medical Center	Bon Secours Mercy Health System	Emporia, VA	80	January 1, 2020

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While we previously disclosed that our formal portfolio rationalization program had concluded, we continue to receive interest from potential acquirers for certain of our hospitals, and may, from time to time, consider selling additional hospitals if we consider any such disposition to be in our best interests. We expect proceeds from any such divestitures to be used for general corporate purposes and capital expenditures.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2021, we paid approximately $3 million to acquire the operating assets and related businesses of certain physician practices, clinics and other ancillary businesses that operate within the communities served by our hospitals. We allocated the purchase price to property and equipment, working capital, noncontrolling interests and goodwill.

As described in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) in Part I, Item 1 of this Form 10-Q under the heading “Acquisitions and Divestitures”, on July 30, 2021, we sold our unconsolidated minority equity interests in Macon Healthcare, LLC, a joint venture with certain subsidiaries of HCA representing two hospitals in Macon, Georgia, in which we owned a 38% interest. We received $110 million in cash in connection with the sale of these equity interests and recognized a pre-tax gain of approximately $26 million on the sale of our investments in unconsolidated affiliates during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021.

Overview of Operating Results

Net operating revenues remained consistent at $3.1 billion for the three month periods ended September 30, 2021 and 2020. On a same-store basis, net operating revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2021 increased $205 million.

We had net income of $144 million during the three months ended September 30, 2021, compared to $128 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020. Net income for the three months ended September 30, 2021 included the following:

• an after-tax charge of $1 million for the impairment of long-lived assets of divested businesses based on their estimated fair values, and

• an after-tax benefit of $21 million for gain on the sale of investments in unconsolidated affiliates.

Net income for the three months ended September 30, 2020 included the following:

• an after-tax benefit of $100 million for gain from early extinguishment of debt,

• an after-tax charge of $1 million for the impairment of goodwill and long-lived assets of divested businesses based on their estimated fair values, net of gains recognized upon the sale of certain facilities, and

• an after-tax charge of $8 million for employee termination benefits and other restructuring costs.

Consolidated inpatient admissions for the three months ended September 30, 2021, decreased 5.5%, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2020. Consolidated adjusted admissions for the three months ended September 30, 2021, decreased 3.4%, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2020. Same-store inpatient admissions for the three months ended September 30, 2021, increased 2.8%, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2020, and same-store adjusted admissions for the three months ended September 30, 2021, increased 4.7%, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2020.

Our net operating revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 increased $465 million to approximately $9.1 billion compared to approximately $8.7 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2020. On a same-store basis, net operating revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 increased $1.2 billion.

We had net income of $146 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2021, compared to $254 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020.  Net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 included the following:

• an after-tax charge of $116 million for loss from early extinguishment of debt,

• an after-tax charge of $19 million for the impairment of long-lived assets of divested businesses based on their estimated fair values, net of gains recognized upon the sale of certain businesses, and

• an after-tax benefit of $21 million for gain on the sale of investments in unconsolidated affiliates.

Net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 included the following:

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• an after-tax charge of $3 million for government and other legal settlements and related costs,

• an after-tax benefit of $97 million for gain from early extinguishment of debt,

• an after-tax charge of $58 million for the impairment of goodwill and long-lived assets of divested businesses based on their estimated fair values, net of gains recognized upon the sale of certain facilities,

• an after-tax charge of $12 million for employee termination benefits and other restructuring costs,

• an after-tax charge of $1 million for legal expenses related to the settlement of certain litigation matters related to Health Management Associates, or HMA, which existed on or prior to July 29, 2013, and

• income of approximately $240 million due to discrete tax benefits related to the release of federal and state valuation allowances on IRC Section 163(j) interest carryforwards as a result of an increase to the deductible interest expense allowed for 2019 and 2020 under the CARES Act that was enacted during the nine months ended September 30, 2020.

Consolidated inpatient admissions for the nine months ended September 30, 2021, decreased 5.5%, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2020. Consolidated adjusted admissions for the nine months ended September 30, 2021, decreased 2.4%, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2020. Same-store inpatient admissions for the nine months ended September 30, 2021, increased 4.3%, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2020, and same-store adjusted admissions for the nine months ended September 30, 2021, increased 7.3%, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2020.

Self-pay revenues represented approximately 1.3% and 0.5% of net operating revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and 0.9% and (0.1)% for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The amount of foregone revenue related to providing charity care services as a percentage of net operating revenues was approximately 6.9% and 9.1% for the three months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and 7.2% and 8.7% for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Direct and indirect costs incurred in providing charity care services as a percentage of net operating revenues was approximately 0.8% and 1.1% for the three months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and 0.8% and 1.0% for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

Overview of Legislative Developments

The U.S. Congress and certain state legislatures have introduced and passed a large number of proposals and legislation designed to make major changes in the healthcare system, including changes that have impacted access to health insurance. The most prominent of these efforts, the Affordable Care Act, affected how healthcare services are covered, delivered and reimbursed. The Affordable Care Act increased health insurance coverage through a combination of public program expansion and private sector health insurance reforms and mandated that substantially all U.S. citizens maintain health insurance. The Affordable Care Act also made a number of changes to Medicare and Medicaid, such as a productivity offset to the Medicare market basket update and reductions to the Medicare and Medicaid disproportionate share hospital, or DSH, payments. However, reductions to DSH payments have been delayed by the CAA through 2023.

The Affordable Care Act has been subject to legislative and regulatory changes and court challenges and, although the current presidential administration has indicated its intent to protect the Affordable Care Act, it is possible that there may be continued changes to the law, its implementation or its interpretation. For example, final rules issued in 2018 expand availability of association health plans and allow the sale of short-term, limited-duration health plans, neither of which are required to cover all of the essential health benefits mandated by the Affordable Care Act. Additionally, effective January 1, 2019, the financial penalty associated with the individual mandate was eliminated as part of the 2017 tax reform legislation. This change resulted in legal challenges to the constitutionality of the individual mandate and validity of the Affordable Care Act as a whole. However, in June 2021, the U.S. Supreme Court determined that the plaintiffs lacked standing, allowing the law to remain in place. Nonetheless, the elimination of the individual mandate penalty and other changes may impact the number of individuals that elect to obtain public or private health insurance or the scope of such coverage, if purchased.

Of critical importance to us is the potential impact of any changes specific to the Medicaid program, including the funding and expansion provisions of the Affordable Care Act or any subsequent legislation or agency initiatives. Historically, the states with the greatest reductions in the number of uninsured adult residents have expanded Medicaid. A number of states have opted out of the Medicaid coverage expansion provisions, but could ultimately decide to expand their programs at a later date. Of the 16 states in which we operated hospitals as of September 30, 2021, nine states have taken action to expand their Medicaid programs. At this time, the other seven states have not, including Florida, Alabama, Tennessee and Texas, where we operated a significant number of hospitals as of September 30, 2021. Some states use, or have applied to use, waivers granted by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, or CMS, to implement expansion, impose different eligibility or enrollment conditions, or otherwise implement programs that vary from federal standards.

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We believe that the Affordable Care Act has had a positive impact on net operating revenues and income as the result of the expansion of private sector and Medicaid coverage that has occurred. However, other provisions of the Affordable Care Act, such as requirements related to employee health insurance coverage and changes to Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement, have increased our operating costs or adversely impacted the reimbursement we receive. Legislative and executive branch efforts related to healthcare reform could result in increased prices for consumers purchasing health insurance coverage, or destabilize insurance markets. Some current initiatives, requirements and proposals, including requirements aimed at price transparency and out-of-network charges, may impact prices and the relationships between hospitals and insurers. In addition, members of Congress have proposed measures that would expand government-sponsored coverage, including single-payor models, and some states have implemented or are considering public health insurance options.

It is difficult to predict the ongoing effect of the Affordable Care Act due to executive orders, changes to the law’s implementation, clarifications and modifications resulting from the rule-making process, judicial interpretations resulting from court challenges to its interpretation, whether and how many states ultimately decide to expand Medicaid coverage, the number of uninsured who elect to purchase health insurance coverage, budgetary issues at federal and state levels, and efforts to change or repeal the statute. We may not be able to fully realize the positive impact the Affordable Care Act may otherwise have on our business, results of operations, cash flow, capital resources and liquidity. We cannot predict whether we will be able to modify certain aspects of our operations to offset any potential adverse consequences from the Affordable Care Act or the impact of any alternative provisions that may be adopted.

In recent years, a number of laws, including the Affordable Care Act and Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015, or MACRA, have promoted shifting from traditional fee-for-service reimbursement models to alternative payment models that tie reimbursement to quality and cost of care. CMS currently administers various accountable care organizations and bundled payment demonstration projects and has indicated that it will continue to pursue similar initiatives. However, the COVID-19 pandemic may impact provider performance and data reporting under these initiatives. CMS has temporarily modified requirements of certain programs by, for example, implementing special scoring and payment policies intended to mitigate negative impacts of the public health emergency on hospitals participating in the Hospital Value-Based Purchasing Program.

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, federal and state governments have passed legislation, promulgated regulations, and taken other administrative actions intended to assist healthcare providers in providing care to COVID-19 and other patients during the public health emergency. These measures include temporary relief from Medicare conditions of participation requirements for healthcare providers, temporary relaxation of licensure requirements for healthcare professionals, temporary relaxation of privacy restrictions for telehealth remote communications, promoting use of telehealth by temporarily expanding the scope of services for which Medicare reimbursement is available, and limited waivers of fraud and abuse laws for activities related to COVID-19 during the public health emergency period.

Sources of COVID-19 relief include the CARES Act, which was enacted on March 27, 2020, the PPPHCE Act, which was enacted on April 24, 2020, the CAA, which was enacted on December 27, 2020, and the ARPA, which was enacted on March 11, 2021. In total, these stimulus laws authorize over $178 billion in funding to be distributed through the PHSSEF to eligible providers, including public entities and Medicare- and/or Medicaid-enrolled providers. PHSSEF payments are intended to compensate healthcare providers for lost revenues and incremental expenses incurred in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and are not required to be repaid, provided that recipients attest to and comply with certain terms and conditions, including limitations on balance billing, not using PHSSEF funds to reimburse expenses or losses that other sources have been or are obligated to reimburse and audit and reporting requirements.

In addition, the CARES Act expanded the Medicare Accelerated and Advance Payment Program to increase cash flow to providers impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Inpatient acute care hospitals were able to request accelerated payment of up to 100% of their Medicare payment amount for a six-month period. The Medicare Accelerated and Advanced Payment Program payments are advances that providers must repay. Providers are required to repay accelerated payments beginning one year after the payment was issued. After such one-year period, Medicare payments owed to providers will be recouped according to the repayment terms. The repayment terms specify that for the first 11 months after repayment begins, repayment will occur through an automatic recoupment of 25% of Medicare payments otherwise owed to the provider. At the end of the eleven-month period, recoupment will increase to 50% for six months. At the end of the six months (or 29 months from the receipt of the initial accelerated payment), Medicare will issue a letter for full repayment of any remaining balance, as applicable. In such event, if payment is not received within 30 days, interest will accrue at the annual percentage rate of 4% from the date the letter was issued, and will be assessed for each full 30-day period that the balance remains unpaid.

The CARES Act and related legislation include other provisions offering financial relief, for example suspending the Medicare sequestration payment adjustment from May 1, 2020 through December 31, 2021, which would have otherwise reduced payments to Medicare providers by 2% as required by the Budget Control Act of 2011 (but also extending sequestration through 2030). These laws also delay scheduled reductions to Medicaid DSH payments, provide a 20% add-on to the inpatient PPS DRG rate for COVID-19 patients for the duration of the public health emergency, and permit the deferral of payment of the employer portion of social security

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taxes between March 27, 2020 and December 31, 2020, with 50% of the deferred amount due December 31, 2021 and the remaining 50% due December 31, 2022. However, in addition to providing funding for healthcare providers, the ARPA increases the federal budget deficit in a manner that triggers an additional statutorily mandated sequestration under the Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010, or PAYGO Act. As a result, absent congressional action, Medicare spending will be reduced by up to 4% in fiscal year 2022, to begin to take effect in January 2022, in addition to the existing sequestration requirements of the Budget Control Act of 2011.

Through September 30, 2021, net of amounts that have been repaid to the respective federal, state, and local agency, we received approximately $709 million in payments through the PHSSEF and various state and local programs on a cumulative basis since their enactment. Of the net amount received to-date, approximately $705 million was received during the year ended December 31, 2020 and the remainder was received during the nine months ended September 30, 2021. During October 2021, we submitted a combined application for Phase 4 of the CARES Act, or PRF Phase 4, and amounts appropriated by the ARPA for providers serving rural healthcare patients, or ARP Rural. No amounts have been received by us for the PRF Phase 4 or ARP Rural programs as of the date of this Form 10-Q and we are not able to predict the extent to which we may receive amounts pursuant to such programs, if any.

The estimate of the amount of payments received through the PHSSEF or state and local programs for which we are reasonably assured of meeting the underlying terms and conditions is updated each reporting period and is based on, among other things, the CARES Act and subsequent relief legislation, various Post-Payment Notice of Reporting Requirements issued by HHS during the period, responses to all applicable frequently asked questions and other interpretative guidance as published by HHS, expenses incurred attributable to coronavirus, our results of operations during such period as compared to our 2020 budget and the allocation of general and targeted fund distribution payments among subsidiaries during such period. The PHSSEF and state and local program payments recognized to-date did not impact net operating revenues, and had a positive impact on net income attributable to Community Health Systems, Inc. common stockholders during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, in the amount of $14 million and $77 million, respectively, and $337 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2020. No pandemic relief funds were recognized during the three months ended September 30, 2020. Amounts received through the PHSSEF or state and local programs that have not yet been recognized or otherwise have not been refunded to HHS are included within accrued liabilities-other in the condensed consolidated balance sheet, and such unrecognized amounts may be returned to HHS or the respective state or local agency, as applicable, or may be recognized in future periods if the underlying conditions for recognition are reasonably assured of being met.  

HHS’ interpretation of the underlying terms and conditions of such PHSSEF payments, including auditing and reporting requirements, continues to evolve. In June 2021, HHS issued guidance that set forth deadlines for using and reporting on the use of PHSSEF funds, depending on the dates on which the funds were received. Additional guidance or new and amended interpretations of existing guidance on the terms and conditions of such PHSSEF payments may result in changes in our estimate of amounts for which the terms and conditions are reasonably assured of being met, and any such changes may be material. Additionally, any such changes may result in our inability to recognize additional PHSSEF payments or may result in the derecognition of amounts previously recognized, which (in any such case) may be material. In addition, to the extent that any unrecognized PHSSEF payments that have been or may be received by us do not qualify for reimbursement based on future operations, we may be required to return such unrecognized payments to HHS.

With respect to the Medicare Accelerated and Advanced Payment Program, we received Medicare accelerated payments of approximately $1.2 billion in April 2020. No additional Medicare accelerated payments have been received by us since such time and because CMS is no longer accepting new applications for accelerated payments, we do not expect to receive additional Medicare accelerated payments. CMS began recouping Medicare accelerated payments in April 2021, and as of September 30, 2021, approximately $249 million of accelerated payments previously received by us have been recouped by CMS. Additionally, approximately $18 million and $77 million of amounts previously received were repaid to CMS or assumed by buyers related to hospitals we divested during the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and the year ended December 31, 2020, respectively. As of September 30, 2021, approximately $814 million of Medicare accelerated payments are reflected within accrued liabilities-other in the condensed consolidated balance sheet. As described in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) in Part I, Item 1 of this Form 10-Q under the heading “Subsequent Events”, the outstanding balance of Medicare accelerated payments of $814 million as of September 30, 2021 was repaid in full to CMS in October 2021.

There is still a high degree of uncertainty surrounding the implementation of the CARES Act and other stimulus legislation. In addition, the public health emergency continues to evolve. Some of the measures allowing for flexibility in delivery of care and various financial supports for health care providers are available only for the duration of the public health emergency, and it is unclear whether or for how long the public health emergency declaration will be extended. The current declaration expires January 16, 2022. The HHS Secretary may choose to renew the declaration for successive 90-day periods for as long as the emergency continues to exist and may terminate the declaration whenever he determines that the public health emergency no longer exists, but has indicated that HHS will provide states with 60 days’ notice prior to termination of the declaration. The federal government may consider additional stimulus and relief efforts, but we are unable to predict whether additional stimulus measures will be enacted or their impact on us. There can be no assurance as to the total amount of financial and other types of assistance that we will receive under the CARES Act,

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other enacted stimulus legislation, or future measures, if any, and it is difficult to predict the impact of such measures on our operations or how they will affect operations of our competitors. Further, there can be no assurance that the terms of provider relief funding or other programs will not change or be interpreted in ways that affect our funding or eligibility to participate or our ability to comply with applicable requirements and retain amounts received. We continue to assess the potential impact of the CARES Act and other enacted stimulus legislation, the potential impact of future stimulus measures, if any, and the impact of other laws, regulations, and guidance related to COVID-19 on our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.

In September 2021, as part of its plan for responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, the current presidential administration directed the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or OSHA, to draft a rule which would require all employers with 100 or more employees to require their workforce to be fully vaccinated or, alternatively, to provide a negative COVID test result on a weekly basis. OSHA has drafted a rule (in the form of an emergency temporary standard) to implement this mandate, which is currently subject to review. In addition, CMS is in the process of preparing an interim final rule requiring COVID-19 vaccinations for workers in most health care settings that receive Medicare or Medicaid reimbursement, including clinical staff, individuals providing services under arrangements, volunteers, and staff who are not involved in direct patient care. Finally, some states have implemented or may implement in the future, vaccine mandates with respect to healthcare personnel. It is currently not possible to predict the impact that these rules may have on us.  However, these rules, if or when they become effective, could result in the loss of personnel who are unvaccinated, including at our hospitals and other healthcare facilities, in a manner that adversely affects us.

In June 2019, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Azar v. Allina Health Services that HHS failed to comply with statutory notice and comment rulemaking procedures before announcing an earlier policy related to DSH payments made under Medicare to hospitals. In response to this adverse ruling, CMS proposed a new rule in August 2020 in an attempt to retroactively cure the underlying procedural errors cited by the U.S. Supreme Court as the basis in their decision. CMS’s action has introduced uncertainty regarding the potential outcomes from the Supreme Court ruling, and the proposed rule has resulted in further litigation. If HHS or CMS are unsuccessful in their attempt to assert the proposed rule or another legal basis for their policy, one potential outcome is the federal government could be required to reimburse hospitals, including our affiliated hospitals, for Medicare DSH payments which otherwise would have been payable over certain prior time periods absent the enactment of this policy. While the ruling in Allina was specific to the DSH payments calculated for federal fiscal year 2012 for the plaintiff hospitals, we believe that, because of the precedent of this ruling, prior time periods with the potential for higher DSH payments, including federal fiscal years 2005 to 2013, could be impacted. There continues to be uncertainty regarding the extent to which, if any, Medicare DSH payments will be remitted to our affiliated hospitals as the result of Allina and subsequent litigation, and, if so, the timing of any such payments. Litigants in lawsuits challenging the proposed rule are seeking such relief. We anticipate that if it is ultimately determined that our affiliated hospitals are entitled to receive such Medicare DSH payments for these prior time periods, these payments could have a material positive impact on a non-recurring basis in any future period in which net income is recognized in respect thereof as well as on our cash flows from operations in any future period in which these payments are received.

The Corporate Integrity Agreement, or CIA, to which we have been subject, expired in September 2021. However, we are still subject to final audit and reporting requirements under the terms of the CIA. In connection with these final audit and reporting requirements, it remains possible that we will become subject to further action by the Office of Inspector General, or OIG, which could include the imposition of civil monetary penalties and/or the extension of the term of the CIA. For additional information regarding the terms of the CIA, see pages 20-21 of the 2020 Form 10-K.

As a result of our current levels of cash, funds we have received and may in the future receive under the CARES Act, other enacted stimulus legislation and any future stimulus measures, available borrowing capacity, long-term outlook on our debt repayments, the refinancing of certain of our notes, proceeds from the sale of hospitals and the continued projection of our ability to generate cash flows, we anticipate that we will be able to invest the necessary capital in our business over the next twelve months. We believe there continues to be ample opportunity to strengthen our market share in substantially all of our markets by decreasing the need for patients to travel outside their communities for healthcare. Furthermore, we will continue to strive to improve operating efficiencies and procedures in order to improve the performance of our hospitals.

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Sources of Revenue

The following table presents the approximate percentages of net operating revenues by payor source for the periods indicated. The data for the periods presented are not strictly comparable due to the effect that hospital acquisitions and divestitures have had on these statistics.

	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	September 30,						September 30,
	2021			2020			2021			2020
Medicare		21.0	%		23.1	%		21.7	%		24.1	%
Medicaid		13.2			13.4			13.4			13.5
Managed Care and other third-party payors		64.5			63.0			64.0			62.5
Self-pay		1.3			0.5			0.9			(0.1	)
Total		100.0	%		100.0	%		100.0	%		100.0	%

As shown above, we receive a substantial portion of our revenues from the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Included in Managed Care and other third-party payors is operating revenues from insurance companies with which we have insurance provider contracts, Medicare managed care, insurance companies for which we do not have insurance provider contracts, workers’ compensation carriers and non-patient service revenue, such as rental income and cafeteria sales. In the future, we generally expect the portion of revenues received from the Medicare and Medicaid programs to increase over the long-term due to the general aging of the population and the impact of the Affordable Care Act. The Affordable Care Act has increased the number of insured patients in states that have expanded Medicaid, which in turn, has reduced the percentage of revenues from self-pay patients. In addition, there has been a trend toward increased enrollment in Medicare and Medicaid managed care, which may adversely affect our operating revenue. We may also be impacted by regulatory requirements imposed on insurers, such as minimum medical-loss ratios and specific benefit requirements. Furthermore, in the normal course of business, managed care programs, insurance companies and employers actively negotiate the amounts paid to hospitals. Our relationships with payors may be impacted by price transparency initiatives and out-of-network billing restrictions, including those in the No Surprises Act, which takes effect January 1, 2022. There can be no assurance that we will retain our existing reimbursement arrangements or that these third-party payors will not attempt to further reduce the rates they pay for our services.

Net operating revenues include amounts estimated by management to be reimbursable by Medicare and Medicaid under prospective payment systems and provisions of cost-based reimbursement and other payment methods. In addition, we are reimbursed by non-governmental payors using a variety of payment methodologies. Amounts we receive for the treatment of patients covered by Medicare, Medicaid and non-governmental payors are generally less than our standard billing rates. We account for the differences between the estimated program reimbursement rates and our standard billing rates as contractual allowance adjustments, which we deduct from gross revenues to arrive at net operating revenues. Final settlements under some of these programs are subject to adjustment based on administrative review and audit by third parties. We account for adjustments to previous program reimbursement estimates as contractual allowance adjustments and report them in the periods that such adjustments become known. Contractual allowance adjustments related to final settlements and previous program reimbursement estimates impacted net operating revenues and net income by an insignificant amount in each of the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2021 and 2020.

The payment rates under the Medicare program for hospital inpatient and outpatient acute care services are based on a prospective payment system, depending upon the diagnosis of a patient’s condition. These rates are indexed for inflation annually, although increases have historically been less than actual inflation. On August 13, 2021, CMS published the final rule to increase this index by 2.7% for hospital inpatient acute care services that are reimbursed under the prospective payment system, beginning October 1, 2021. Together with other changes to payment policies, the CMS final rule is expected to yield an average 2.5% increase in reimbursement for hospital inpatient acute care services. Hospitals that do not submit required patient quality data are subject to a reduction in payments. We are complying with this data submission requirement. Payments may also be affected by various other adjustments, such as admission and medical review criteria for inpatient services commonly known as the “two midnight rule.” This rule limits when services to Medicare beneficiaries are payable as inpatient hospital services. Reductions in the rate of increase or overall reductions in Medicare reimbursement may cause a decline in the growth of our net operating revenues.

Payment rates under the Medicaid program vary by state. In addition to the base payment rates for specific claims for services rendered to Medicaid enrollees, several states utilize supplemental reimbursement programs to make separate payments that are not specifically tied to an individual’s care, some of which offset a portion of the cost of providing care to Medicaid and indigent patients. These programs are designed with input from CMS and are funded with a combination of state and federal resources, including, in certain instances, fees or taxes levied on the providers. The programs are generally authorized for a specified period of time and require CMS’s approval to be extended. We are unable to predict whether or on what terms CMS will extend the supplemental programs in the states in which we operate. Under these supplemental programs, we recognize revenue and related expenses in the

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period in which amounts are estimable and collection is reasonably assured. Reimbursement under these programs is reflected in net operating revenues and included as Medicaid revenue in the table above, and fees, taxes or other program related costs are reflected in other operating expenses.

Results of Operations

Our hospitals offer a variety of services involving a broad range of inpatient and outpatient medical and surgical services. These include general acute care, emergency room, general and specialty surgery, critical care, internal medicine, obstetrics, diagnostic services, psychiatric and rehabilitation services. Historically, the strongest demand for hospital services generally occurs during January through April and the weakest demand for these services generally occurs during the summer months. Accordingly, eliminating the effects of new acquisitions and/or divestitures, our net operating revenues and earnings are historically highest during the first quarter and lowest during the third quarter. As previously noted, the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the pattern of demand for services we provide.

The following tables summarize, for the periods indicated, selected operating data.

	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	September 30,						September 30,
	2021			2020			2021			2020
Operating results, as a percentage of net operating revenues:
Net operating revenues		100.0	%		100.0	%		100.0	%		100.0	%
Operating expenses (a)		(84.7	)		(86.7	)		(84.5	)		(86.5	)
Depreciation and amortization		(4.4	)		(4.4	)		(4.5	)		(4.9	)
Impairment and (gain) loss on sale of businesses, net		—			0.2			(0.3	)		(0.6	)
Income from operations		10.9			9.1			10.7			8.0
Interest expense, net		(6.9	)		(8.2	)		(7.3	)		(9.0	)
(Loss) gain from early extinguishment of debt		—			3.7			(0.9	)		1.3
Gain on sale of investments in unconsolidated affiliates		0.8			—			0.3			—
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates		0.1			0.1			0.2			0.1
Income before income taxes		4.9			4.7			3.0			0.4
(Provision for) benefit from income taxes		(0.3	)		(0.6	)		(1.4	)		2.5
Net income		4.6			4.1			1.6			2.9
Less:  Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests		(1.0	)		(0.5	)		(1.0	)		(0.6	)
Net income attributable to Community Health    Systems, Inc. stockholders		3.6	%		3.6	%		0.6	%		2.3	%

	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2021			2020			2021			2020
Percentage (decrease) increase from prior year:
Net operating revenues		(0.4	)%		(3.7	)%		5.4	%		(12.6	)%
Admissions (b)		(5.5	)		(13.0	)		(5.5	)		(16.6	)
Adjusted admissions (c)		(3.4	)		(18.0	)		(2.4	)		(20.0	)
Average length of stay (d)		8.5			9.3			6.5			2.2
Net income attributable to Community Health    Systems, Inc.		(0.9	)		758.8			(74.0	)		166.2
Same-store percentage increase (decrease) from prior year (e):
Net operating revenues		7.1	%		2.9	%		14.8	%		(6.3	)%
Admissions (b)		2.8			(6.2	)		4.3			(9.8	)
Adjusted admissions (c)		4.7			(11.5	)		7.3			(13.5	)

(a) Operating expenses include salaries and benefits, supplies, other operating expenses, government and other legal settlements and related costs, lease cost and rent, net of the reduction in operating expenses through September 30, 2021 and 2020, resulting from the recognition of pandemic relief funds.

(b) Admissions represents the number of patients admitted for inpatient treatment.

(c) Adjusted admissions is a general measure of combined inpatient and outpatient volume. We computed adjusted admissions by multiplying admissions by gross patient revenues and then dividing that number by gross inpatient revenues.

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(d) Average length of stay represents the average number of days inpatients stay in our hospitals.

(e) Excludes information for businesses sold or closed during 2020 and the nine months ended September 30, 2021.

Items (b) – (e) are metrics used to manage our performance. These metrics provide useful insight to investors about the volume and acuity of services we provide, which aid in evaluating our financial results.

Three Months Ended September 30, 2021 Compared to Three Months Ended September 30, 2020

Net operating revenues remained consistent at $3.1 billion for the three month periods ended September 30, 2021 and 2020. Net operating revenues on a same-store basis from hospitals that were operated throughout both periods increased $205 million, or 7.1%, during the three months ended September 30, 2021, as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2020. Increases in net operating revenues, on a same-store basis, for the three months ended September 30, 2021 compared to 2020, primarily reflect increased volumes and higher acuity during the 2021 period. Non-same-store net operating revenues decreased $216 million during the three months ended September 30, 2021, in comparison to the prior year period, with the decrease attributable primarily to the divestiture of hospitals during 2020 and 2021. On a consolidated basis, inpatient admissions decreased by 5.5% during the three months ended September 30, 2021 as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2020. Also on a consolidated basis, adjusted admissions decreased by 3.4% during the three months ended September 30, 2021 as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2020. On a same-store basis, net operating revenues per adjusted admission increased 2.3%, while inpatient admissions increased by 2.8% and adjusted admissions increased by 4.7% for the three months ended September 30, 2021, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2020.

All operating expense calculations, as a percentage of net operating revenues, were impacted by the net effect of divestitures and the aforementioned increase in same-store net operating revenues. Operating costs and expenses, as a percentage of net operating revenues, decreased from 90.9% during the three months ended September 30, 2020 to 89.1% during the three months ended September 30, 2021. Operating costs and expenses, excluding depreciation and amortization and impairment and (gain) loss on sale of businesses, as a percentage of net operating revenues, decreased from 86.7% for the three months ended September 30, 2020 to 84.7% for the three months ended September 30, 2021. Salaries and benefits, as a percentage of net operating revenues, decreased from 43.7% for the three months ended September 30, 2020 to 42.9% for the three months ended September 30, 2021. Supplies, as a percentage of net operating revenues, increased from 16.7% for the three months ended September 30, 2020 to 17.0% for the three months ended September 30, 2021, primarily due to an increase in our expenses associated with COVID-19 related pharmaceuticals. Other operating expenses, as a percentage of net operating revenues, decreased from 23.6% for the three months ended September 30, 2020 to 23.0% for the three months ended September 30, 2021. Lease cost and rent, as a percentage of net operating revenues, decreased from 2.7% for the three months ended September 30, 2020 to 2.4% for the three months ended September 30, 2021. Pandemic relief funds, as a percentage of net operating revenues, was (0.6)% for the three months ended September 30, 2021, compared to 0.0% for the three months ended September 30, 2020.

Depreciation and amortization, as a percentage of net operating revenues, remained consistent at 4.4% for both of the three-month periods ended September 30, 2021 and 2020.

Impairment and (gain) loss on sale of businesses, net was expense of $1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2021, compared to a gain of $(7) million for the three months ended September 30, 2020, related primarily to divestitures in each respective period.

Interest expense, net, decreased by $41 million to $216 million for the three months ended September 30, 2021 compared to $257 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020. This was primarily due to our debt refinancing activities in 2020 and 2021 as discussed further in Capital Resources.

No (gain) loss from early extinguishment of debt was recognized during the three months ended September 30, 2021. Gain from early extinguishment of debt of $115 million was recognized during the three months ended September 30, 2020, as a result of extinguishment of a portion of certain series of our outstanding notes through open market repurchases.

The pre-tax gain on sale of investments in unconsolidated affiliates of $26 million was recognized during the three months ended September 30, 2021, resulting from the sale of our minority equity interests in Macon Healthcare, LLC, a joint venture with certain subsidiaries of HCA representing two hospitals in Macon, Georgia, in which we owned a 38% interest.

Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates, as a percentage of net operating revenues, remained consistent at (0.1)% for both of the three-month periods ended September 30, 2021 and 2020.

The net results of the above-mentioned changes resulted in income before income taxes increasing $6 million to $154 million for the three months ended September 30, 2021 from $148 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020.

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Our provision for income taxes for the three months ended September 30, 2021 was $10 million compared to $20 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020. Our effective tax rates were 6.5% and 13.5% for the three months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The difference in our effective tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2021, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2020, was primarily due to an increase in the valuation allowance recognized on IRC Section 163(j) interest carryforwards created as a result of financing transactions completed during the three months ended September 30, 2020.

Net income, as a percentage of net operating revenues, was 4.6% for the three months ended September 30, 2021 compared to 4.1% for the three months ended September 30, 2020.

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests as a percentage of net operating revenues was 1.0% for the three months ended September 30, 2021, compared to 0.5% for the three months ended September 30, 2020.

Net income attributable to Community Health Systems, Inc. stockholders was $111 million for the three months ended September 30, 2021, compared to $112 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020.

Nine months Ended September 30, 2021 Compared to Nine months Ended September 30, 2020

Net operating revenues increased by 5.4% to approximately $9.1 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2021, from approximately $8.7 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2020. Net operating revenues on a same-store basis from hospitals that were operated throughout both periods increased $1.2 billion, or 14.8%, during the nine months ended September 30, 2021, as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2020. Increases in net operating revenues, both on a consolidated and same-store basis, for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 compared to 2020, resulted from increased volumes and higher acuity during the 2021 period. Non-same-store net operating revenues decreased $705 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2021, in comparison to the prior year period, with the decrease attributable primarily to the divestiture of hospitals during 2020 and 2021. On a consolidated basis, inpatient admissions decreased by 5.5% during the nine months ended September 30, 2021 as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2020. Also on a consolidated basis, adjusted admissions decreased by 2.4% during the nine months ended September 30, 2021 as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2020. On a same-store basis, net operating revenues per adjusted admission increased 6.9%, while inpatient admissions increased by 4.3% and adjusted admissions increased by 7.3% for the nine months ended September 30, 2021, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2020.

All operating expense calculations, as a percentage of net operating revenues, were impacted by the net effect of divestitures and the aforementioned increase in same-store net operating revenues. Operating expenses, as a percentage of net operating revenues, decreased from 92.0% during the nine months ended September 30, 2020 to 89.3% during the nine months ended September 30, 2021. Operating expenses, excluding depreciation and amortization and impairment and loss on sale of businesses, as a percentage of net operating revenues, decreased from 86.5% for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 to 84.5% for the nine months ended September 30, 2021. Salaries and benefits, as a percentage of net operating revenues, decreased from 46.8% for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 to 42.7% for the nine months ended September 30, 2021. Supplies, as a percentage of net operating revenues, increased from 16.6% for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 to 16.7% for the nine months ended September 30, 2021, primarily due to an increase in our expenses associated with COVID-19 related pharmaceuticals. Other operating expenses, as a percentage of net operating revenues, decreased from 25.4% for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 to 23.7% for the nine months ended September 30, 2021. Lease cost and rent, as a percentage of net operating revenues, decreased from 2.9% for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 to 2.5% for the nine months ended September 30, 2021. Pandemic relief funds, as a percentage of net operating revenues, was (1.1)% for the nine months ended September 30, 2021, compared to (5.2)% for the nine months ended September 30, 2020.

Depreciation and amortization, as a percentage of net operating revenues, decreased to 4.5% for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 from 4.9% for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, primarily due to the decrease in net operating revenues during the nine months ended September 30, 2020, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Impairment and (gain) loss on sale of businesses was $24 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021, compared to $48 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, related to impairment of the long-lived assets and reporting unit goodwill allocated to hospitals classified as held for sale or sold during the respective periods.

Interest expense, net, decreased by $113 million to $666 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 compared to $779 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020. This was primarily due to our debt refinancing activity during 2020 and 2021 as discussed further in Capital Resources.

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Loss from early extinguishment of debt of $79 million was recognized during the nine months ended September 30, 2021, as a result of the refinancing of certain of our outstanding notes as discussed further in Capital Resources. Gain from early extinguishment of debt of $111 million was recognized during the nine months ended September 30, 2020, as a result of extinguishment of a portion of certain series of our outstanding notes through open market repurchases.

The pre-tax gain on sale of investments in unconsolidated affiliates of $26 million was recognized during the nine months ended September 30, 2021, resulting from the sale of our minority equity interests in Macon Healthcare, LLC, a joint venture with certain subsidiaries of HCA representing two hospitals in Macon, Georgia, in which we owned a 38% interest.

Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates, as a percentage of net operating revenues, increased to (0.2)% for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 from (0.1)% for the nine months ended September 30, 2020.

The net results of the above-mentioned changes resulted in income before income taxes increasing $245 million to $278 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 from $33 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020.

Our provision for income taxes for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 was $132 million compared to a benefit from income taxes of $221 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020. Our effective tax rates were 47.5% and (669.7)% for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The difference in our effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2021, when compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2020, was primarily due to the changes in tax benefits as a result of an increase to the deductible interest expense allowed for 2019 and 2020 under the CARES Act that was enacted during the three months ended March 31, 2020.

Net income, as a percentage of net operating revenues, was 1.6% for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 compared to 2.9% for the nine months ended September 30, 2020.

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, as a percentage of net operating revenues, increased to 1.0% for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 from 0.6% for the nine months ended September 30, 2020.

Net income attributable to Community Health Systems, Inc. stockholders was $52 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021, compared to $200 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Net cash provided by operating activities decreased $1.7 billion, from approximately $2.1 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, to approximately $400 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021. The decrease was primarily attributable to the receipt of Medicare accelerated payments as well as PHSSEF funds under the CARES Act and PPPHCE Act during the nine months ended September 30, 2020. Cash paid for interest was $572 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2021 compared to $765 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020. Cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds received, resulted in a net payment of $3 million, and a net payment of approximately $2 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

Our net cash used in investing activities was approximately $313 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021, compared to net cash provided by investing activities of approximately $9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, a decrease of approximately $322 million. The cash used in investing activities during the nine months ended September 30, 2021 was primarily impacted by a decrease of $330 million in cash proceeds from dispositions of hospitals and other ancillary operations, an increase in cash used in the purchase of property and equipment of $17 million, an increase of $2 million in cash used for acquisition of facilities and other related businesses, an increase in cash used in the net impact of the purchase and sale of available-for-sale and equity securities of $61 million, an increase in cash from the sale of investments in unconsolidated affiliates of $110 million and an increase in cash used to purchase other investments of $25 million. The decrease in cash used in investing activities was partially offset by a $3 million increase in cash proceeds from the sale of property and equipment.

Our net cash used in financing activities was approximately $469 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021, compared to approximately $504 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, a decrease in cash used in financing activities of approximately $35 million. This was primarily due to the net effect of our debt repayments, refinancing activities, and cash paid for deferred financing costs and other debt-related costs during the nine months ended September 30, 2021.

Amounts received through the PHSSEF or state and local programs that had not yet been recognized or otherwise refunded to HHS as of September 30, 2021 totaled approximately $6 million. Such amount is included within accrued liabilities-other in the condensed consolidated balance sheet, and such unrecognized amounts may either be returned to HHS or the respective state or local agency or may be recognized in future periods if the underlying conditions for recognition are met.

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As noted above, we received Medicare accelerated payments of approximately $1.2 billion in April 2020 under the Medicare Accelerated and Advanced Payments Program. No additional Medicare accelerated payments have been received by us since such time. CMS began recouping Medicare accelerated payments in April 2021 and as of September 30, 2021, approximately $249 million of accelerated payments previously received by us has been recouped by CMS. Additionally, approximately $18 million and $77 million of amounts previously received were repaid to CMS or assumed by buyers related to hospitals we divested during the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and year ended December 31, 2020, respectively. As of September 30, 2021, approximately $814 million of Medicare accelerated payments are reflected within accrued liabilities-other in the condensed consolidated balance sheet. As described in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) in Part I, Item 1 of this Form 10-Q under the heading “Subsequent Events”, the outstanding balance of Medicare accelerated payments of $814 million as of September 30, 2021 was repaid in full to CMS in October 2021.

The CARES Act provided for deferred payment of the employer portion of social security taxes between March 27, 2020 and December 31, 2020, with 50% of the deferred amount due December 31, 2021 and the remaining 50% due December 31, 2022. We began deferring the employer portion of social security taxes in mid-April 2020 and, as of September 30, 2021, we had deferred approximately $146 million. Of this amount, approximately $73 million is included within accrued liabilities employee compensation and approximately $73 million is included within other long-term liabilities in the condensed consolidated balance sheet.

As described in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) in Part I, Item 1 of this Form 10-Q under the heading “Acquisitions and Divestitures”, on July 30, 2021, we sold our unconsolidated minority equity interests in Macon Healthcare, LLC, a joint venture with certain subsidiaries of HCA representing two hospitals in Macon, Georgia, in which we owned a 38% interest. We received $110 million in cash in connection with the sale of these equity interests during the three months ended September 30, 2021.

There have been no material changes outside of the ordinary course of business to our upcoming cash obligations during the nine months ended September 30, 2021 from those disclosed in the table on page 64 of our 2020 Form 10-K, except as discussed below related to debt refinancing activity during 2021.

Capital Expenditures

Cash expenditures for purchases of facilities and other related businesses were approximately $3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021, compared to $1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020. Our expenditures for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020 were primarily related to physician practices and other ancillary services.

Excluding the cost to construct replacement and de novo hospitals, our cash expenditures for routine capital for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 totaled $237 million compared to $186 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020. These capital expenditures related primarily to the purchase of additional equipment, minor renovations and information systems infrastructure. Costs to construct replacement hospitals totaled $47 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021, primarily related to the construction of a replacement facility in Fort Wayne, Indiana, which is expected to be completed during the fourth quarter of 2021. Costs to construct replacement hospitals for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 totaled $97 million, primarily related to the construction of a replacement facility in La Porte, Indiana. During the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, we also had cash expenditures of $50 million and $34 million, respectively, that represent both planning and construction costs for two de novo hospitals in the Tucson, Arizona market. In the Tucson, Arizona market, we commenced operations for an 18-bed micro-hospital during the fourth quarter of 2020, while the other de novo hospital is expected to be completed in the first half of 2022 and have 52 beds.

Pursuant to a hospital purchase agreement from our March 1, 2016 acquisition of Northwest Health - La Porte, formerly known as La Porte Hospital, and Northwest Health – Starke, formerly known as Starke Hospital, we committed to build replacement facilities in both La Porte, Indiana and Knox, Indiana. The completion of the replacement facility for Northwest Health – La Porte, in La Porte, Indiana, and transfer of operations, including renaming the hospital to Northwest Health – La Porte, was completed on October 24, 2020. Construction of the replacement facility for Northwest Health - Starke is required to be completed within five years of the date we enter into a new lease with Starke County, Indiana, the hospital lessor, or in the event we do not enter into a new lease with Starke County, construction shall be completed by September 30, 2026. We have not entered into a new lease with the lessor for Northwest Health - Starke and currently anticipate completing construction of the Northwest Health - Starke replacement facility in 2026. Construction costs for the Northwest Health - Starke replacement facility are currently estimated to be approximately $15 million.

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Capital Resources

Net working capital was approximately $1.1 billion at September 30, 2021, compared to $1.7 billion at December 31, 2020. Net working capital decreased by approximately $608 million between December 31, 2020 and September 30, 2021. The decrease is primarily due to the decrease in cash, as a result of debt repayments, repayment of Medicare accelerated payments and classification of the remaining liability for Medicare accelerated payments as current, refinancing activities and cash paid for deferred financing costs during the nine months ended September 30, 2021, partially offset by a decrease in current maturities of long-term debt.

In addition to cash flows from operations, available sources of capital include amounts available under the asset-based loan (ABL) credit agreement, or the ABL Credit Agreement, which we entered into on April 3, 2018, as well as anticipated access to public and private debt markets.

Pursuant to the ABL Credit Agreement, the lenders have extended to CHS/Community Health Systems Inc., or CHS, a revolving asset-based loan facility, or the ABL Facility, in the maximum aggregate principal amount of $1.0 billion, subject to borrowing base capacity. At September 30, 2021, the available borrowing base under the ABL Facility was $836 million, of which $108 million was reserved for outstanding letters of credit and $728 million represented excess availability. We had no outstanding borrowings as of September 30, 2021. Letters of credit were reduced during the nine months ended September 30, 2021 by $42 million, primarily in relation to a professional liability claim that was settled and funded during the three months ended December 31, 2020. The issued letters of credit are primarily in support of potential insurance-related claims and certain bonds. Principal amounts outstanding under the ABL Facility, if any, will be due and payable in full on April 3, 2023.

On January 28, 2021, the remaining principal amount of the 6¼% Senior Secured Notes due 2023 of approximately $95 million was redeemed using cash on hand.

On February 2, 2021, we completed a private offering of $1.775 billion aggregate principal amount of 6⅞% Junior-Priority Secured Notes due April 15, 2029, or the 6⅞% Junior-Priority Secured Notes due 2029. The proceeds of the offering were used, together with cash on hand, to redeem the 9⅞% Junior-Priority Secured Notes due 2023 via a tender offer which was funded on February 2, 2021, or to the extent not tendered, to fund the redemption of the remaining notes on February 4, 2021, and to pay related fees and expenses. The 6⅞% Junior-Priority Secured Notes due 2029 bear interest at a rate of 6.875% per year payable semi-annually in arrears on April 15 and October 15 of each year, commencing on October 15, 2021.

On February 9, 2021, we completed a private offering of $1.095 billion aggregate principal amount of 4¾% Senior Secured Notes due February 15, 2031, or the 4¾% Senior Secured Notes due 2031. The proceeds of the offering were used, together with cash on hand, to redeem the 8⅝% Senior Secured Notes due 2024 on February 9, 2021 and to pay related fees and expenses. The 4¾% Senior Secured Notes due 2031 bear interest at a rate of 4.750% per year payable semi-annually in arrears on February 15 and August 15, commencing on August 15, 2021.

On March 1, 2021, we redeemed the remaining principal amount of the 6⅞% Senior Notes due 2022 of approximately $126 million using cash on hand.

On May 19, 2021, we completed a private offering of $1.440 billion aggregate principal amount of 6⅛% Junior-Priority Secured Notes due April 1, 2030, or the 6⅛% Junior-Priority Secured Notes due 2030. The proceeds of the offering were used, together with cash on hand, to redeem the 8⅛% Junior-Priority Secured Notes due 2024 on May 19, 2021 and to pay related fees and expenses. The 6⅛% Junior-Priority Secured Notes due 2030 bear interest at a rate of 6.125% per year payable semi-annually in arrears on April 1 and October 1, commencing on October 1, 2021.

Our ability to meet the restricted covenants and financial ratios and tests in the ABL Facility and the indentures governing our outstanding notes can be affected by events beyond our control, and we cannot assure you that we will meet those tests. A breach of any of these covenants could result in a default under the ABL Facility and/or the indentures that govern our outstanding notes. Upon the occurrence of an event of default under the ABL Facility or indentures that govern our outstanding notes, all amounts outstanding under the ABL Facility and the indentures that govern our outstanding notes may become immediately due and payable and all commitments under the ABL Facility to extend further credit may be terminated.

As of September 30, 2021, approximately $35 million of our outstanding debt of $12.0 billion is due within the next 12 months.

Through September 30, 2021, we received approximately $1.2 billion of accelerated payments pursuant to the Medicare Accelerated and Advance Payment Program. As of September 30, 2021, approximately $814 million of Medicare accelerated payments remained outstanding and are reflected within accrued liabilities-other in the condensed consolidated balance sheet. Recoupment of these funds by CMS began in April 2021 under the repayment framework more specifically described above under “Overview of Legislative Developments” of this “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of

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Operations.” As described in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) in Part I, Item 1 of this Form 10-Q under the heading “Subsequent Events”, the outstanding balance of Medicare accelerated payments of $814 million as of September 30, 2021 was repaid in full to CMS in October 2021. Additionally, the CARES Act permitted the deferral of payment of the employer portion of social security taxes between March 27, 2020 and December 31, 2020, with 50% of the deferred amount due December 31, 2021 and the remaining 50% due December 31, 2022. Through September 30, 2021, we had deferred approximately $146 million of which, approximately $73 million is included within accrued liabilities employee compensation and approximately $73 million is included within other long-term liabilities in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. The deferral of the employer portion of social security taxes along with the repayment of Medicare accelerated payments are expected to negatively impact our cash flows from operations during 2021.

As previously discussed, we may require an increased level of working capital if we experience extended billing and collection cycles resulting from negative economic conditions arising from the COVID-19 pandemic or other factors, which may impact service mix, revenue mix, payor mix and patient volumes, as well as our ability to collect outstanding receivables. A material increase in the amount or deterioration in the collectability of accounts receivable will adversely affect our cash flows and results of operations, requiring an increased level of working capital.

We believe that internally generated cash flows and current levels of availability for additional borrowing under the ABL Facility, as well as our continued access to the capital markets, will be sufficient to finance acquisitions, capital expenditures, working capital requirements, and any debt repurchases or other debt repayments we may elect to make or be required to make through the next 12 months. PHSSEF funds that we have received and may continue to receive under the CARES Act and related legislation will be used according to their terms and conditions as reimbursement for lost revenues and incremental expenses attributable to COVID-19, including working capital requirements and capital expenditures. The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in, and may continue to result in, significant disruptions of financial and capital markets, which could reduce our ability to access capital and negatively affect our liquidity in the future. Additionally, while we have received PHSSEF payments and accelerated Medicare payments under the CARES Act and related legislation and may continue to receive and be able to utilize PHSSEF payments which have been received, as noted above, there is no assurance regarding the extent to which potential ongoing negative impacts on us arising from the COVID-19 pandemic will be offset by benefits which we may recognize or receive in the future under the CARES Act and related legislation or any future stimulus measures.

We may elect from time to time to continue to purchase our outstanding debt in open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions or otherwise. Any such debt repurchases will depend upon prevailing market conditions, our liquidity requirements, contractual restrictions, applicable securities laws requirements, and other factors.

Off-balance Sheet Arrangements

Off-balance sheet arrangements consist of letters of credit of $108 million issued on the ABL Facility, primarily in support of potential insurance-related claims and certain bonds, as well as approximately $13 million representing the maximum potential amount of future payments under physician recruiting guarantee commitments in excess of the liability recorded at September 30, 2021.

As previously discussed, we have a commitment to build one replacement facility. As part of an acquisition in 2016, we agreed to build a replacement facility in Knox, Indiana. The estimated construction costs, including equipment costs, are currently estimated to be approximately $15 million. We have incurred no cost to date for the construction of the replacement facility in Knox, Indiana.

Noncontrolling Interests

We have sold noncontrolling interests in certain of our subsidiaries or acquired subsidiaries with existing noncontrolling interest ownership positions. As of September 30, 2021, we have hospitals in eight of the markets we serve, with noncontrolling physician ownership interests ranging from less than 1% to 40%. In addition, as of September 30, 2021, we have five other hospitals with noncontrolling interests owned by non-profit entities or a for-profit subsidiary of a non-profit entity. Redeemable noncontrolling interests in equity of consolidated subsidiaries was $493 million and $484 million at September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively, and noncontrolling interests in equity of consolidated subsidiaries was $83 million and $87 million at September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. The amount of net income attributable to noncontrolling interests was $33 million and $16 million for the three month periods ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and $94 million and $54 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. As a result of the change in the Stark Law “whole hospital” exception included in the Affordable Care Act, we are not permitted to introduce physician ownership at any of our hospital facilities that did not have physician ownership at the time of the adoption of the Affordable Care Act, or increase the aggregate percentage of physician ownership in any of our former or existing hospital joint ventures in excess of the aggregate physician ownership level held at the time of the adoption of the Affordable Care Act.

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Reimbursement, Legislative and Regulatory Changes

Ongoing legislative and regulatory efforts could reduce or otherwise adversely affect the payments we receive from Medicare and Medicaid and other payors. Within the statutory framework of the Medicare and Medicaid programs, there are substantial areas subject to administrative rulings, interpretations and discretion which may further affect payments made under those programs, and the federal and state governments might, in the future, reduce the funds available under those programs or require more stringent utilization and quality reviews of hospital facilities. Additionally, there may be a continued rise in managed care programs and additional restructuring of the financing and delivery of healthcare in the United States. These events could cause our future financial results to be adversely impacted. We cannot estimate the impact of Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement changes that have been enacted or are under consideration. We cannot predict whether additional reimbursement reductions will be made or whether any such changes or other restructuring of the financing and delivery of healthcare would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial conditions, results of operations, cash flow, capital resources and liquidity.

Inflation

The healthcare industry is labor intensive. Wages and other expenses increase during periods of inflation, when labor shortages occur in the marketplace or when market forces or other factors drive such developments, which has occurred and may continue to occur in connection with the current competitive labor market arising out of the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, our suppliers may pass along higher materials costs and shipping/handling fees to us in the form of higher prices. We have implemented cost control measures, including our case and resource management program, to curb increases in operating costs and expenses. We have generally offset increases in operating costs by increasing reimbursement for services, expanding services and reducing costs in other areas. However, we cannot predict our ability to cover or offset future cost increases, particularly any increases in our cost of providing health insurance benefits to our employees.

Critical Accounting Policies

The discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our condensed consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of our condensed consolidated financial statements. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

Critical accounting policies are defined as those policies that involve a significant level of estimation uncertainty and have had or are reasonably likely to have a material impact on the financial condition or results of operations of the registrant. We believe that our critical accounting policies are limited to those described below.

Revenue Recognition

We record net operating revenues at the transaction price estimated to reflect the total consideration due from patients and third-party payors in exchange for providing goods and services in patient care. These services are considered to be a single performance obligation and have a duration of less than one year. Revenues are recorded as these goods and services are provided. The transaction price, which involves significant estimates, is determined based on our standard charges for the goods and services provided, with a reduction recorded for price concessions related to third party contractual arrangements as well as patient discounts and patient price concessions. During each of the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, the impact of changes to the inputs used to determine the transaction price was considered immaterial to the current period.

Currently, several states utilize supplemental reimbursement programs for the purpose of providing reimbursement to providers to offset a portion of the cost of providing care to Medicaid and indigent patients. These programs are designed with input from the CMS and are funded with a combination of state and federal resources, including, in certain instances, fees or taxes levied on the providers. Under these supplemental programs, we recognize revenue and related expenses in the period in which amounts are estimable and collection is reasonably assured. Reimbursement under these programs is reflected in net operating revenues and fees, taxes or other program-related costs are reflected in other operating expenses.

Net operating revenues include amounts estimated by management to be reimbursable by Medicare and Medicaid under prospective payment systems and provisions of cost-reimbursement and other payment methods. In addition, we are reimbursed by non-governmental payors using a variety of payment methodologies. Amounts we receive for treatment of patients covered by these programs are generally less than the standard billing rates. Explicit price concessions are recorded for contractual allowances that are calculated and recorded through internally-developed data collection and analysis tools to automate the monthly estimation of required contractual allowances. Within this automated system, payors’ historical paid claims data are utilized to calculate the contractual allowances. This data is automatically updated on a monthly basis. All hospital contractual allowance calculations are subjected to

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monthly review by management to ensure reasonableness and accuracy. We account for the differences between the estimated program reimbursement rates and the standard billing rates as contractual allowance adjustments, which is one component of the deductions from gross revenues to arrive at net operating revenues. The process of estimating contractual allowances requires us to estimate the amount expected to be received based on payor contract provisions. The key assumption in this process is the estimated contractual reimbursement percentage, which is based on payor classification, historical paid claims data and, when applicable, application of the expected managed care plan reimbursement based on contract terms.

Due to the complexities involved in these estimates, actual payments we receive could be different from the amounts we estimate and record. If the actual contractual reimbursement percentage under government programs and managed care contracts differed by 1% at September 30, 2021 from our estimated reimbursement percentage, net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 would have changed by approximately $88 million, and net accounts receivable at September 30, 2021 would have changed by $113 million. Final settlements under some of these programs are subject to adjustment based on administrative review and audit by third parties. We account for adjustments to previous program reimbursement estimates as contractual allowance adjustments and report them in the periods that such adjustments become known. Contractual allowance adjustments related to final settlements and previous program reimbursement estimates impacted net operating revenues and net income by an insignificant amount for each of the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2021 and 2020.

Patient Accounts Receivable

Substantially all of our accounts receivable are related to providing healthcare services to patients at our hospitals and affiliated businesses. Collection of these accounts receivable is our primary source of cash and is critical to our operating performance. Our primary collection risks relate to uninsured patients and outstanding patient balances for which the primary insurance payor has paid some but not all of the outstanding balance, with the remaining outstanding balance (generally deductibles and co-payments) owed by the patient. For all procedures scheduled in advance, our policy is to verify insurance coverage prior to the date of the procedure. Insurance coverage is not verified in advance of procedures for walk-in and emergency room patients.

We estimate any adjustments to the transaction price for implicit price concessions by reserving a percentage of all self-pay accounts receivable without regard to aging category, based on collection history, adjusted for expected recoveries and any anticipated changes in trends. Our ability to estimate the transaction price and any implicit price concessions is not impacted by not utilizing an aging of our net accounts receivable as we believe that substantially all of the risk exists at the point in time such accounts are identified as self-pay. The percentage used to reserve for all self-pay accounts is based on our collection history. We believe that we collect substantially all of our third-party insured receivables, which include receivables from governmental agencies.

Patient accounts receivable are recorded at net realizable value based on certain assumptions determined by each payor. For third-party payors including Medicare, Medicaid, and Managed Care, the net realizable value is based on the estimated contractual reimbursement percentage, which is based on current contract prices or historical paid claims data by payor. For self-pay accounts receivable, which includes patients who are uninsured and the patient responsibility portion for patients with insurance, the net realizable value is determined using estimates of historical collection experience without regard to aging category. These estimates are adjusted for estimated conversions of patient responsibility portions, expected recoveries and any anticipated changes in trends.

Patient accounts receivable can be impacted by the effectiveness of our collection efforts. Additionally, significant changes in payor mix, business office operations, economic conditions or trends in federal and state governmental healthcare coverage could affect the net realizable value of accounts receivable. We also continually review the net realizable value of accounts receivable by monitoring historical cash collections as a percentage of trailing net operating revenues, as well as by analyzing current period net revenue and admissions by payor classification, days revenue outstanding, the composition of self-pay receivables between pure self-pay patients and the patient responsibility portion of third-party insured receivables, the impact of recent acquisitions and dispositions and the impact of current economic and other events. If the actual collection percentage differed by 1% at September 30, 2021 from our estimated collection percentage as a result of a change in expected recoveries, net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 would have changed by $42 million, and net accounts receivable at September 30, 2021 would have changed by $54 million. We also continually review our overall reserve adequacy by monitoring historical cash collections as a percentage of trailing net operating revenues, as well as by analyzing current period net revenue and admissions by payor classification, days revenue outstanding, the composition of self-pay receivables between pure self-pay patients and the patient responsibility portion of third-party insured receivables and the impact of recent acquisitions and dispositions.

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Our policy is to write-off gross accounts receivable if the balance is under $10.00 or when such amounts are placed with outside collection agencies. We believe this policy accurately reflects our ongoing collection efforts and is consistent with industry practices. We had approximately $2.4 billion at September 30, 2021, and $3.3 billion at December 31, 2020, being pursued by various outside collection agencies. We expect to collect less than 3%, net of estimated collection fees, of the amounts being pursued by outside collection agencies. As these amounts have been written-off, they are not included in our accounts receivable. Collections on amounts previously written-off are recognized as a recovery of net operating revenues when received. However, we take into consideration estimated collections of these future amounts written-off in determining the implicit price concessions used to measure the transaction price for the applicable portfolio of patient accounts receivable.

All of the following information is derived from our hospitals, excluding clinics, unless otherwise noted.

Patient accounts receivable from our hospitals represent approximately 98% of our total consolidated accounts receivable.

Days revenue outstanding, adjusted for the impact of receivables for state Medicaid supplemental payment programs and divested facilities, was 56 days and 52 days at September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively.

Total gross accounts receivable (prior to allowance for contractual adjustments and implicit price concessions) was approximately $16.4 billion as of September 30, 2021 and approximately $14.8 billion as of December 31, 2020. The approximate percentage of total gross accounts receivable (prior to allowance for contractual adjustments and implicit price concessions) summarized by aging categories is as follows:

As of September 30, 2021:
	% of Gross Receivables
Payor	0 - 90 Days			90 - 180 Days			180 - 365 Days			Over 365 Days
Medicare		12	%		—	%		—	%		—	%
Medicaid		8	%		1	%		1	%		1	%
Managed Care and Other		34	%		5	%		4	%		2	%
Self-Pay		8	%		6	%		7	%		11	%

As of December 31, 2020:
	% of Gross Receivables
Payor	0 - 90 Days			90 - 180 Days			180 - 365 Days			Over 365 Days
Medicare		13	%		1	%		—	%		—	%
Medicaid		7	%		1	%		1	%		1	%
Managed Care and Other		31	%		4	%		3	%		3	%
Self-Pay		8	%		6	%		9	%		12	%

The approximate percentage of total gross accounts receivable (prior to allowances for contractual adjustments and implicit price concessions) summarized by payor is as follows:

	September 30,			December 31,
	2021			2020
Insured receivables		67.3	%		64.3	%
Self-pay receivables		32.7			35.7
Total		100.0	%		100.0	%

The combined total at our hospitals and clinics for the estimated implicit price concessions for self-pay accounts receivable and allowances for other self-pay discounts and contractuals, as a percentage of gross self-pay receivables, was approximately 91% at both September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020. If the receivables that have been written-off, but where collections are still being pursued by outside collection agencies, were included in both the allowances and gross self-pay receivables specified above, the percentage of combined allowances to total self-pay receivables would have been 94% at both September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020.

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Goodwill and Other Intangibles

Goodwill represents the excess of the fair value of the consideration conveyed in the acquisition over the fair value of net assets acquired. Goodwill is evaluated for impairment annually and when an event occurs or circumstances change that, more likely than not, reduce the fair value of the reporting unit below its carrying value. During 2017, we early adopted Accounting Standards Update 2017-04, which allows a company to record a goodwill impairment when the reporting units carrying value exceeds the fair value determined in step one. We performed our last annual goodwill impairment evaluation during the fourth quarter of 2020 using the October 31, 2020 measurement date, which indicated no impairment.

At September 30, 2021, we had approximately $4.2 billion of goodwill recorded, all of which resides at our hospital operations reporting unit. A detailed evaluation of potential impairment indicators was performed as of September 30, 2021. On the basis of available evidence as of September 30, 2021, no impairment indicators were identified.

The determination of fair value in our goodwill impairment analysis is based on an estimate of fair value for the hospital operations reporting unit utilizing known and estimated inputs at the evaluation date. Some of those inputs include, but are not limited to, the most recent price of our common stock or fair value of our long-term debt, estimates of future revenue and expense growth, estimated market multiples, expected capital expenditures, income tax rates, and costs of invested capital.

Future estimates of fair value could be adversely affected if the actual outcome of one or more of the assumptions described above changes materially in the future, including a decline in or volatility of our stock price and the fair value of its our long-term debt, lower than expected hospital volumes, higher market interest rates or increased operating costs. Such changes impacting the calculation of our fair value, the risks of which are amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic, could result in a material impairment charge in the future.

Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets

Whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying values of certain long-lived assets may be impaired, we project the undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by these assets. If the projections indicate that the reported amounts are not expected to be recovered, such amounts are reduced to their estimated fair value based on a quoted market price, if available, or an estimate based on valuation techniques available in the circumstances.

Professional Liability Claims

As part of our business of owning and operating hospitals, we are subject to legal actions alleging liability on our part. We accrue for losses resulting from such liability claims, as well as loss adjustment expenses that are out-of-pocket and directly related to such liability claims. These direct out-of-pocket expenses include fees of outside counsel and experts. We do not accrue for costs that are part of our corporate overhead, such as the costs of our in-house legal and risk management departments. The losses resulting from professional liability claims primarily consist of estimates for known claims, as well as estimates for incurred but not reported claims. The estimates are based on specific claim facts, our historical claim reporting and payment patterns, the nature and level of our hospital operations, and actuarially determined projections. The actuarially determined projections are based on our actual claim data, including historic reporting and payment patterns which have been gathered over an approximately 20-year period. As discussed below, since we purchase excess insurance on a claims-made basis that transfers risk to third-party insurers, the liability we accrue does include an amount for the losses covered by our excess insurance. We also record a receivable for the expected reimbursement of losses covered by our excess insurance. Since we believe that the amount and timing of our future claims payments are reliably determinable, we discount the amount we accrue for losses resulting from professional liability claims using the risk-free interest rate corresponding to the timing of our expected payments.

The net present value of the projected payments was discounted using a weighted-average risk-free rate of approximately 1.9% and 1.8% at September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. This liability is adjusted for new claims information in the period such information becomes known to us. Professional malpractice expense includes the losses resulting from professional liability claims and loss adjustment expense, as well as paid excess insurance premiums, and is presented within other operating expenses in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of income.

Our processes for obtaining and analyzing claims and incident data are standardized across all of our hospitals and have been consistent for many years. We monitor the outcomes of the medical care services that we provide and for each reported claim, we obtain various information concerning the facts and circumstances related to that claim. In addition, we routinely monitor current key statistics and volume indicators in our assessment of utilizing historical trends. The average lag period between claim occurrence and payment of a final settlement is between three and four years, although the facts and circumstances of individual claims could result in the timing of such payments being different from this average. Since claims are paid promptly after settlement with the claimant is reached, settled claims represent approximately 1.0% of the total liability at the end of any period.

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For purposes of estimating our individual claim accruals, we utilize specific claim information, including the nature of the claim, the expected claim amount, the year in which the claim occurred and the laws of the jurisdiction in which the claim occurred. Once the case accruals for known claims are determined, information is stratified by loss layers and retentions, accident years, reported years, geography, and claims relating to the acquired HMA hospitals versus claims relating to our other hospitals. Several actuarial methods are used against this data to produce estimates of ultimate paid losses and reserves for incurred but not reported claims. Each of these methods uses our company-specific historical claims data and other information. This company-specific data includes information regarding our business, including historical paid losses and loss adjustment expenses, historical and current case loss reserves, actual and projected hospital statistical data, a variety of hospital census information, employed physician information, professional liability retentions for each policy year, geographic information and other data.

Based on these analyses, we determine our estimate of the professional liability claims. The determination of management’s estimate, including the preparation of the reserve analysis that supports such estimate, involves subjective judgment of management. Changes in reserving data or the trends and factors that influence reserving data may signal fundamental shifts in our future claim development patterns or may simply reflect single-period anomalies. Even if a change reflects a fundamental shift, the full extent of the change may not become evident until years later. Moreover, since our methods and models use different types of data and we select our liability from the results of all of these methods, we typically cannot quantify the precise impact of such factors on our estimates of the liability. Due to our standardized and consistent processes for handling claims and the long history and depth of our company-specific data, our methodologies have historically produced reliably determinable estimates of ultimate paid losses. Management considers any changes in the amount and pattern of its historical paid losses up through the most recent reporting period to identify any fundamental shifts or trends in claim development experience in determining the estimate of professional liability claims. However, due to the subjective nature of this estimate and the impact that previously unforeseen shifts in actual claim experience can have, future estimates of professional liability could be adversely impacted when actual paid losses develop unexpectedly based on assumptions and settlement events that were not previously known or anticipated.

We are primarily self-insured for these claims; however, we obtain excess insurance that transfers the risk of loss to a third-party insurer for claims in excess of our self-insured retentions. Our excess insurance is underwritten on a claims-made basis. For claims reported prior to June 1, 2002, substantially all of our professional and general liability risks were subject to a less than $1 million per occurrence self-insured retention and for claims reported from June 1, 2002 through June 1, 2003, these self-insured retentions were $2 million per occurrence. Substantially all claims reported after June 1, 2003 and before June 1, 2005 are self-insured up to $4 million per claim. Substantially all claims reported on or after June 1, 2005 and before June 1, 2014 are self-insured up to $5 million per claim. Substantially all claims reported on or after June 1, 2014 and before June 1, 2018 are self-insured up to $10 million per claim. Substantially all claims reported on or after June 1, 2018 are self-insured up to $15 million per claim. Management, on occasion, has selectively increased the insured risk at certain hospitals based upon insurance pricing and other factors and may continue that practice in the future. Excess insurance for all hospitals has been purchased through commercial insurance companies and generally covers us for liabilities in excess of the self-insured retentions. The excess coverage consists of multiple layers of insurance, the sum of which totals up to $95 million per occurrence and in the aggregate for claims reported on or after June 1, 2003, up to $145 million per occurrence and in the aggregate for claims reported on or after January 1, 2008, up to $195 million per occurrence and in the aggregate for claims reported on or after June 1, 2010, and up to at least $215 million per occurrence and in the aggregate for claims reported on or after June 1, 2015. In addition, for integrated occurrence malpractice claims, there is an additional $50 million of excess coverage for claims reported on or after June 1, 2014 and an additional $75 million of excess coverage for claims reported on or after June 1, 2015 through June 1, 2020. The $75 million in integrated occurrence coverage will also apply to claims reported between June 1, 2020 and June 1, 2022 for events that occurred prior to June 1, 2020 but which were not previously known or reported. For certain policy years prior to June 1, 2014, if the first aggregate layer of excess coverage becomes fully utilized, then the self-insured retention will increase to $10 million per claim for any subsequent claims in that policy year until our total aggregate coverage is met. Beginning June 1, 2018, this drop-down provision in the excess policies attaches over the $15 million per claim self-insured retention.

Effective June 1, 2014, the hospitals acquired from HMA were insured on a claims-made basis as described above and through commercial insurance companies as described above for substantially all claims reported on or after June 1, 2014 except for physician-related claims with an occurrence date prior to June 1, 2014. Prior to June 1, 2014, the former HMA hospitals obtained insurance coverage through a wholly-owned captive insurance subsidiary and a risk retention group subsidiary which are domiciled in the Cayman Islands and South Carolina, respectively. Those insurance subsidiaries, which are collectively referred to as the “Insurance Subsidiaries,” provided (i) claims-made coverage to all of the former HMA hospitals and (ii) occurrence-basis coverage to most of the physicians employed by the former HMA hospitals. The employed physicians not covered by the Insurance Subsidiaries generally maintained claims-made policies with unrelated third party insurance companies. To mitigate the exposure of the program covering the former HMA hospitals and other healthcare facilities, the Insurance Subsidiaries bought claims-made reinsurance policies from unrelated third parties for claims above self-retention levels of $10 million or $15 million per claim, depending on the policy year.

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Effective January 1, 2008, the former Triad hospitals were insured on a claims-made basis as described above and through commercial insurance companies as described above for substantially all claims occurring on or after January 1, 2002 and reported on or after January 1, 2008. Substantially all losses for the former Triad hospitals in periods prior to May 1, 1999 were insured through a wholly-owned insurance subsidiary of HCA, Triad’s owner prior to that time, and excess loss policies maintained by HCA. HCA has agreed to indemnify the former Triad hospitals in respect of claims covered by such insurance policies arising prior to May 1, 1999. From May 1, 1999 through December 31, 2006, the former Triad hospitals obtained insurance coverage on a claims incurred basis from HCA’s wholly-owned insurance subsidiary with excess coverage obtained from other carriers that is subject to certain deductibles. Effective for claims incurred after December 31, 2006, Triad began insuring its claims from $1 million to $5 million through its wholly-owned captive insurance company, replacing the coverage provided by HCA. Substantially all claims occurring during 2007 were self-insured up to $10 million per claim.

There were no significant changes in our estimate of the reserve for professional liability claims during the nine months ended September 30, 2021.

Income Taxes

We must make estimates in recording provision for income taxes, including determination of deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities and any valuation allowances that might be required against the deferred tax assets. We believe that future income will enable us to realize certain deferred tax assets, subject to the valuation allowance we have established.

The total amount of unrecognized benefit that would impact the effective tax rate, if recognized, was less than $1 million as of September 30, 2021. A total of less than $1 million of interest and penalties is included in the amount of liability for uncertain tax positions at September 30, 2021. It is our policy to recognize interest and penalties related to unrecognized benefits in our condensed consolidated statements of income as income tax expense.

It is possible the amount of unrecognized tax benefit could change in the next 12 months as a result of a lapse of the statute of limitations and settlements with taxing authorities; however, we do not anticipate the change will have a material impact on our consolidated results of operations or consolidated financial position.

Our federal income tax returns for the 2014, 2015 and 2018 tax years remain under examination by the Internal Revenue Service. We believe the results of these examinations will not be material to our consolidated results of operations or consolidated financial position. We have extended the federal statute of limitations through December 31, 2021 for Community Health Systems, Inc. for the tax periods ended December 31, 2014 and 2015.

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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Some of the matters discussed in this Report include “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the federal securities laws, which involve risks, assumptions and uncertainties. Statements that are predictive in nature, that depend upon or refer to future events or conditions or that include words such as “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” “thinks,” and similar expressions are forward-looking statements. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause our actual results and performance to be materially different from any future results or performance expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. These factors include, among other things:

• developments related to COVID-19, including, without limitation, related to the length and severity of the pandemic; the volume of canceled or rescheduled procedures; the volume of COVID-19 patients cared for across our health systems; the timing, availability and acceptance of effective medical treatments and vaccines; the spread of potentially more contagious and/or virulent forms of the virus, including any possible variants of the virus that may be resistant to currently available vaccines; measures we are taking to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic; the impact of government actions and administrative regulation on us, including with respect to vaccine mandates; changes in net revenue due to patient volumes, payor mix and negative macroeconomic conditions; increased expenses related to labor, supply chain, capital and other expenditures; workforce disruptions; and supply shortages and disruptions;

• uncertainty regarding the implementation of the CARES Act, the PPPHCE Act, the CAA, the ARPA and any other future stimulus measures related to COVID-19, including the magnitude and timing of any future payments or benefits we may receive or realize thereunder;

• general economic and business conditions, both nationally and in the regions in which we operate, including economic and business conditions resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic;

• the impact of current or future federal and state health reform initiatives, including, without limitation, the Affordable Care Act, and the potential for changes to the Affordable Care Act, its implementation or its interpretation (including through executive orders and court challenges);

• the extent to and manner in which states support increases, decreases or changes in Medicaid programs, implement health insurance exchanges or alter the provision of healthcare to state residents through regulation or otherwise;

• the future and long-term viability of health insurance exchanges and potential changes to the beneficiary enrollment process;

• risks associated with our substantial indebtedness, leverage and debt service obligations, including our ability to refinance such indebtedness on acceptable terms or to incur additional indebtedness, and our ability to remain in compliance with debt covenants;

• demographic changes;

• changes in, or the failure to comply with, federal, state or local laws or governmental regulations affecting our business, including any such laws or governmental regulations which are adopted in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic;

• potential adverse impact of known and unknown legal, regulatory and governmental proceedings and other loss contingencies, including governmental investigations and audits, and federal and state false claims act litigation;

• our ability, where appropriate, to enter into and maintain provider arrangements with payors and the terms of these arrangements, which may be further affected by the increasing consolidation of health insurers and managed care companies and vertical integration efforts involving payors and healthcare providers;

• changes in, or the failure to comply with, contract terms with payors and changes in reimbursement policies or rates paid by federal or state healthcare programs or commercial payors;

• any potential impairments in the carrying value of goodwill, other intangible assets, or other long-lived assets, or changes in the useful lives of other intangible assets;

• changes in inpatient or outpatient Medicare and Medicaid payment levels and methodologies;

• the effects related to the implementation of sequestration spending reductions pursuant to both the Budget Control Act of 2011 and the PAYGO Act and the potential for future deficit reduction legislation;

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• increases in the amount and risk of collectability of patient accounts receivable, including decreases in collectability which may result from, among other things, self-pay growth and difficulties in recovering payments for which patients are responsible, including co-pays and deductibles;

• the efforts of insurers, healthcare providers, large employer groups and others to contain healthcare costs, including the trend toward value-based purchasing;

• increases in wages as a result of inflation or competition for highly technical positions and higher supply and drug costs due to market pressure from pharmaceutical companies and new product releases;

• liabilities and other claims asserted against us, including self-insured malpractice claims;

• competition;

• our ability to attract and retain, at reasonable employment costs, qualified personnel, key management, physicians, nurses and other healthcare workers;

• trends toward treatment of patients in less acute or specialty healthcare settings, including ambulatory surgery centers or specialty hospitals or via telehealth;

• changes in medical or other technology;

• changes in U.S. GAAP;

• the availability and terms of capital to fund any additional acquisitions or replacement facilities or other capital expenditures;

• our ability to successfully make acquisitions or complete divestitures, our ability to complete any such acquisitions or divestitures on desired terms or at all, the timing of the completion of any such acquisitions or divestitures, and our ability to realize the intended benefits from any such acquisitions or divestitures;

• the impact that changes in our relationships with joint venture or syndication partners could have on effectively operating our hospitals or ancillary services or in advancing strategic opportunities;

• our ability to successfully integrate any acquired hospitals, or to recognize expected synergies from acquisitions;

• the impact of seasonal severe weather conditions, including the timing and amount of insurance recoveries in relation to severe weather events;

• our ability to obtain adequate levels of insurance, including general liability, professional liability, and directors and officers liability insurance;

• timeliness of reimbursement payments received under government programs;

• effects related to pandemics, epidemics, or outbreaks of infectious diseases, including the novel coronavirus causing the disease known as COVID-19 as noted above;

• the impact of cyber-attacks or security breaches;

• any developments with respect to the Corporate Integrity Agreement;

• the concentration of our revenue in a small number of states;

• our ability to realize anticipated cost savings and other benefits from our current strategic and operational cost savings initiatives;

• any changes in or interpretations of income tax laws and regulations; and

• the other risk factors set forth in our 2020 Form 10-K, and our other public filings with the SEC.

48

Although we believe that these forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable assumptions, these assumptions are inherently subject to significant regulatory, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies, which are difficult or impossible to predict accurately and may be beyond our control. Accordingly, we cannot give any assurance that our expectations will in fact occur, and we caution that actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Given these uncertainties, prospective investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this filing. We undertake no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements, or to make any other forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Item 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

During the three months ended September 30, 2021, there have been no material changes in the quantitative and qualitative disclosures set forth in Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk in our 2020 Form 10-K.

Item 4.  Controls and Procedures

Our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, with the participation of other members of management, have evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on such evaluations, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of such date, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective (at the reasonable assurance level) to ensure that the information required to be included in this report has been recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and to ensure that the information required to be included in this report was accumulated and communicated to management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the three months ended September 30, 2021 that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect our internal controls over financial reporting.

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PART II OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.  Legal Proceedings

From time to time, we receive inquiries or subpoenas from state regulators, state Medicaid Fraud Control units, fiscal intermediaries, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the Department of Justice and other government entities regarding various Medicare and Medicaid issues. In addition to the matters discussed below, we are currently responding to subpoenas and administrative demands concerning (a) a civil investigative demand related to call coverage services provided by a cardiology group at one of our Tennessee hospitals and (b) a civil investigative demand related to charges for certain emergency department services at our four New Mexico hospitals. In addition, we are subject to other claims and lawsuits arising in the ordinary course of our business including lawsuits and claims related to billing practices and the administration of charity care policies at our hospitals. Based on current knowledge, management does not believe that loss contingencies arising from pending legal, regulatory and governmental matters, including the matters described herein, will have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial position or liquidity of the Company. However, in light of the inherent uncertainties involved in pending legal, regulatory and governmental matters, some of which are beyond our control, and the very large or indeterminate damages sought in some of these matters, an adverse outcome in one or more of these matters could be material to our results of operations or cash flows for any particular reporting period. Settlements of suits involving Medicare and Medicaid issues routinely require both monetary payments as well as corporate integrity agreements. Additionally, qui tam or “whistleblower” actions initiated under the civil False Claims Act may be pending but placed under seal by the court to comply with the False Claims Act’s requirements for filing such suits. In September 2014, the Criminal Division of the United States Department of Justice, or DOJ, announced that all qui tam cases will be shared with their Division to determine if a parallel criminal investigation should be opened. The Criminal Division has also frequently stated an intention to pursue corporations in criminal prosecutions. From time to time, we detect issues of non-compliance with Federal healthcare laws pertaining to claims submission and reimbursement practices and/or financial relationships with physicians. We avail ourselves of various mechanisms to address potential overpayments arising out of these issues, including repayment of claims, rebilling of claims, and participation in voluntary disclosure protocols offered by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and the Office of the Inspector General. Participating in voluntary repayments and voluntary disclosure protocols can have the potential for significant settlement obligations or even enforcement action.

The following legal proceedings are described in detail because, although certain legal proceedings may not be required to be disclosed in this Part II, Item 1 under SEC rules, due to the nature of the business of the Company, we believe that the following discussion of these matters may provide useful information to security holders. This discussion does not include claims and lawsuits covered by medical malpractice, general liability or employment practices insurance and risk retention programs, none of which claims or lawsuits would in any event be required to be disclosed in this Part II, Item 1 under SEC rules.

Shareholder Litigation

Caleb Padilla, individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated v Community Health Systems, Inc., Wayne T. Smith, Larry Cash, and Thomas J. Aaron. This purported federal securities class action was filed in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee on May 30, 2019. It seeks class certification on behalf of purchasers of our common stock between February 20, 2017 and February 27, 2018 and alleges misleading statements resulted in artificially inflated prices for our common stock. On November 20, 2019, the District Court appointed Arun Bhattacharya and Michael Gaviria as lead plaintiffs in the case. The lead plaintiffs filed a consolidated class complaint on January 21, 2020. The Company filed a motion to dismiss the consolidated class complaint on March 23, 2020. That motion is pending. We believe this matter is without merit and will vigorously defend this case.

Padilla Derivative Litigation. Four purported shareholder derivative cases have been filed in two District Courts relating to the factual allegations in the Padilla litigation; Three of these cases have been consolidated in In re Community Health Systems, Inc. Shareholder Derivative Litigation and are pending in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware; namely, Faisal Hussain v. Wayne T. Smith, et al, filed August 12, 2019; Susheel Tanjavoor v. Wayne T. Smith, et al., filed August 29, 2019; and Kevin Aronson v. Wayne T. Smith, et al, filed April 29, 2020. The fourth case, Roger Trombley v. Wayne T. Smith, et al, filed August 20, 2019, is pending in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee. All four cases seek relief derivatively and on behalf of Community Health Systems, Inc. against certain Company officers and directors based on alleged breaches of fiduciary duty, unjust enrichment, and other acts related to certain Company disclosures in 2017 and 2018 regarding the Company’s adoption of Accounting Standards Update 2014-09, which the Company adopted effective January 1, 2018. All four cases are stayed by court order until the United States District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee rules on the defendants’ motion to dismiss in the Padilla action.

50

Oui Tam Litigation

U.S. ex rel Larry Bomar v. Bayfront HMA Medical Center, LLC, et al – On September 14, 2017, our former hospital in St. Petersburg, Florida received a civil investigative demand, or CID, from the United States Department of Justice for information concerning its historic participation in the Florida Low Income Pool Program. The Low Income Pool Program, or LIP, is a funding pool to support healthcare providers that provide uncompensated care to Florida residents who are uninsured or underinsured. The CID sought documentation related to agreements between the hospital and Pinellas County. On June 13, 2019, an additional ten of our affiliated hospitals in Florida received CIDs related to the same subject matter, along with two CIDs addressed to our affiliated management company and the parent company. We cooperated fully with the investigation. On September 15, 2021, the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida ordered the unsealing of this qui tam complaint, which contains allegations related to the information sought in the September 14, 2017 CID. Specifically, the relator claims our former hospital in St. Petersburg – Bayfront Medical Center St. Petersburg – along with other, unaffiliated hospitals violated the False Claims Act by allegedly making certain contributions to a non-profit entity for the purpose of receiving supplemental Medicaid funding. The United States has declined to intervene in the case.

Commercial Litigation and Other Lawsuits

Steadfast Insurance Company, et al v. Community Health Systems, Inc., CHS/Community Health Systems, Inc., CHSPSC, LLC and Pecos Valley of New Mexico, LLC; Community Health Systems, Inc., et al v. Steadfast Insurance Company, et al; Anne Sperling, et al v. Community Insurance Group SPC, Ltd. These cases are filed in the Superior Court for the State of Delaware, the Chancery Court for the State of Delaware, and the First Judicial District Court for the State of New Mexico, respectively, and involve insurance coverage disputes related to a $73 million judgment rendered against Pecos Valley of New Mexico, LLC in Anne Sperling, et al v. Pecos Valley of New Mexico, LLC (“Sperling I”). The first case was brought by Steadfast Insurance Company in Delaware Superior Court seeking a declaration that the Sperling I judgment is not a covered loss as defined by the insurance policies that are the subject of the case. The second case, filed by the Company in Delaware Chancery Court, seeks reformation of the subject policies. The third case (“Sperling II”), filed by the plaintiffs in Sperling I, seeks recovery from Pecos Valley of New Mexico, LLC’s insurers for the judgment awarded the plaintiffs in their separate, previous action against Pecos Valley of New Mexico, LLC. The Steadfast complaint was served on November 30, 2018. On December 13, 2018, Admiral Insurance Company, Endurance Specialty Insurance Ltd, and Illinois Union Insurance Company moved to intervene in the suit as petitioners. The Company has initiated counterclaims against each insurer in that case, including for bad faith against Steadfast. The Company filed the Community Health Systems complaint on January 22, 2020. Sperling II was filed on July 24, 2019.  Plaintiffs amended their complaint to add Pecos Valley of New Mexico, LLC as a defendant in that action on May 21, 2020, and Pecos Valley of New Mexico, LLC filed a third party action against certain insurer defendants in the case on July 6, 2020. On November 12, 2020, Pecos Valley and one of its insurers reached a settlement with the plaintiffs in Sperling I, and as a result the Sperling I case was dismissed with prejudice on November 19, 2020. The Steadfast, Community Health Systems, Inc. and Sperling II cases remain pending. Trial in the Steadfast and Community Health Systems, Inc. consolidated cases is set for December 6, 2021, and the Steadfast plaintiffs’ motions for summary judgment are pending. The Sperling II case is stayed pending the outcome of Steadfast and Community Health Systems, Inc. We will vigorously defend and prosecute these cases.

Thomas Mason, MD, Steven Folstad, MD and Mid-Atlantic Emergency Medical Associates, PA v Health Management Associates, LLC f/k/a Health Management Associates, Inc., Mooresville Hospital Management Associates d/b/a Lake Norman Regional Medical Center and Statesville HMA, LLC d/b/a Davis Regional Medical Center, Envision Healthcare Corporation f/k/a Emergency Medical Services Corporation, Emcare Holdings, Inc., Emergency Medical Services, LP. This alleged wrongful retaliation case is filed in the United States District Court for the Western District of North Carolina. The plaintiffs allege their agreements with the defendants were terminated in retaliation for plaintiffs’ alleged refusal to admit patients unnecessarily to the defendant hospitals or otherwise perform unnecessary diagnostic testing. The allegations of the complaint relate to time periods prior to the hospitals’ affiliation with the Company. The plaintiffs filed a Third Amended Complaint on April 26, 2019. The defendants filed motions to dismiss, which were granted in part and denied in part on September 5, 2019. Trial of this matter is set for January 3, 2022. We believe these claims are without merit and will vigorously defend the case.

Tower Health, f/k/a Reading Health System, et al v CHS/Community Health Systems, Inc., et al. This breach of contract action is pending in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. The plaintiffs allege breaches of an asset purchase agreement in connection with the sale of Pottstown Memorial Medical Center. The alleged breaches regard plaintiffs’ contention that the defendants failed to disclose certain conditions related to the physical plant of the hospital, along with various other alleged breaches of the asset purchase agreement. The plaintiffs filed an amended complaint on July 22, 2019. Trial for this matter began May 3, 2021, and closed on October 5, 2021. The court has not issued a decision. We believe these claims are without merit and are vigorously defending the case.

Lancaster County Investors Company, et al v CHS/Community Health Systems, Inc. This breach of fiduciary duty and demand for accounting case is pending in the Court of Common Pleas of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. The plaintiffs are certain minority

51

members of Rose City HMA, LLC, which formerly owned and operated Lancaster Regional Medical Center. The plaintiffs generally claim they are entitled to additional compensation related to the sale of Lancaster Regional Medical Center by Rose City HMA, LLC over and above what they have already received from the proceeds of the sale. We believe these claims are without merit and will vigorously defend the case.

Daniel H. Golden, as Litigation Trustee of the QHC Litigation Trust, and Wilmington Savings Fund Society, FSB, solely in its capacity as indenture trustee v Community Health Systems, Inc., et al. A complaint in this case was filed on October 25, 2021 in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware against various persons, including the Company, certain subsidiaries of the Company, certain former executive officers of the Company and Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC. Plaintiff Daniel H. Golden is the litigation trustee for a litigation trust which was formed under the plan of reorganization of Quorum Health Corporation, or QHC, and certain affiliated entities confirmed by order of the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware wherein QHC and certain affiliated entities contributed various causes of action to such litigation trust. Plaintiff Wilmington Savings Fund Society is the indenture trustee for certain notes issued by QHC. The complaint seeks damages and other forms of recovery arising out of certain alleged actions taken by the Company and the other defendants in connection with the spin-off of QHC which was completed on April 29, 2016, and includes claims for unjust enrichment and for avoidance of certain transactions and payments by QHC to the Company connected with the spin-off, including the special dividend paid by QHC to the Company as part of the spin-off transactions. We believe these claims are without merit and will vigorously defend the case.

Item 1A.  Risk Factors

There have been no material changes with regard to the risk factors previously disclosed in the 2020 Form 10-K.

Item 2.  Unregistered Sale of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

The following table contains information about our purchases of common stock during the three months ended September 30, 2021.

Period	Total Number of Shares Purchased (a)		Average Price Paid per Share		Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs (b)		Maximum Number of Shares That May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs (b)
July 1, 2021 -
July 31, 2021		—	$	—		—		—
August 1, 2021 -
August 31, 2021		—		—		—		—
September 1, 2021 -
September 30, 2021		—		—		—		—
Total		—	$	—		—		—

(a) No shares were withheld to satisfy the payment of tax obligations related to the vesting of restricted stock awards.

(b) We had no publicly announced repurchase programs for shares of our common stock during the three months ended September 30, 2021.

The ABL Facility and the indentures governing each series of our outstanding notes restrict our subsidiaries from, among other matters, paying dividends and making distributions to us, which thereby limits our ability to pay dividends and/or repurchase stock. As of September 30, 2021, under the most restrictive test in these agreements (and subject to certain exceptions), we have approximately $200 million of capacity to pay permitted dividends and/or repurchase shares of stock or make other restricted payments.

52

Item 3.  Defaults Upon Senior Securities  

None.

Item 4.  Mine Safety Disclosures  

Not applicable.

Item 5.  Other Information  

None.

53

Item 6.  Exhibits

No.		Description
31.1	*	Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
31.2	*	Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.1	**	Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.2	**	Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
101	*	The following financial information from our quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, filed with the SEC on October 28, 2021, formatted in Inline Extensible Business Reporting Language: (i) the condensed consolidated statements of income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 and September 30, 2020, (ii) the condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 and September 30, 2020, (iii) the condensed consolidated balance sheets at September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, (iv) the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and September 30, 2020, and (v) the notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements. The instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document.
104	*	Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101).

* Filed herewith.

** Furnished herewith.

54

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

COMMUNITY HEALTH SYSTEMS, INC. (Registrant)
By:	/s/  Tim L. Hingtgen
	Tim L. Hingtgen Director and
	Chief Executive Officer

By:	/s/   Kevin J. Hammons
	Kevin J. Hammons
	President and
	Chief Financial Officer

By:	/s/   Jason K. Johnson
	Jason K. Johnson
	Senior Vice President and
	Chief Accounting Officer

Date:  October 28, 2021

55

EX-31.1

Exhibit 31.1

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE

SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, Tim L. Hingtgen, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Community Health Systems, Inc.;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b) designed such internal controls over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c) evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d) disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a) all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

/s/  Tim L. Hingtgen

Tim L. Hingtgen

Chief Executive Officer

Date: October 28, 2021

EX-31.2

Exhibit 31.2

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE

SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, Kevin J. Hammons, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Community Health Systems, Inc.;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b) designed such internal controls over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c) evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d) disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a) all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

/s/  Kevin J. Hammons

Kevin J. Hammons

President and Chief Financial Officer

Date: October 28, 2021

EX-32.1

Exhibit 32.1

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT

TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Quarterly Report of Community Health Systems, Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2021, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Tim L. Hingtgen, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

/s/  Tim L. Hingtgen

Tim L. Hingtgen

Chief Executive Officer

October 28, 2021

EX-32.2

Exhibit 32.2

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT

TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Quarterly Report of Community Health Systems, Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2021, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Kevin J. Hammons, President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

/s/  Kevin J. Hammons

Kevin J. Hammons

President and Chief Financial Officer

October 28, 2021

XML

Document and Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Oct. 22, 2021
Cover [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Transition Report	false
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2021
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2021
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity File Number	001-15925
Entity Registrant Name	COMMUNITY HEALTH SYSTEMS, INC.
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	DE
Entity Tax Identification Number	13-3893191
Entity Address, Address Line One	4000 Meridian Boulevard
Entity Address, City or Town	Franklin
Entity Address, State or Province	TN
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	37067
City Area Code	615
Local Phone Number	465-7000
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Stock, $.01 par value
Trading Symbol	CYH
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		132,107,916
Entity Central Index Key	0001108109
Amendment Flag	false

XML

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net operating revenues	$ 3,115	$ 3,126	$ 9,135	$ 8,670
Operating costs and expenses:
Salaries and benefits	1,336	1,365	3,905	4,054
Supplies	529	523	1,521	1,439
Other operating expenses	716	736	2,170	2,211
Government and other legal settlements and related costs				4
Lease cost and rent	75	85	231	248
Pandemic relief funds	(19)		(102)	(448)
Depreciation and amortization	137	139	408	424
Impairment and (gain) loss on sale of businesses, net	1	(7)	24	48
Total operating costs and expenses	2,775	2,841	8,157	7,980
Income from operations	340	285	978	690
Interest expense, net	216	257	666	779
Loss (gain) from early extinguishment of debt		(115)	79	(111)
Gain on sale of investments in unconsolidated affiliates	(26)		(26)
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates	(4)	(5)	(19)	(11)
Income before income taxes	154	148	278	33
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes	10	20	132	(221)
Net income	144	128	146	254
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	33	16	94	54
Net income attributable to Community Health Systems, Inc. stockholders	$ 111	$ 112	$ 52	$ 200
Earnings per share attributable to Community Health Systems, Inc. common stockholders:
Basic	$ 0.87	$ 0.98	$ 0.41	$ 1.74
Diluted	$ 0.85	$ 0.97	$ 0.40	$ 1.74
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding:
Basic	127,077,786	115,015,460	126,638,291	114,764,050
Diluted	130,885,139	115,640,852	129,885,951	115,012,202

XML

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 144	$ 128	$ 146	$ 254
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes:
Net change in fair value of available-for-sale debt securities, net of tax	(1)		(4)	3
Amortization and recognition of unrecognized pension cost components, net of tax	2		3	1
Other comprehensive income (loss)	1		(1)	4
Comprehensive income	145	128	145	258
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	33	16	94	54
Comprehensive income attributable to Community Health Systems, Inc. stockholders	$ 112	$ 112	$ 51	$ 204

XML

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 1,294	$ 1,676
Patient accounts receivable	2,024	1,927
Supplies	341	335
Prepaid income taxes	44	50
Prepaid expenses and taxes	189	184
Other current assets	285	338
Total current assets	4,177	4,510
Property and equipment	9,536	9,352
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	(4,168)	(4,030)
Property and equipment, net	5,368	5,322
Goodwill	4,219	4,219
Deferred income taxes	59	59
Other assets, net	1,847	1,896
Total assets	15,670	16,006
Current liabilities:
Current maturities of long-term debt	35	123
Current operating lease liabilities	142	142
Accounts payable	763	783
Accrued liabilities:
Employee compensation	687	637
Accrued interest	198	150
Other	1,265	980
Total current liabilities	3,090	2,815
Long-term debt	11,976	12,093
Deferred income taxes	152	29
Long-term operating lease liabilities	538	524
Other long-term liabilities	914	1,599
Total liabilities	16,670	17,060
Redeemable noncontrolling interests in equity of consolidated subsidiaries	493	484
Community Health Systems, Inc. stockholders’ deficit:
Preferred stock, $.01 par value per share, 100,000,000 shares authorized; none issued
Common stock, $.01 par value per share, 300,000,000 shares authorized; 132,041,102 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2021, and 129,612,117 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2020	1	1
Additional paid-in capital	2,092	2,094
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(14)	(13)
Accumulated deficit	(3,655)	(3,707)
Total Community Health Systems, Inc. stockholders’ deficit	(1,576)	(1,625)
Noncontrolling interests in equity of consolidated subsidiaries	83	87
Total stockholders’ deficit	(1,493)	(1,538)
Total liabilities and stockholders’ deficit	$ 15,670	$ 16,006

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Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Sep. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Statement Of Financial Position [Abstract]
Preferred stock, par value per share	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	100,000,000	100,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Common stock, par value per share	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	300,000,000	300,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	132,041,102	129,612,117
Common stock, shares outstanding	132,041,102	129,612,117

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Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 146	$ 254
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	408	424
Deferred income taxes	123	(223)
Government and other legal settlements and related costs		4
Stock-based compensation expense	18	8
Impairment and (gain) loss on sale of businesses, net	24	48
Loss (gain) from early extinguishment of debt	79	(111)
Gain on sale of investments in unconsolidated affiliates	(26)
Other non-cash expenses, net	22	99
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions and divestitures:
Patient accounts receivable	(99)	281
Supplies, prepaid expenses and other current assets	14	16
Medicare accelerated payments		1,159
Repayment/derecognition of Medicare accelerated payments	(267)	(22)
Pandemic relief funds		271
Accounts payable, accrued liabilities and income taxes	85	(81)
Other	(127)	(25)
Net cash provided by operating activities	400	2,102
Cash flows from investing activities:
Acquisitions of facilities and other related businesses	(3)	(1)
Purchases of property and equipment	(334)	(317)
Proceeds from disposition of hospitals and other ancillary operations	17	347
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment	7	4
Purchases of available-for-sale debt securities and equity securities	(135)	(68)
Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale debt securities and equity securities	86	80
Proceeds from sale of investments in unconsolidated affiliates	110
Increase in other investments	(61)	(36)
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities	(313)	9
Cash flows from financing activities:
Repurchase of restricted stock shares for payroll tax withholding requirements	(5)	(1)
Deferred financing costs and other debt-related costs	(310)	(32)
Proceeds from noncontrolling investors in joint ventures	1
Redemption of noncontrolling investments in joint ventures	(5)	(4)
Distributions to noncontrolling investors in joint ventures	(95)	(84)
Proceeds from sale-lease back		2
Other borrowings	50	31
Issuance of long-term debt	4,310	1,462
Proceeds from ABL Facility		540
Repayments of long-term indebtedness	(4,415)	(2,418)
Net cash used in financing activities	(469)	(504)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	(382)	1,607
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	1,676	216
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	1,294	1,823
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Interest payments	(572)	(765)
Income tax payments, net	$ (3)	$ (2)

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Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2021

Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements [Abstract]

BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

1.  BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES 

The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of Community Health Systems, Inc. (the “Parent” or “Parent Company”) and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 and for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). In the opinion of management, such information contains all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of the results for such periods. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated. The results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full fiscal year ending December 31, 2021. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the condensed consolidated financial statements. Actual results could differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

Certain information and disclosures normally included in the notes to the consolidated financial statements have been condensed or omitted as permitted by the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). The Company believes the disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for the year ended December 31, 2020, contained in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 18, 2021 (“2020 Form 10-K”).

Noncontrolling interests in less-than-wholly-owned consolidated subsidiaries of the Parent are presented as a component of total equity on the condensed consolidated balance sheets to distinguish between the interests of the Parent Company and the interests of the noncontrolling owners. Noncontrolling interests that are redeemable or may become redeemable at a fixed or determinable price at the option of the holder or upon the occurrence of an event outside of the control of the Company are presented in mezzanine equity on the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

Substantially all of the Company’s operating costs and expenses are “cost of revenue” items. Operating costs that could be classified as general and administrative by the Company include the Company’s corporate office costs at its Franklin, Tennessee office, which were $56 million and $41 million for the three months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and $168 million and $136 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Operating costs during the nine months ended September 30, 2021 reflect increased stock compensation and annual cash incentive compensation compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2020.

Throughout these notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements, Community Health Systems, Inc., and its consolidated subsidiaries are referred to on a collective basis as the “Company.” This drafting style is not meant to indicate that the publicly traded Parent or any particular subsidiary of the Parent owns or operates any asset, business, or property. The hospitals, operations and businesses described in this filing are owned and operated by distinct and indirect subsidiaries of Community Health Systems, Inc.

Revenue Recognition.   

Net Operating Revenues

Net operating revenues are recorded at the transaction price estimated by the Company to reflect the total consideration due from patients and third-party payors in exchange for providing goods and services in patient care. These services are considered to be a single performance obligation and have a duration of less than one year. Revenues are recorded as these goods and services are provided. The transaction price, which involves significant estimates, is determined based on the Company’s standard charges for the goods and services provided, with a reduction recorded for price concessions related to third party contractual arrangements as well as patient discounts and other patient price concessions. During each of the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, the impact of changes to the inputs used to determine the transaction price was considered immaterial.

Currently, several states utilize supplemental reimbursement programs for the purpose of providing reimbursement to providers that is not specifically tied to an individual’s care, some of which offsets a portion of the cost of providing care to Medicaid and indigent patients. These programs are designed with input from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (“CMS”) and are funded with a combination of state and federal resources, including, in certain instances, fees or taxes levied on the providers. Under these supplemental programs, the Company recognizes revenue and related expenses in the period in which amounts are estimable and

collection or payment is reasonably assured. Reimbursement under these programs is reflected in net operating revenues and fees, taxes or other program-related costs are reflected in other operating expenses.

The Company’s net operating revenues during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020 have been presented in the following table based on an allocation of the estimated transaction price with the patient between the primary patient classification of insurance coverage (in millions):

	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	September 30,				September 30,
	2021		2020		2021		2020
Medicare	$	653	$	723	$	1,988	$	2,086
Medicaid		412		419		1,223		1,167
Managed Care and other third-party payors		2,010		1,967		5,845		5,425
Self-pay		40		17		79		(8	)
Total	$	3,115	$	3,126	$	9,135	$	8,670

Patient Accounts Receivable

Patient accounts receivable are recorded at net realizable value based on certain assumptions determined by each payor. For third-party payors including Medicare, Medicaid, and Managed Care, the net realizable value is based on the estimated contractual reimbursement percentage, which is based on current contract prices or historical paid claims data by payor. For self-pay accounts receivable, which includes patients who are uninsured and the patient responsibility portion for patients with insurance, the net realizable value is determined using estimates of historical collection experience without regard to aging category. These estimates are adjusted for estimated conversions of patient responsibility portions, expected recoveries and any anticipated changes in trends.  

Patient accounts receivable can be impacted by the effectiveness of the Company’s collection efforts. Additionally, significant changes in payor mix, business office operations, economic conditions or trends in federal and state governmental healthcare coverage could affect the net realizable value of accounts receivable. The Company also continually reviews the net realizable value of accounts receivable by monitoring historical cash collections as a percentage of trailing net operating revenues, as well as by analyzing current period net revenue and admissions by payor classification, days revenue outstanding, the composition of self-pay receivables between pure self-pay patients and the patient responsibility portion of third-party insured receivables, the impact of recent acquisitions and dispositions and the impact of current economic and other events.

Final settlements for some payors and programs are subject to adjustment based on administrative review and audit by third parties. As a result of these final settlements, the Company has recorded amounts due to third-party payors of $111 million and $98 million as of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively, and these amounts are included in accrued liabilities-other in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets. Amounts due from third-party payors were $109 million and $136 million as of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively, and are included in other current assets in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets. Substantially all Medicare and Medicaid cost reports are final settled through 2016.

Charity Care

In the ordinary course of business, the Company renders services to patients who are financially unable to pay for hospital care. The Company’s policy is to not pursue collections for such amounts; therefore, the related charges for those patients who are financially unable to pay and that otherwise do not qualify for reimbursement from a governmental program are not reported in net operating revenues, and are thus classified as charity care. The Company determines amounts that qualify for charity care based on the patient’s household income relative to the federal poverty level guidelines, as established by the federal government.

These charity care services are estimated to be $215 million and $285 million for the three months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and $659 million and $751 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively, representing the value (at the Company’s standard charges) of these charity care services that are excluded from net operating revenues. The estimated cost incurred by the Company to provide these charity care services to patients who are unable to pay was approximately $25 million and $36 million during the three months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and $77 million and $90 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The estimated cost of these charity care services was determined using a ratio of cost to gross charges and applying that ratio to the gross charges associated with providing care to charity patients for the period.

Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets.    During the nine months ended September 30, 2021, the Company recorded a net loss on disposal of approximately $24 million, of which (i) approximately $29 million was recorded to adjust the carrying value of long-lived assets at several hospitals that were sold at a sales price below carrying value, (ii) approximately $3 million was recorded related to divestiture related expenses, and (iii) approximately $8 million of gain was recorded related to the disposal of the Company’s majority interest in a surgery center that was sold on January 1, 2021. Approximately $7 million of goodwill was allocated to facilities disposed of during the nine months ended September 30, 2021.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2020, the Company recorded a total combined net impairment charge and loss on disposal of approximately $48 million, of which (i) approximately $74 million was recorded primarily to adjust the carrying value of long-lived assets at several hospitals where the Company was in discussions with potential buyers for divestiture at a sales price that indicated a fair value below carrying value, (ii) approximately $43 million was recorded related to certain hospitals that were classified as held for sale based on the difference between the carrying value of the hospital disposal groups compared to their estimated fair value less costs to sell, (iii) approximately $3 million was recorded related to a hospital that closed on September 30, 2020, and (iv) approximately $1 million was recorded related to a shared service center that closed on July 31, 2020. The impairment charge was partially offset by a gain of approximately $73 million related to three hospitals sold on January 1, 2020 and one hospital sold on July 1, 2020.

The Company will continue to evaluate the potential for impairment of the long-lived assets of underperforming hospitals as well as evaluate offers for potential sales, as applicable. Based on such analysis, additional impairment charges may be recorded in the future.

COVID-19 Pandemic.

COVID-19, a disease caused by a novel strain of coronavirus, materially affected the Company’s results of operations during 2020 and continued to affect the Company’s results of operations during the nine months ended September 30, 2021. Federal and state governments have passed legislation, promulgated regulations and taken other administrative actions intended to assist healthcare providers in providing care to COVID-19 and other patients during the public health emergency. Sources of relief include the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”), which was enacted on March 27, 2020, the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act (the “PPPHCE Act”), which was enacted on April 24, 2020, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (the “CAA”), which was enacted on December 27, 2020, and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (the “ARPA”), which was enacted on March 11, 2021. Together, these stimulus laws authorize over $178 billion in funding to be distributed to hospitals and other healthcare providers through the Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund (the “PHSSEF” or “Provider Relief Fund”). In addition to the relief funding, the CARES Act provided for an expansion of the Medicare Accelerated and Advance Payment Program whereby inpatient acute care hospitals and other eligible providers were able to request accelerated payment of up to 100% of their Medicare payment amount for a six-month period to be repaid through withholding of future Medicare fee-for-service payments. Various state and local programs also exist to provide relief, either independently or through distribution of monies received via the CARES Act and other enacted federal legislation. The Company’s accounting policies for the recognition of these stimulus monies are as follows:

Pandemic Relief Funds

Through September 30, 2021, net of amounts that have been repaid to the respective federal, state, or local agency, the Company received approximately $709 million in payments through the PHSSEF and various state and local programs on a cumulative basis since their enactment. Of the net amount received to-date, approximately $705 million was received during the year ended December 31, 2020 and the remainder was received during the nine months ended September 30, 2021.

The recognition of amounts received is conditioned upon the provision of care for individuals with possible or actual cases of COVID-19 after January 31, 2020, certification that payment will be used to prevent, prepare for and respond to coronavirus and shall reimburse the recipient only for healthcare-related expenses or lost revenues, as defined by the U.S. Department of Health and Human

Services Agency (“HHS”), that are attributable to coronavirus, as well as receipt of the funds. Amounts are recognized as a reduction to operating costs and expenses only to the extent the Company is reasonably assured that underlying conditions have been met. Amounts recognized are denoted by the caption “pandemic relief funds” within the condensed consolidated statements of income.

The Company’s assessment of whether the terms and conditions for amounts received are reasonably assured of having been met is updated each reporting period and considers, among other things, the requirements set forth in the CARES Act and subsequent relief legislation, responses to all applicable frequently asked questions and other interpretive guidance issued by HHS, including the various Post-Payment Notices of Reporting Requirements, the Company’s expenses incurred attributable to the coronavirus, the Company’s results of operations during such period as compared to the Company’s 2020 budget, and the allocation of general and targeted fund distribution payments among subsidiaries of the Company during such period. The HHS guidance, specifically the various Post-Payment Notices of Reporting Requirements and frequently asked questions, set forth the allowable methods for quantifying eligible healthcare related expenses and lost revenues. Only healthcare related expenses attributable to coronavirus that another source has not reimbursed and is not obligated to reimburse are eligible to be claimed. The use of funds calculation takes into account expenses attributable to each respective entity, which for the Company primarily relate to incremental labor and supply costs, as well as lost revenues. The deadlines for using and required timelines for reporting on the use of funds depend on the dates of receipt of the funds. During the year ended December 31, 2020, pandemic relief funds of approximately $601 million were recognized up to the amount which the Company was reasonably assured that it could or would choose to comply with conditions underlying amounts received. This included the allocation of general fund distributions among subsidiaries according to total unreimbursed losses but not the allocation of targeted fund distributions due to significant uncertainties as to the meaning and interpretation of conditions specific to the allocation of such targeted distribution payments, as previously disclosed. During the three months ended March 31, 2021, pandemic relief funds of approximately $82 million were recognized on the basis of the Company’s facility-by-facility assessment of uncertainties associated with the allocation of targeted distribution payments having been updated for additional facts and circumstances in the period. On the basis of this updated assessment, the Company was reasonably assured that underlying conditions for the allocation of targeted distribution payments were met as of March 31, 2021 (which conclusion has not changed). Pandemic relief funds of approximately $1 million were recognized during the three months ended June 30, 2021.

During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, pandemic relief funds of approximately $19 million and $102 million, respectively, were recognized. Such amounts were recognized on the basis of expenses incurred in the periods attributable to the coronavirus, the Company’s results of operations during such periods as compared to the Company’s 2020 budget for the same period and the allocation of targeted distribution payments to various subsidiaries. During the nine months ended September 30, 2020, pandemic relief funds of approximately $448 million were recognized on the basis of facts and circumstances at that time. No pandemic relief funds were recognized during the three months ended September 30, 2020.

Amounts received through the PHSSEF or state and local programs that have not yet been recognized or otherwise have not been refunded to HHS or the various state and local agencies as of September 30, 2021, are reflected within accrued liabilities-other in the condensed consolidated balance sheet. Such unrecognized amounts may either be returned to HHS or the respective state or local agency, as applicable, or may be recognized in future periods if the underlying conditions for recognition are reasonably assured of having been met. HHS’ interpretation of the underlying terms and conditions of such PHSSEF payments, including auditing and reporting requirements, continues to evolve. Additional guidance or new and amended interpretations of existing guidance on the terms and conditions of such PHSSEF payments may result in changes in the Company’s estimate of amounts for which the terms and conditions are reasonably assured of being met, and any such changes may be material. Additionally, any such changes may result in the Company’s inability to recognize additional PHSSEF payments or may result in the derecognition of amounts previously recognized, which (in any such case) may be material.

Medicare Accelerated Payments

Medicare accelerated payments of approximately $1.2 billion were received by the Company in April 2020. No additional Medicare accelerated payments have been received by the Company since such time, including during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021. Payments under the Medicare Accelerated and Advance Payment Program are advances that must be repaid. Effective October 1, 2020, the program was amended such that providers are required to repay accelerated payments beginning one year after the payment was issued. After such one-year period, Medicare payments owed to providers will be recouped according to the repayment terms. The repayment terms specify that for the first 11 months after repayment begins, repayment will occur through an automatic recoupment of 25% of Medicare payments otherwise owed to the provider. At the end of the eleven-month period, recoupment will increase to 50% for six months. At the end of the six months (or 29 months from the receipt of the initial accelerated payment), Medicare will issue a letter for full repayment of any remaining balance, as applicable. In such event, if payment is not received within 30 days, interest will accrue at the annual percentage rate of four percent (4%) from the date the letter was issued, and will be assessed for each full 30-day period that the balance remains unpaid.

In April 2021, CMS began recouping Medicare accelerated payments previously received by the Company. As of September 30, 2021, approximately $249 million has been recouped from the Company by CMS subject to the aforementioned repayment terms. Additionally, approximately $18 million and $77 million of amounts previously received were repaid by the Company to CMS or assumed by buyers related to hospitals the Company divested during the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and the year ended December 31, 2020, respectively. As of September 30, 2021, approximately $814 million of Medicare accelerated payments are reflected within accrued liabilities-other in the condensed consolidated balance sheet. As described further in Note 12, the outstanding balance of Medicare accelerated payments was paid in full to CMS in October 2021, prior to the date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (the “Form 10-Q”).

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Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2021

Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]

ACCOUNTING FOR STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

2.  ACCOUNTING FOR STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION 

Stock-based compensation awards have been granted under the Community Health Systems, Inc. Amended and Restated 2009 Stock Option and Award Plan, which was amended and restated as of March 17, 2021 and approved by the Company’s stockholders at the annual meeting of stockholders held on May 11, 2021 (the “2009 Plan”).

The 2009 Plan provides for the grant of incentive stock options intended to qualify under Section 422 of the IRC and for the grant of stock options which do not so qualify, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance-based shares or units and other share awards. Persons eligible to receive grants under the 2009 Plan include the Company’s directors, officers, employees and consultants. To date, all options granted under the 2009 Plan have been “nonqualified” stock options for tax purposes. Generally, these options vest in one-third increments on each of the first three anniversaries of the award date and have a 10-year contractual term. As of September 30, 2021, 12,614,521 shares of unissued common stock were reserved for future grants under the 2009 Plan.  

The exercise price of all options granted under the 2009 Plan is equal to the fair value of the Company’s common stock on the option grant date. 

The following table reflects the impact of total compensation expense related to stock-based equity plans on the reported operating results for the respective periods (in millions):

	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	September 30,						September 30,
	2021			2020			2021			2020
Effect on income before income taxes	$	(5	)	$	(3	)	$	(18	)	$	(8	)
Effect on net income	$	(4	)	$	(2	)	$	(14	)	$	(6	)

At September 30, 2021, $29 million of unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to outstanding unvested stock options, restricted stock and restricted stock units (the terms of which are summarized below) was expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 25 months. Of that amount, $5 million relates to outstanding unvested stock options expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 25 months and $24 million relates to outstanding unvested restricted stock and restricted stock units expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 24 months. There were no modifications to awards during the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020.

The fair value of stock options was estimated using the Black Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions and weighted-average fair values during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020:

	Three Months Ended September 30,		Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2021	2020	2021		2020
Expected volatility	N/A	N/A	84.3% - 88.9%			73.5	%
Expected dividends	N/A	N/A		—		—
Expected term	N/A	N/A	3 - 6 years		6 years
Risk-free interest rate	N/A	N/A	0.3% - 0.9%			1.0	%

In determining the expected term, the Company examined concentrations of option holdings and historical patterns of option exercises and forfeitures, as well as forward-looking factors, in an effort to determine if there were any discernable employee

populations. From this analysis, the Company identified two primary employee populations, one consisting of certain senior executives and the other consisting of substantially all other recipients.

The expected volatility rate was estimated based on historical volatility. In determining expected volatility, the Company also reviewed the market-based implied volatility of actively traded options of its common stock and determined that historical volatility utilized to estimate the expected volatility rate did not differ significantly from the implied volatility.

The expected term computation is based on historical exercise and cancellation patterns and forward-looking factors, where present, for each population identified. The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of the grant. The pre-vesting forfeiture rate is based on historical rates and forward-looking factors for each population identified. The Company adjusts the estimated forfeiture rate to its actual experience.

Options outstanding and exercisable under the 2009 Plan as of September 30, 2021, and changes during each of the three-month periods following December 31, 2020, was as follows (in millions, except share and per share data):

						Weighted-	Aggregate
				Weighted-		Average	Intrinsic
				Average		Remaining	Value as of
				Exercise		Contractual	September 30,
	Shares			Price		Term	2021
Outstanding at December 31, 2020		1,817,525		$	8.77
Granted		749,250			8.81
Exercised		(65,165	)		4.97
Forfeited and cancelled		(173,189	)		34.66
Outstanding at March 31, 2021		2,328,421			6.96
Granted		—			—
Exercised		—			—
Forfeited and cancelled		(22,334	)		24.23
Outstanding at June 30, 2021		2,306,087			6.79
Granted		—			—
Exercised		—			—
Forfeited and cancelled		(2,000	)		17.95
Outstanding at September 30, 2021		2,304,087		$	6.78	8.2 years	$	12
Exercisable at September 30, 2021		733,162		$	6.79	7.0 years	$	4

No stock options were granted during the three months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020.The weighted-average grant date fair value of stock options granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020 was $6.22 and $3.17, respectively. The aggregate intrinsic value (calculated as the number of in-the-money stock options multiplied by the difference between the Company’s closing stock price on the last trading day of the reporting period ($11.70) and the exercise price of the respective stock options) in the table above represents the amount that would have been received by the option holders had all option holders exercised their options on September 30, 2021. This amount changes based on the market value of the Company’s common stock. The aggregate intrinsic value of options exercised during the nine months ended September 30, 2021 was less than $1 million; no options were exercised during the three months ended September 30, 2021. There were no options exercised during the three or nine months ended September 30, 2020. The aggregate intrinsic value of options vested and expected to vest approximates that of the outstanding options. 

The Company has awarded restricted stock under the 2009 Plan to employees of certain subsidiaries. With respect to time-based vesting restricted stock that has been awarded under the 2009 Plan, the restrictions on these shares have generally lapsed in one-third increments on each of the first three anniversaries of the award date. In addition, certain of the restricted stock awards granted to the Company’s senior executives have contained performance objectives required to be met in addition to any time-based vesting requirements. If the applicable performance objectives are not attained, these awards will be forfeited in their entirety. For performance-based awards, the performance objectives are measured cumulatively over a three-year period. If the applicable target performance objective is met at the end of the three-year period, then the restricted stock award subject to such performance objective will vest in full on the third anniversary of the award date. Additionally, for these performance-based awards, based on the level of achievement for the applicable performance objective within the parameters specified in the award agreement, the number of shares to be issued in connection with the vesting of the award may be adjusted to decrease or increase the number of shares specified in the original award. Notwithstanding the above-mentioned performance objectives and vesting requirements, the restrictions with respect to restricted stock granted under the 2009 Plan may lapse earlier in the event of death, disability or termination of employment by the

Company for any reason other than for cause of the holder of the restricted stock, or change in control of the Company. On March 1, 2021, restricted stock awards subject to performance objectives granted on March 1, 2018 vested at 200% of the shares originally granted based on the Company’s cumulative performance compared to objectives for the 2018-2020 performance period. Restricted stock awards subject to performance objectives that have not yet been satisfied are not considered outstanding for purposes of determining earnings per share unless the performance objectives have been satisfied on the basis of results through the end of each respective reporting period.

Restricted stock outstanding under the 2009 Plan as of September 30, 2021, and changes during each of the three-month periods following December 31, 2020, was as follows:

				Weighted-
				Average Grant
	Shares			Date Fair Value
Unvested at December 31, 2020		4,555,735		$	4.84
Granted		2,829,250			7.97
Vested		(2,264,992	)		4.70
Forfeited		(37,334	)		4.94
Unvested at March 31, 2021		5,082,659			6.65
Granted		30,000			16.18
Vested		(17,335	)		3.48
Forfeited		(47,670	)		6.81
Unvested at June 30, 2021		5,047,654			6.72
Granted		—			—
Vested		—			—
Forfeited		(84,338	)		6.61
Unvested at September 30, 2021		4,963,316			6.72

Restricted stock units (“RSUs”) have been granted to the Company’s non-management directors under the 2009 Plan. Each of the Company’s then serving non-management directors received grants under the 2009 Plan of 19,296 RSUs and 34,483 RSUs on March 1, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Each of the 2021 and 2020 grants had a grant date fair value of approximately $170,000. Vesting of these RSUs occurs in one-third increments on each of the first three anniversaries of the award date or upon the director’s earlier cessation of service on the board, other than for cause. Beginning with the 2020 grant, each non-management director may elect, prior to the beginning of the calendar year in which the award is granted, to defer the receipt of shares of the Company’s common stock issuable upon vesting until either his or her (i) separation from service with the Company or (ii) attainment of an age specified in advance by the non-management director. A total of four directors elected to defer the receipt of RSUs granted on March 1, 2021 to a future date and a total of five directors elected to defer the receipt of RSUs granted on March 1, 2020 to a future date.

RSUs outstanding under the 2009 Plan as of September 30, 2021, and changes during each of the three-month periods following December 31, 2020, was as follows:

				Weighted-
				Average Grant
	Shares			Date Fair Value
Unvested at December 31, 2020		613,739		$	4.89
Granted		173,664			8.81
Vested		(247,164	)		4.81
Forfeited		—			—
Unvested at March 31, 2021		540,239			6.19
Granted		—			—
Vested		—			—
Forfeited		—			—
Unvested at June 30, 2021		540,239			6.19
Granted		—			—
Vested		—			—
Forfeited		—			—
Unvested at September 30, 2021		540,239			6.19

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Acquisitions and Divestitures

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2021

Acquisitions And Divestitures [Abstract]

ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES

3.  ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES 

Acquisitions 

The Company accounts for all transactions that represent business combinations using the acquisition method of accounting, where the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed and any noncontrolling interest in the acquired entity are recognized and measured at their fair values on the date the Company obtains a controlling interest in the acquiree. Such fair values that are not finalized for reporting periods following the acquisition date are estimated and recorded as provisional amounts. Adjustments to these provisional amounts during the measurement period (defined as the date through which all information required to identify and measure the consideration transferred, the assets acquired, the liabilities assumed and any noncontrolling interests has been obtained, limited to one year from the acquisition date) are recorded when identified. Goodwill is determined as the excess of the fair value of the consideration conveyed in the acquisition over the fair value of the net assets acquired. 

During the nine months ended September 30, 2021, one or more subsidiaries of the Company paid approximately $3 million to acquire the operating assets and related businesses of certain physician practices, clinics and other ancillary businesses that operate within the communities served by the Company’s affiliated hospitals. The Company allocated the purchase price to property and equipment, working capital, noncontrolling interests and goodwill.

Divestitures

The following table provides a summary of hospitals that the Company divested during the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and the year ended December 31, 2020:

			Licensed
Hospital	Buyer	City, State	Beds	Effective Date
2021 Divestitures:
Lea Regional Medical Center	Covenant Health System	Hobbs, NM	84	January 1, 2021
Tennova Healthcare - Tullahoma	Vanderbilt University Medical Center	Tullahoma, TN	135	January 1, 2021
Tennova Healthcare - Shelbyville	Vanderbilt University Medical Center	Shelbyville, TN	60	January 1, 2021
Northwest Mississippi Medical Center	Delta Health System	Clarksdale, MS	181	February 1, 2021
AllianceHealth Midwest	SSM Health Care of Oklahoma	Midwest City, OK	255	April 1, 2021
2020 Divestitures:
Berwick Hospital Center	Fayette Holdings, Inc.	Berwick, PA	90	December 1, 2020
Brownwood Regional Medical Center	Hendrick Health System	Brownwood, TX	188	October 27, 2020
Abilene Regional Medical Center	Hendrick Health System	Abilene, TX	231	October 27, 2020
San Angelo Community Medical Center	Shannon Health System	San Angelo, TX	171	October 24, 2020
Bayfront Health St. Petersburg	Orlando Health, Inc.	St. Petersburg, FL	480	October 1, 2020
Hill Regional Hospital	AHRK Holdings, LLC	Hillsboro, TX	25	August 1, 2020
St. Cloud Regional Medical Center	Orlando Health, Inc.	St. Cloud, FL	84	July 1, 2020
Northern Louisiana Medical Center	Allegiance Health Management, Inc.	Ruston, LA	130	July 1, 2020
Shands Live Oak Regional Medical Center	HCA Healthcare, Inc. (“HCA”)	Live Oak, FL	25	May 1, 2020
Shands Starke Regional Medical Center	HCA	Starke, FL	49	May 1, 2020
Southside Regional Medical Center	Bon Secours Mercy Health System	Petersburg, VA	300	January 1, 2020
Southampton Memorial Hospital	Bon Secours Mercy Health System	Franklin, VA	105	January 1, 2020
Southern Virginia Regional Medical Center	Bon Secours Mercy Health System	Emporia, VA	80	January 1, 2020

Other

On July 30, 2021, the Company sold its unconsolidated minority equity interests in Macon Healthcare, LLC, a joint venture with certain subsidiaries of HCA representing two hospitals in Macon, Georgia, in which the Company held a 38% interest. The Company received $110 million in cash in connection with the sale of its equity interests and, as a result, recognized a pre-tax gain of approximately $26 million on the sale of investments in unconsolidated affiliates during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021.

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Income Taxes

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2021

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

INCOME TAXES

4.  INCOME TAXES

The total amount of unrecognized benefit that would affect the effective tax rate, if recognized, was less than $1 million as of September 30, 2021. A total of less than $1 million of interest and penalties is included in the amount of the liability for uncertain tax positions at September 30, 2021. It is the Company’s policy to recognize interest and penalties related to unrecognized benefits in its condensed consolidated statements of income as income tax expense.

It is possible the amount of unrecognized tax benefit could change in the next 12 months as a result of a lapse of the statute of limitations and settlements with taxing authorities; however, the Company does not anticipate the change will have a material impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated results of operations or financial position.

The Company’s federal income tax returns for the 2014, 2015 and 2018 tax years are under examination by the Internal Revenue Service. The Company believes the results of these examinations will not be material to its condensed consolidated results of operations or financial position. The Company has extended the federal statute of limitations through December 31, 2021 for Community Health Systems, Inc. for the tax periods ended December 31, 2014 and 2015.

The Company’s effective tax rates were 6.5% and 13.5% for the three months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and 47.5% and (669.7)% for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The difference in the Company’s effective tax rate for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, when compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, was primarily due to an increase in the valuation allowance recognized on IRC Section 163(j) interest carryforwards created as a result of the financing transactions completed during the three months ended September 30, 2020. The difference in the Company’s effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2021, when compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2020, was primarily due to the changes in tax benefits as a result of an increase to the deductible interest expense allowed for 2019 and 2020 under the CARES Act that was enacted during the three months ended March 31, 2020.

Cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds received, resulted in a net payment of approximately $1 million and $3 million during the three months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and a net payment of approximately $3 million and $2 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

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Long-Term Debt

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2021

Long Term Debt And Capital Lease Obligations [Abstract]

LONG-TERM DEBT

5.  LONG-TERM DEBT 

Long-term debt, net of unamortized deferred debt issuance costs, consists of the following (in millions):

	September 30,			December 31,
	2021			2020
6⅞% Senior Notes due 2022	$	—		$	126
6¼% Senior Secured Notes due 2023		—			95
8⅝% Senior Secured Notes due 2024		—			1,033
6⅝% Senior Secured Notes due 2025		1,462			1,462
8% Senior Secured Notes due 2026		2,101			2,101
8% Senior Secured Notes due 2027		700			700
5⅝% Senior Secured Notes due 2027		1,900			1,900
6⅞% Senior Notes due 2028		767			767
6% Senior Secured Notes due 2029		900			900
4¾% Senior Secured Notes due 2031		1,095			—
9⅞% Junior-Priority Secured Notes due 2023		—			1,769
8⅛% Junior-Priority Secured Notes due 2024		—			1,348
6⅞% Junior-Priority Secured Notes due 2029		1,775			—
6⅛% Junior-Priority Secured Notes due 2030		1,440			—
ABL Facility		—			—
Finance lease and financing obligations		279			239
Other		37			26
Less:  Unamortized deferred debt issuance costs and note premium		(445	)		(250	)
Total debt		12,011			12,216
Less: Current maturities		(35	)		(123	)
Total long-term debt	$	11,976		$	12,093

On January 28, 2021, the remaining principal amount of the 6¼% Senior Secured Notes due 2023 of approximately $95 million was redeemed using cash on hand.

On February 2, 2021, the Company completed a private offering of $1.775 billion aggregate principal amount of 6⅞% Junior-Priority Secured Notes due April 15, 2029 (the “6⅞% Junior-Priority Secured Notes due 2029”). The proceeds of the offering, together with cash on hand, were used to redeem the 9⅞% Junior-Priority Secured Notes due 2023 in February 2021 and to pay related fees and expenses. The 6⅞% Junior-Priority Secured Notes due 2029 bear interest at a rate of 6.875% per year payable semi-annually in arrears on April 15 and October 15 of each year, commencing on October 15, 2021. The 6⅞% Junior-Priority Secured Notes due 2029 are unconditionally guaranteed on a junior-priority secured basis by the Company and each of the current and future domestic subsidiaries of CHS/Community Health Systems, Inc. (“CHS”) that provide guarantees under CHS’ ABL Facility, any capital market debt securities of CHS (including CHS’ outstanding senior notes) and certain other long-term debt of CHS.

The 6⅞% Junior-Priority Secured Notes due 2029 and the related guarantees are secured by shared (i) second-priority liens on the Non-ABL Priority Collateral that secures on a first-priority basis CHS’ senior-priority secured notes and (ii) third-priority liens on the ABL-Priority Collateral that secures on a first-priority basis the ABL Facility (and also secures on a second-priority basis CHS’ senior-priority secured notes), in each case subject to permitted liens described in the indenture governing the 6⅞% Junior-Priority Secured Notes due 2029.

At any time and from time to time prior to April 15, 2024, CHS may redeem the 6⅞% Junior-Priority Secured Notes due 2029 in whole or in part, at its option, upon not less than 15 nor more than 60 days’ prior written notice at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 6⅞% Junior-Priority Secured Notes due 2029 to be redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, plus a “make-whole” premium, as described in the indenture governing the 6⅞% Junior-Priority Secured Notes due 2029. In addition, CHS may redeem up to 40% of the aggregate principal amount of the 6⅞% Junior-Priority Secured Notes due 2029 at any time prior to

April 15, 2024 using the net proceeds from certain equity offerings at a redemption price of 106.875% of the principal amount of the 6⅞% Junior-Priority Secured Notes due 2029 redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any.

At any time and from time to time on or after April 15, 2024, CHS may redeem the 6⅞% Junior-Priority Secured Notes due 2029 in whole or in part, upon not less than 15 nor more than 60 days’ prior written notice at a redemption price equal to the percentage of principal amount set forth below plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on the 6⅞% Junior-Priority Secured Notes due 2029 redeemed, to, but excluding, the applicable date of redemption, if redeemed during the twelve-month period beginning on April 15 of the years indicated below:

Period	Redemption Price
April 15, 2024 to April 14, 2025		103.438	%
April 15, 2025 to April 14, 2026		101.719	%
April 15, 2026 to April 14, 2029		100.000	%

On February 9, 2021, the Company completed a private offering of $1.095 billion aggregate principal amount of 4¾% Senior Secured Notes due February 15, 2031 (the “4¾% Senior Secured Notes due 2031”). The proceeds of the offering, together with cash on hand, were used to redeem the 8⅝% Senior Secured Notes due 2024 on February 9, 2021, and to pay related fees and expenses. The 4¾% Senior Secured Notes due 2031 bear interest at a rate of 4.750% per year payable semi-annually in arrears on February 15 and August 15, commencing on August 15, 2021. The 4¾% Senior Secured Notes due 2031 are unconditionally guaranteed on a senior-priority secured basis by each of CHS’ current and future domestic subsidiaries that provide guarantees under the ABL facility, any capital market debt securities of CHS (including CHS’ outstanding senior notes) and certain other long-term debt of CHS.

The 4¾% Senior Secured Notes due 2031 and the related guarantees are secured by shared (i) first-priority liens on the Non-ABL Priority Collateral and (ii) second-priority liens on the ABL Priority Collateral that secures on a first-priority basis the ABL Facility, in each case subject to permitted liens described in the indenture governing the 4¾% Senior Secured Notes due 2031.

CHS is entitled, at its option, to redeem all or a portion of the 4¾% Senior Secured Notes due 2031 at any time prior to February 15, 2026, upon not less than 15 nor more than 60 days’ notice, at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 4¾% Senior Secured Notes due 2031 redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, plus a “make-whole” premium, as described in the indenture governing the 4¾% Senior Secured Notes due 2031.

CHS may redeem up to 40% of the aggregate principal amount of the 4¾% Senior Secured Notes due 2031 at any time prior to February 15, 2024 using the net proceeds from certain equity offerings at a redemption price of 104.750% of the principal amount of the 4¾% Senior Secured Notes due 2031 redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any. In addition, any time prior to February 15, 2026, but not more than once during each twelve-month period, CHS may redeem up to 10% of the original aggregate principal amount of the 4¾% Senior Secured Notes due 2031 at a redemption price equal to 103% of the principal amount of the 4¾% Senior Secured Notes due 2031 to be redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any.

At any time and from time to time on or after February 15, 2026, CHS may redeem the 4¾% Senior Secured Notes due 2031 in whole or in part, upon not less than 15 nor more than 60 days’ prior written notice at a redemption price equal to the percentage of principal amount set forth below plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on the 4¾% Senior Secured Notes due 2031 redeemed, to, but excluding, the applicable date of redemption, if redeemed during the twelve-month period beginning on February 15 of the years indicated below:

Period	Redemption Price
February 15, 2026 to February 14, 2027		102.375	%
February 15, 2027 to February 14, 2028		101.583	%
February 15, 2028 to February 14, 2029		100.792	%
February 15, 2029 to February 14, 2031		100.000	%

On March 1, 2021, the Company redeemed the remaining principal amount of the 6⅞% Senior Notes due 2022 of approximately $126 million using cash on hand.

On May 19, 2021, the Company completed a private offering of $1.440 billion aggregate principal amount of 6⅛% Junior-Priority Secured Notes due April 1, 2030 (the “6⅛% Junior-Priority Secured Notes due 2030”). The proceeds of the offering, together with cash on hand, were used to redeem the 8⅛% Junior-Priority Secured Notes due 2024 on May 19, 2021, and to pay related fees and

expenses. The 6⅛% Junior-Priority Secured Notes due 2030 bear interest at a rate of 6.125% per year payable semi-annually in arrears on April 1 and October 1, commencing on October 1, 2021. The 6⅛% Junior-Priority Secured Notes due 2030 are unconditionally guaranteed on a junior-priority secured basis by each of CHS’ current and future domestic subsidiaries that provide guarantees under the ABL facility, any capital market debt securities of CHS (including CHS’ outstanding senior notes) and certain other long-term debt of CHS.

The 6⅛% Junior-Priority Secured Notes due 2030 and the related guarantees are secured by shared (i) second-priority liens on the Non-ABL Priority Collateral and (ii) third-priority liens on the ABL Priority Collateral that secures on a first-priority basis the ABL Facility, in each case subject to permitted liens described in the indenture governing the 6⅛% Junior-Priority Secured Notes due 2030.

CHS is entitled, at its option, to redeem all or a portion of the 6⅛% Junior-Priority Secured Notes due 2030 at any time prior to April 1, 2025, upon not less than 15 nor more than 60 days’ notice, at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 6⅛% Junior-Priority Secured Notes due 2030 redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, plus a “make-whole” premium, as described in the indenture governing the 6⅛% Junior-Priority Secured Notes due 2030.

CHS may redeem up to 40% of the aggregate principal amount of the 6⅛% Junior-Priority Secured Notes due 2030 at any time prior to May 15, 2024 using the net proceeds from certain equity offerings at a redemption price of 106.125% of the principal amount of the 6⅛% Junior-Priority Secured Notes due 2030 redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any.

At any time and from time to time on or after April 1, 2025, CHS may redeem the 6⅛% Junior-Priority Secured Notes due 2030 in whole or in part, upon not less than 15 nor more than 60 days’ prior written notice at a redemption price equal to the percentage of principal amount set forth below plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on the 6⅛% Junior-Priority Secured Notes due 2030 redeemed, to, but excluding, the applicable date of redemption, if redeemed during the twelve-month period beginning on April 1 of the years indicated below:

Period	Redemption Price
April 1, 2025 to March 31, 2026		103.063	%
April 1, 2026 to March 31, 2027		101.531	%
April 1, 2027 to March 31, 2030		100.000	%

The maximum aggregate principal amount under the ABL Facility is $1.0 billion. At September 30, 2021, the available borrowing base under the ABL Facility was $836 million, of which $108 million was reserved for outstanding letters of credit and $728 million represented excess availability. The Company had no outstanding borrowings as of September 30, 2021. Letters of credit were reduced during the nine months ended September 30, 2021 by $42 million, primarily in relation to a professional liability claim that was settled and funded during the three months ended December 31, 2020. The issued letters of credit are primarily in support of potential insurance-related claims and certain bonds. 

The ABL Facility contains customary representations and warranties, subject to limitations and exceptions, and customary covenants restricting the Company’s ability, subject to certain exceptions, to, among other things (1) declare dividends, make distributions or redeem or repurchase capital stock, (2) prepay, redeem or repurchase other debt, (3) incur liens or grant negative pledges, (4) make loans and investments and enter into acquisitions and joint ventures, (5) incur additional indebtedness or provide certain guarantees, (6) engage in mergers, acquisitions and asset sales, (7) conduct transactions with affiliates, (8) alter the nature of the Company’s, CHS’ or the guarantors’ businesses, (9) grant certain guarantees with respect to physician practices, (10) engage in sale and leaseback transactions or (11) change the Company’s fiscal year. The Company is also required to comply with a consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio, upon certain triggering events described below, and various affirmative covenants. The consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio is calculated as the ratio of (x) consolidated EBITDA (as defined in the ABL Facility) less capital expenditures to (y) the sum of consolidated interest expense (as defined in the ABL Facility), scheduled principal payments, income taxes and restricted payments made in cash or in permitted investments. For purposes of calculating the consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio, the calculation of consolidated EBITDA as defined in the ABL Facility is a trailing 12-month calculation that begins with the Company’s consolidated net income, with certain adjustments for interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, stock compensation expense, restructuring costs, and the financial impact of other non-cash or non-recurring items recorded during any such 12-month period. The consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio is a required covenant only in periods where the total borrowings outstanding under the ABL Facility reduce the amount available in the facility to less than the greater of (i) $95 million or (ii) 10% of the calculated borrowing base. As a result, in the event the Company has less than $95 million available under the ABL Facility, the Company would need to comply with the consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio. At September 30, 2021, the Company is not subject to the consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio as such triggering event had not occurred during the last twelve months ended September 30, 2021.  

The Company paid interest of $268 million and $279 million on borrowings during the three months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and $572 million and $765 million on borrowings during the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

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Fair Value of Financial Instruments

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2021

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

6.  FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The fair value of financial instruments has been estimated by the Company using available market information as of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, and valuation methodologies considered appropriate. The estimates presented in the table below are not necessarily indicative of amounts the Company could realize in a current market exchange (in millions):

	September 30, 2021				December 31, 2020
	Carrying		Estimated Fair		Carrying		Estimated Fair
	Amount		Value		Amount		Value
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	1,294	$	1,294	$	1,676	$	1,676
Investments in equity securities		126		126		129		129
Available-for-sale debt securities		169		169		110		110
Trading securities		12		12		12		12
Liabilities:
6⅞% Senior Notes due 2022		—		—		125		125
6¼% Senior Secured Notes due 2023		—		—		95		99
8⅝% Senior Secured Notes due 2024		—		—		1,025		1,080
6⅝% Senior Secured Notes due 2025		1,432		1,532		1,427		1,543
8% Senior Secured Notes due 2026		2,077		2,229		2,074		2,275
8% Senior Secured Notes due 2027		692		767		692		760
5⅝% Senior Secured Notes due 2027		1,816		1,997		1,809		2,048
6⅞% Senior Notes due 2028		759		739		758		618
6% Senior Secured Notes due 2029		859		957		857		973
4¾% Senior Secured Notes due 2031		1,090		1,107		—		—
9⅞% Junior-Priority Secured Notes due 2023		—		—		1,756		1,861
8⅛% Junior-Priority Secured Notes due 2024		—		—		1,336		1,408
6⅞% Junior-Priority Secured Notes due 2029		1,621		1,781		—		—
6⅛% Junior-Priority Secured Notes due 2030		1,350		1,401		—		—
ABL Facility and other debt		35		35		23		23

The carrying value of the Company’s long-term debt in the above table is presented net of unamortized deferred debt issuance costs. The estimated fair value is determined using the methodologies discussed below in accordance with accounting standards related to the determination of fair value based on the U.S. GAAP fair value hierarchy as discussed in Note 7. The estimated fair value for financial instruments with a fair value that does not equal its carrying value is considered a Level 1 valuation. The Company utilizes the market approach and obtains indicative pricing through publicly available subscription services such as Bloomberg to determine fair values where relevant.

Cash and cash equivalents.  The carrying amount approximates fair value due to the short-term maturity of these instruments (less than three months).

Investments in equity securities. Estimated fair value is based on closing price as quoted in public markets.

Available-for-sale debt securities.  Estimated fair value is based on closing price as quoted in public markets or other various valuation techniques.

Trading securities.  Estimated fair value is based on closing price as quoted in public markets.

Senior Notes, Senior Secured Notes and Junior-Priority Secured Notes.  Estimated fair value is based on the closing market price for these notes.

ABL Facility and other debt.  The carrying amount of ABL Facility and all other debt approximates fair value due to the nature of these obligations.

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Fair Value

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2021

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

FAIR VALUE

7.  FAIR VALUE 

Fair Value Hierarchy

Fair value is a market-based measurement, not an entity-specific measurement. Therefore, a fair value measurement should be determined based on the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. As a basis for considering market participant assumptions in fair value measurements, the Company utilizes the U.S. GAAP fair value hierarchy that distinguishes between market participant assumptions based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity (observable inputs that are classified within Levels 1 and 2 of the hierarchy) and the reporting entity’s own assumption about market participant assumptions (unobservable inputs classified within Level 3 of the hierarchy).

The inputs used to measure fair value are classified into the following fair value hierarchy:

Level 1:  Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2:  Observable market-based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data.

Level 3:  Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities. Level 3 includes values determined using pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies, or similar techniques reflecting the Company’s own assumptions.

In instances where the determination of the fair value hierarchy measurement is based on inputs from different levels of the fair value hierarchy, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the entire fair value measurement falls is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment of factors specific to the asset or liability. Transfers between levels within the fair value hierarchy are recognized by the Company on the date of the change in circumstances that requires such transfer. There were no transfers between levels during the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2021 or 2020.

The following table sets forth, by level within the fair value hierarchy, the financial assets and liabilities recorded at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 (in millions):

	September 30, 2021		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Investments in equity securities	$	126	$	126	$	—	$	—
Available-for-sale debt securities		169		—		169		—
Trading securities		12		—		12		—
Total assets	$	307	$	126	$	181	$	—

	December 31, 2020		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Investments in equity securities	$	129	$	129	$	—	$	—
Available-for-sale debt securities		110		—		110		—
Trading securities		12		—		12		—
Total assets	$	251	$	129	$	122	$	—

Investments in Equity Securities, Available-for-Sale Debt Securities and Trading Securities

Investments in equity securities classified as Level 1 are measured using quoted market prices. Level 2 available-for-sale debt securities and trading securities primarily consisted of bonds and notes issued by the United States government and its agencies and domestic and foreign corporations. The estimated fair values of these securities are determined using various valuation techniques, including a multi-dimensional relational model that incorporates standard observable inputs and assumptions such as benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, issuer spreads, benchmark securities, bids/offers and other pertinent reference data.

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Leases

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2021

Leases [Abstract]

LEASES

8.  LEASES

The Company utilizes operating and finance leases for the use of certain hospitals, medical office buildings, and medical equipment. The components of lease cost and rent expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020 are as follows (in millions):

	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
Lease Cost	2021			2020			2021			2020
Operating lease cost:
Operating lease cost	$	49		$	50		$	147		$	152
Short-term rent expense		22			27			70			80
Variable lease cost		5			9			17			20
Sublease income		(1	)		(1	)		(3	)		(4	)
Total operating lease cost	$	75		$	85		$	231		$	248
Finance lease cost:
Amortization of right-of-use assets	$	2		$	2		$	6		$	8
Interest on finance lease liabilities		2			2			5			6
Total finance lease cost	$	4		$	4		$	11		$	14

Supplemental balance sheet information related to leases was as follows (in millions):

	Balance Sheet Classification	September 30, 2021			December 31, 2020
Operating Leases:
Operating Lease ROU Assets	Other assets, net	$	667		$	642
Finance Leases:
Finance Lease ROU Assets	Property and equipment
	Land and improvements	$	8		$	8
	Buildings and improvements		173			134
	Equipment and fixtures		14			8
	Property and equipment		195			150
	Less accumulated depreciation and amortization		(51	)		(46	)
	Property and equipment, net	$	144		$	104
Current finance lease liabilities	Current maturities of long-term debt	$	9		$	5
Long-term finance lease liabilities	Long-term debt		112			74

Supplemental cash flow information related to leases for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020 is as follows (in millions):

	Nine Months Ended September 30,
Cash flow information	2021		2020
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:
Operating cash flows from operating leases (1)	$	149	$	141
Operating cash flows from finance leases		5		6
Financing cash flows from finance leases		4		5
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new finance lease liabilities		46		22
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities		118		119

(1) Included in the change in other operating assets and liabilities in the condensed consolidated statement of cash flows.

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Stockholders' Deficit

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2021

Equity [Abstract]

STOCKHOLDERS' DEFICIT

9.  STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT

Authorized capital shares of the Company include 400,000,000 shares of capital stock consisting of 300,000,000 shares of common stock and 100,000,000 shares of preferred stock. Each of the aforementioned classes of capital stock has a par value of $0.01 per share. Shares of preferred stock, none of which were outstanding as of September 30, 2021, may be issued in one or more series having such rights, preferences and other provisions as determined by the Board of Directors without approval by the holders of common stock.

The Company is a holding company which operates through its subsidiaries. The Company’s ABL Facility and the indentures governing each series of the Company’s outstanding notes contain various covenants under which the assets of the subsidiaries of the Company are subject to certain restrictions relating to, among other matters, dividends and distributions, as referenced in the paragraph below.

The ABL Facility and the indentures governing each series of the Company’s outstanding notes restrict the Company’s subsidiaries from, among other matters, paying dividends and making distributions to the Company, which thereby limits the Company’s ability to pay dividends and/or repurchase stock. As of September 30, 2021, under the most restrictive test in these agreements (and subject to certain exceptions), the Company has approximately $200 million of capacity to pay permitted dividends and/or repurchase shares of stock or make other restricted payments.

The following schedule presents the reconciliation of the carrying amount of total equity, equity attributable to the Company’s stockholders, and equity attributable to noncontrolling interests as of September 30, 2021, and during each of the three-month periods following December 31, 2020 (in millions):

				Community Health Systems, Inc. Stockholders
	Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest			Common Stock		Additional Paid-In Capital			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Income)			Accumulated Deficit			Noncontrolling Interest			Total Stockholders’ Deficit
Balance, December 31, 2020	$	484		$	1	$	2,094		$	(13	)	$	(3,707	)	$	87		$	(1,538	)
Comprehensive income (loss)		21			—		—			(3	)		(64	)		8			(59	)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests		(12	)		—		—			—			—			(9	)		(9	)
Dispositions of less-than-wholly owned business		(7	)		—		—			—			—			—			—
Noncontrolling interest in acquired entity		2			—		—			—			—			—			—
Adjustment to redemption value of redeemable    noncontrolling interests		(7	)		—		7			—			—			—			7
Cancellation of restricted stock for tax withholdings    on vested shares		—			—		(4	)		—			—			—			(4	)
Share-based compensation		—			—		8			—			—			—			8
Balance, March 31, 2021		481			1		2,105			(16	)		(3,771	)		86			(1,595	)
Comprehensive income		24			—		—			1			6			7			14
Distributions to noncontrolling interests		(31	)		—		—			—			—			(14	)		(14	)
Purchase of subsidiary shares from noncontrolling    interests		(2	)		—		—			—			—			—			—
Other reclassifications of noncontrolling interests		1			—		(1	)		—			—			—			(1	)
Adjustment to redemption value of redeemable    noncontrolling interests		25			—		(25	)		—			—			—			(25	)
Share-based compensation		—			—		5			—			—			—			5
Balance, June 30, 2021		498			1		2,084			(15	)		(3,765	)		79			(1,616	)
Comprehensive income		20			—		—			1			110			14			125
Contributions from noncontrolling interests		1			—		—			—			—			—			—
Distributions to noncontrolling interests		(19	)		—		—			—			—			(10	)		(10	)
Purchase of subsidiary shares from noncontrolling    interests		(13	)		—		9			—			—			—			9
Adjustment to redemption value of redeemable    noncontrolling interests		6			—		(6	)		—			—			—			(6	)
Share-based compensation		—			—		5			—			—			—			5
Balance, September 30, 2021	$	493		$	1	$	2,092		$	(14	)	$	(3,655	)	$	83		$	(1,493	)

The following schedule presents the reconciliation of the carrying amount of total equity, equity attributable to the Company’s stockholders, and equity attributable to the noncontrolling interests as of September 30, 2020, and during each of the three-month periods following December 31, 2019 (in millions):

				Community Health Systems, Inc. Stockholders
	Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest			Common Stock		Additional Paid-In Capital			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss			Accumulated Deficit			Noncontrolling Interest			Total Stockholders’ Deficit
Balance, December 31, 2019	$	502		$	1	$	2,008		$	(9	)	$	(4,218	)	$	77		$	(2,141	)
Comprehensive income		8		—		—				2			18			8			28
Distributions to noncontrolling interests		(22	)	—		—			—			—				(8	)		(8	)
Purchase of subsidiary shares from noncontrolling    interests		(1	)	—			(1	)	—			—			—				(1	)
Other reclassifications of noncontrolling interests		8		—		—			—			—				(8	)		(8	)
Adjustment to redemption value of redeemable    noncontrolling interests		7		—			(7	)	—			—			—				(7	)
Cancellation of restricted stock for tax withholdings    on vested shares	—			—			(1	)	—			—			—				(1	)
Share-based compensation	—			—			2		—			—			—				2
Balance, March 31, 2020		502			1		2,001			(7	)		(4,200	)		69			(2,136	)
Comprehensive income		7		—		—				2			69			16			87
Distributions to noncontrolling interests		(17	)	—		—			—			—				(10	)		(10	)
Purchase of subsidiary shares from noncontrolling    interests		(1	)	—			1		—			—			—				1
Other reclassifications of noncontrolling interests		1		—			—		—			—				—		—
Adjustment to redemption value of redeemable    noncontrolling interests		(3	)	—			3		—			—			—				3
Share-based compensation	—			—			3		—			—			—				3
Balance, June 30, 2020		489			1		2,008			(5	)		(4,131	)		75			(2,052	)
Comprehensive income (loss)		23		—		—				—			112			(8	)		104
Distributions to noncontrolling interests		(20	)	—		—			—			—				(7	)		(7	)
Purchase of subsidiary shares from noncontrolling    interests		(2	)	—			—		—			—			—				—
Dispositions of less-than-wholly owned hospital		(15	)	—			—		—			—				—			—
Adjustment to redemption value of redeemable    noncontrolling interests		6		—			(6	)	—			—			—				(6	)
Share-based compensation	—			—			3		—			—			—				3
Balance, September 30, 2020	$	481		$	1	$	2,005		$	(5	)	$	(4,018	)	$	60		$	(1,957	)

The following schedule discloses the effects of changes in the Company’s ownership interest in its less-than-wholly-owned subsidiaries on Community Health Systems, Inc. stockholders’ deficit (in millions):

	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	September 30,				September 30,
	2021		2020		2021		2020
Net income attributable to Community Health Systems,    Inc. stockholders	$	111	$	112	$	52	$	200
Transfers to the noncontrolling interests:
Net increase in Community Health Systems,    Inc. paid-in-capital for purchase of    subsidiary partnership interests		9		—		9		—
Net transfers to the noncontrolling interests		9		—		9		—
Change to Community Health Systems, Inc. stockholders'    deficit from net income attributable to    Community Health Systems, Inc. stockholders and    transfers to noncontrolling interests	$	120	$	112	$	61	$	200

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Earnings Per Share

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2021

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Earnings Per Share

10.  EARNINGS PER SHARE 

The following table sets forth the components of the denominator for the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share for net income attributable to Community Health Systems, Inc. common stockholders:

	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	September 30,				September 30,
	2021		2020		2021		2020
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding — basic		127,077,786		115,015,460		126,638,291		114,764,050
Effect of dilutive securities:
Restricted stock awards		2,652,676		500,857		2,249,117		205,600
Employee stock options		795,471		2,193		698,941		890
Other equity-based awards		359,206		122,342		299,602		41,662
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding — diluted		130,885,139		115,640,852		129,885,951		115,012,202

	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	September 30,				September 30,
	2021		2020		2021		2020
Dilutive securities outstanding not included in the computation    of earnings per share because their effect is antidilutive:
Employee stock options and restricted stock awards		748,002		1,846,026		784,752		3,673,618

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Contingencies

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2021

Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Contingencies

11.  CONTINGENCIES

The Company is a party to various legal, regulatory and governmental proceedings incidental to its business. Based on current knowledge, management does not believe that loss contingencies arising from pending legal, regulatory and governmental matters will have a material adverse effect on the condensed consolidated financial position or liquidity of the Company. However, in light of the inherent uncertainties involved in pending legal, regulatory and governmental matters, some of which are beyond the Company’s control, and the very large or indeterminate damages sought in some of these matters, an adverse outcome in one or more of these matters could be material to the Company’s results of operations or cash flows for any particular reporting period.

With respect to all legal, regulatory and governmental proceedings, the Company considers the likelihood of a negative outcome. If the Company determines the likelihood of a negative outcome with respect to any such matter is probable and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated, the Company records an accrual for the estimated loss for the expected outcome of the matter. If the likelihood of a negative outcome with respect to material matters is reasonably possible and the Company is able to determine an estimate of the possible loss or a range of loss, whether in excess of a related accrued liability or where there is no accrued liability, the Company discloses the estimate of the possible loss or range of loss. However, the Company is unable to estimate a possible loss or range of loss in some instances based on the significant uncertainties involved in, and/or the preliminary nature of, certain legal, regulatory and governmental matters.

Probable Contingencies

The table below presents a reconciliation of the beginning and ending liability balances (in millions) during the nine months ended September 30, 2021, with respect to the Company’s determination of the contingencies of the Company in respect of which an accrual has been recorded. The liability as of September 30, 2021 is comprised of individually insignificant amounts for various matters.

Summary of Recorded Amounts

	Probable
	Contingencies
Balance as of December 31, 2020	$	11
Expense		1
Reserve for insured claim		(1	)
Cash payments		(1	)
Balance as of September 30, 2021	$	10

In accordance with applicable accounting guidance, the Company establishes a liability for litigation, regulatory and governmental matters for which, based on information currently available, the Company believes that a negative outcome is known or is probable and the amount of the loss is reasonably estimable. For all such matters (whether or not discussed in this contingencies footnote), such amounts have been recorded in other accrued liabilities on the condensed consolidated balance sheet and are included in the table above. Due to the uncertainties and difficulty in predicting the ultimate resolution of these contingencies, the actual amount could differ from the estimated amount reflected as a liability on the condensed consolidated balance sheet.

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Subsequent Events

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2021

Subsequent Events [Abstract]

Subsequent Events

12.  SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

The Company has evaluated all material events occurring subsequent to the balance sheet date for events requiring disclosure or recognition in the condensed consolidated financial statements.

On October 1, 2021, Tyler Memorial Hospital in Tunkhannock, Pennsylvania, which previously offered inpatient care and surgical services as a stand-alone acute care hospital, began operating as a campus of Regional Hospital of Scranton, in Scranton, Pennsylvania, offering emergency room and outpatient services such as primary care, laboratory and imaging. Effective with this change, the Company owns or leases 83 hospitals, comprised of 81 general acute care hospitals and two stand-alone rehabilitation or psychiatric hospitals.

Pandemic Relief Funds and Medicare Accelerated Payments:

In October 2021, the Company submitted a combined application for Phase 4 of the Provider Relief Fund (“PRF Phase 4”) and amounts appropriated by the ARPA for providers serving rural healthcare patients (“ARP Rural”). No amounts have been received by the Company for the PRF Phase 4 or ARP Rural programs as of the date of this Form 10-Q, and the Company is not able to predict the extent to which it may receive amounts pursuant to such programs, if any.

The outstanding balance of Medicare accelerated payments of $814 million as of September 30, 2021 was repaid in full to CMS in October 2021, prior to the date of this Form 10-Q, through a combination of recoupments via Medicare remittances and lump-sum payments.

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Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2021

Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements [Abstract]

Basis of Accounting

The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of Community Health Systems, Inc. (the “Parent” or “Parent Company”) and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 and for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). In the opinion of management, such information contains all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of the results for such periods. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated. The results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full fiscal year ending December 31, 2021. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the condensed consolidated financial statements. Actual results could differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

Certain information and disclosures normally included in the notes to the consolidated financial statements have been condensed or omitted as permitted by the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). The Company believes the disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for the year ended December 31, 2020, contained in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 18, 2021 (“2020 Form 10-K”).

Consolidation

Noncontrolling interests in less-than-wholly-owned consolidated subsidiaries of the Parent are presented as a component of total equity on the condensed consolidated balance sheets to distinguish between the interests of the Parent Company and the interests of the noncontrolling owners. Noncontrolling interests that are redeemable or may become redeemable at a fixed or determinable price at the option of the holder or upon the occurrence of an event outside of the control of the Company are presented in mezzanine equity on the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

Substantially all of the Company’s operating costs and expenses are “cost of revenue” items. Operating costs that could be classified as general and administrative by the Company include the Company’s corporate office costs at its Franklin, Tennessee office, which were $56 million and $41 million for the three months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and $168 million and $136 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Operating costs during the nine months ended September 30, 2021 reflect increased stock compensation and annual cash incentive compensation compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2020.

Throughout these notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements, Community Health Systems, Inc., and its consolidated subsidiaries are referred to on a collective basis as the “Company.” This drafting style is not meant to indicate that the publicly traded Parent or any particular subsidiary of the Parent owns or operates any asset, business, or property. The hospitals, operations and businesses described in this filing are owned and operated by distinct and indirect subsidiaries of Community Health Systems, Inc.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue Recognition.   

Net Operating Revenues

Net operating revenues are recorded at the transaction price estimated by the Company to reflect the total consideration due from patients and third-party payors in exchange for providing goods and services in patient care. These services are considered to be a single performance obligation and have a duration of less than one year. Revenues are recorded as these goods and services are provided. The transaction price, which involves significant estimates, is determined based on the Company’s standard charges for the goods and services provided, with a reduction recorded for price concessions related to third party contractual arrangements as well as patient discounts and other patient price concessions. During each of the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, the impact of changes to the inputs used to determine the transaction price was considered immaterial.

Currently, several states utilize supplemental reimbursement programs for the purpose of providing reimbursement to providers that is not specifically tied to an individual’s care, some of which offsets a portion of the cost of providing care to Medicaid and indigent patients. These programs are designed with input from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (“CMS”) and are funded with a combination of state and federal resources, including, in certain instances, fees or taxes levied on the providers. Under these supplemental programs, the Company recognizes revenue and related expenses in the period in which amounts are estimable and

collection or payment is reasonably assured. Reimbursement under these programs is reflected in net operating revenues and fees, taxes or other program-related costs are reflected in other operating expenses.

The Company’s net operating revenues during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020 have been presented in the following table based on an allocation of the estimated transaction price with the patient between the primary patient classification of insurance coverage (in millions):

	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	September 30,				September 30,
	2021		2020		2021		2020
Medicare	$	653	$	723	$	1,988	$	2,086
Medicaid		412		419		1,223		1,167
Managed Care and other third-party payors		2,010		1,967		5,845		5,425
Self-pay		40		17		79		(8	)
Total	$	3,115	$	3,126	$	9,135	$	8,670

Patient Accounts Receivable

Patient Accounts Receivable

Patient accounts receivable are recorded at net realizable value based on certain assumptions determined by each payor. For third-party payors including Medicare, Medicaid, and Managed Care, the net realizable value is based on the estimated contractual reimbursement percentage, which is based on current contract prices or historical paid claims data by payor. For self-pay accounts receivable, which includes patients who are uninsured and the patient responsibility portion for patients with insurance, the net realizable value is determined using estimates of historical collection experience without regard to aging category. These estimates are adjusted for estimated conversions of patient responsibility portions, expected recoveries and any anticipated changes in trends.  

Patient accounts receivable can be impacted by the effectiveness of the Company’s collection efforts. Additionally, significant changes in payor mix, business office operations, economic conditions or trends in federal and state governmental healthcare coverage could affect the net realizable value of accounts receivable. The Company also continually reviews the net realizable value of accounts receivable by monitoring historical cash collections as a percentage of trailing net operating revenues, as well as by analyzing current period net revenue and admissions by payor classification, days revenue outstanding, the composition of self-pay receivables between pure self-pay patients and the patient responsibility portion of third-party insured receivables, the impact of recent acquisitions and dispositions and the impact of current economic and other events.

Final settlements for some payors and programs are subject to adjustment based on administrative review and audit by third parties. As a result of these final settlements, the Company has recorded amounts due to third-party payors of $111 million and $98 million as of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively, and these amounts are included in accrued liabilities-other in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets. Amounts due from third-party payors were $109 million and $136 million as of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively, and are included in other current assets in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets. Substantially all Medicare and Medicaid cost reports are final settled through 2016.

Charity Care

Charity Care

In the ordinary course of business, the Company renders services to patients who are financially unable to pay for hospital care. The Company’s policy is to not pursue collections for such amounts; therefore, the related charges for those patients who are financially unable to pay and that otherwise do not qualify for reimbursement from a governmental program are not reported in net operating revenues, and are thus classified as charity care. The Company determines amounts that qualify for charity care based on the patient’s household income relative to the federal poverty level guidelines, as established by the federal government.

These charity care services are estimated to be $215 million and $285 million for the three months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and $659 million and $751 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively, representing the value (at the Company’s standard charges) of these charity care services that are excluded from net operating revenues. The estimated cost incurred by the Company to provide these charity care services to patients who are unable to pay was approximately $25 million and $36 million during the three months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and $77 million and $90 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The estimated cost of these charity care services was determined using a ratio of cost to gross charges and applying that ratio to the gross charges associated with providing care to charity patients for the period.

Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets

Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets.    During the nine months ended September 30, 2021, the Company recorded a net loss on disposal of approximately $24 million, of which (i) approximately $29 million was recorded to adjust the carrying value of long-lived assets at several hospitals that were sold at a sales price below carrying value, (ii) approximately $3 million was recorded related to divestiture related expenses, and (iii) approximately $8 million of gain was recorded related to the disposal of the Company’s majority interest in a surgery center that was sold on January 1, 2021. Approximately $7 million of goodwill was allocated to facilities disposed of during the nine months ended September 30, 2021.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2020, the Company recorded a total combined net impairment charge and loss on disposal of approximately $48 million, of which (i) approximately $74 million was recorded primarily to adjust the carrying value of long-lived assets at several hospitals where the Company was in discussions with potential buyers for divestiture at a sales price that indicated a fair value below carrying value, (ii) approximately $43 million was recorded related to certain hospitals that were classified as held for sale based on the difference between the carrying value of the hospital disposal groups compared to their estimated fair value less costs to sell, (iii) approximately $3 million was recorded related to a hospital that closed on September 30, 2020, and (iv) approximately $1 million was recorded related to a shared service center that closed on July 31, 2020. The impairment charge was partially offset by a gain of approximately $73 million related to three hospitals sold on January 1, 2020 and one hospital sold on July 1, 2020.

The Company will continue to evaluate the potential for impairment of the long-lived assets of underperforming hospitals as well as evaluate offers for potential sales, as applicable. Based on such analysis, additional impairment charges may be recorded in the future.

COVID-19 Pandemic

COVID-19 Pandemic.

COVID-19, a disease caused by a novel strain of coronavirus, materially affected the Company’s results of operations during 2020 and continued to affect the Company’s results of operations during the nine months ended September 30, 2021. Federal and state governments have passed legislation, promulgated regulations and taken other administrative actions intended to assist healthcare providers in providing care to COVID-19 and other patients during the public health emergency. Sources of relief include the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”), which was enacted on March 27, 2020, the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act (the “PPPHCE Act”), which was enacted on April 24, 2020, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (the “CAA”), which was enacted on December 27, 2020, and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (the “ARPA”), which was enacted on March 11, 2021. Together, these stimulus laws authorize over $178 billion in funding to be distributed to hospitals and other healthcare providers through the Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund (the “PHSSEF” or “Provider Relief Fund”). In addition to the relief funding, the CARES Act provided for an expansion of the Medicare Accelerated and Advance Payment Program whereby inpatient acute care hospitals and other eligible providers were able to request accelerated payment of up to 100% of their Medicare payment amount for a six-month period to be repaid through withholding of future Medicare fee-for-service payments. Various state and local programs also exist to provide relief, either independently or through distribution of monies received via the CARES Act and other enacted federal legislation. The Company’s accounting policies for the recognition of these stimulus monies are as follows:

Pandemic Relief Funds

Through September 30, 2021, net of amounts that have been repaid to the respective federal, state, or local agency, the Company received approximately $709 million in payments through the PHSSEF and various state and local programs on a cumulative basis since their enactment. Of the net amount received to-date, approximately $705 million was received during the year ended December 31, 2020 and the remainder was received during the nine months ended September 30, 2021.

The recognition of amounts received is conditioned upon the provision of care for individuals with possible or actual cases of COVID-19 after January 31, 2020, certification that payment will be used to prevent, prepare for and respond to coronavirus and shall reimburse the recipient only for healthcare-related expenses or lost revenues, as defined by the U.S. Department of Health and Human

Services Agency (“HHS”), that are attributable to coronavirus, as well as receipt of the funds. Amounts are recognized as a reduction to operating costs and expenses only to the extent the Company is reasonably assured that underlying conditions have been met. Amounts recognized are denoted by the caption “pandemic relief funds” within the condensed consolidated statements of income.

The Company’s assessment of whether the terms and conditions for amounts received are reasonably assured of having been met is updated each reporting period and considers, among other things, the requirements set forth in the CARES Act and subsequent relief legislation, responses to all applicable frequently asked questions and other interpretive guidance issued by HHS, including the various Post-Payment Notices of Reporting Requirements, the Company’s expenses incurred attributable to the coronavirus, the Company’s results of operations during such period as compared to the Company’s 2020 budget, and the allocation of general and targeted fund distribution payments among subsidiaries of the Company during such period. The HHS guidance, specifically the various Post-Payment Notices of Reporting Requirements and frequently asked questions, set forth the allowable methods for quantifying eligible healthcare related expenses and lost revenues. Only healthcare related expenses attributable to coronavirus that another source has not reimbursed and is not obligated to reimburse are eligible to be claimed. The use of funds calculation takes into account expenses attributable to each respective entity, which for the Company primarily relate to incremental labor and supply costs, as well as lost revenues. The deadlines for using and required timelines for reporting on the use of funds depend on the dates of receipt of the funds. During the year ended December 31, 2020, pandemic relief funds of approximately $601 million were recognized up to the amount which the Company was reasonably assured that it could or would choose to comply with conditions underlying amounts received. This included the allocation of general fund distributions among subsidiaries according to total unreimbursed losses but not the allocation of targeted fund distributions due to significant uncertainties as to the meaning and interpretation of conditions specific to the allocation of such targeted distribution payments, as previously disclosed. During the three months ended March 31, 2021, pandemic relief funds of approximately $82 million were recognized on the basis of the Company’s facility-by-facility assessment of uncertainties associated with the allocation of targeted distribution payments having been updated for additional facts and circumstances in the period. On the basis of this updated assessment, the Company was reasonably assured that underlying conditions for the allocation of targeted distribution payments were met as of March 31, 2021 (which conclusion has not changed). Pandemic relief funds of approximately $1 million were recognized during the three months ended June 30, 2021.

During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, pandemic relief funds of approximately $19 million and $102 million, respectively, were recognized. Such amounts were recognized on the basis of expenses incurred in the periods attributable to the coronavirus, the Company’s results of operations during such periods as compared to the Company’s 2020 budget for the same period and the allocation of targeted distribution payments to various subsidiaries. During the nine months ended September 30, 2020, pandemic relief funds of approximately $448 million were recognized on the basis of facts and circumstances at that time. No pandemic relief funds were recognized during the three months ended September 30, 2020.

Amounts received through the PHSSEF or state and local programs that have not yet been recognized or otherwise have not been refunded to HHS or the various state and local agencies as of September 30, 2021, are reflected within accrued liabilities-other in the condensed consolidated balance sheet. Such unrecognized amounts may either be returned to HHS or the respective state or local agency, as applicable, or may be recognized in future periods if the underlying conditions for recognition are reasonably assured of having been met. HHS’ interpretation of the underlying terms and conditions of such PHSSEF payments, including auditing and reporting requirements, continues to evolve. Additional guidance or new and amended interpretations of existing guidance on the terms and conditions of such PHSSEF payments may result in changes in the Company’s estimate of amounts for which the terms and conditions are reasonably assured of being met, and any such changes may be material. Additionally, any such changes may result in the Company’s inability to recognize additional PHSSEF payments or may result in the derecognition of amounts previously recognized, which (in any such case) may be material.

Medicare Accelerated Payments

Medicare accelerated payments of approximately $1.2 billion were received by the Company in April 2020. No additional Medicare accelerated payments have been received by the Company since such time, including during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021. Payments under the Medicare Accelerated and Advance Payment Program are advances that must be repaid. Effective October 1, 2020, the program was amended such that providers are required to repay accelerated payments beginning one year after the payment was issued. After such one-year period, Medicare payments owed to providers will be recouped according to the repayment terms. The repayment terms specify that for the first 11 months after repayment begins, repayment will occur through an automatic recoupment of 25% of Medicare payments otherwise owed to the provider. At the end of the eleven-month period, recoupment will increase to 50% for six months. At the end of the six months (or 29 months from the receipt of the initial accelerated payment), Medicare will issue a letter for full repayment of any remaining balance, as applicable. In such event, if payment is not received within 30 days, interest will accrue at the annual percentage rate of four percent (4%) from the date the letter was issued, and will be assessed for each full 30-day period that the balance remains unpaid.

In April 2021, CMS began recouping Medicare accelerated payments previously received by the Company. As of September 30, 2021, approximately $249 million has been recouped from the Company by CMS subject to the aforementioned repayment terms. Additionally, approximately $18 million and $77 million of amounts previously received were repaid by the Company to CMS or assumed by buyers related to hospitals the Company divested during the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and the year ended December 31, 2020, respectively. As of September 30, 2021, approximately $814 million of Medicare accelerated payments are reflected within accrued liabilities-other in the condensed consolidated balance sheet. As described further in Note 12, the outstanding balance of Medicare accelerated payments was paid in full to CMS in October 2021, prior to the date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (the “Form 10-Q”).

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Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2021

Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements [Abstract]

Schedule of Net Operating Revenues

The Company’s net operating revenues during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020 have been presented in the following table based on an allocation of the estimated transaction price with the patient between the primary patient classification of insurance coverage (in millions):

	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	September 30,				September 30,
	2021		2020		2021		2020
Medicare	$	653	$	723	$	1,988	$	2,086
Medicaid		412		419		1,223		1,167
Managed Care and other third-party payors		2,010		1,967		5,845		5,425
Self-pay		40		17		79		(8	)
Total	$	3,115	$	3,126	$	9,135	$	8,670

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Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2021

Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]

Schedule of Share-based Compensation Expense

The following table reflects the impact of total compensation expense related to stock-based equity plans on the reported operating results for the respective periods (in millions):

	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	September 30,						September 30,
	2021			2020			2021			2020
Effect on income before income taxes	$	(5	)	$	(3	)	$	(18	)	$	(8	)
Effect on net income	$	(4	)	$	(2	)	$	(14	)	$	(6	)

Schedule of Share-based Payment Awards, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions

The fair value of stock options was estimated using the Black Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions and weighted-average fair values during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020:

	Three Months Ended September 30,		Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2021	2020	2021		2020
Expected volatility	N/A	N/A	84.3% - 88.9%			73.5	%
Expected dividends	N/A	N/A		—		—
Expected term	N/A	N/A	3 - 6 years		6 years
Risk-free interest rate	N/A	N/A	0.3% - 0.9%			1.0	%

Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity

Options outstanding and exercisable under the 2009 Plan as of September 30, 2021, and changes during each of the three-month periods following December 31, 2020, was as follows (in millions, except share and per share data):

						Weighted-	Aggregate
				Weighted-		Average	Intrinsic
				Average		Remaining	Value as of
				Exercise		Contractual	September 30,
	Shares			Price		Term	2021
Outstanding at December 31, 2020		1,817,525		$	8.77
Granted		749,250			8.81
Exercised		(65,165	)		4.97
Forfeited and cancelled		(173,189	)		34.66
Outstanding at March 31, 2021		2,328,421			6.96
Granted		—			—
Exercised		—			—
Forfeited and cancelled		(22,334	)		24.23
Outstanding at June 30, 2021		2,306,087			6.79
Granted		—			—
Exercised		—			—
Forfeited and cancelled		(2,000	)		17.95
Outstanding at September 30, 2021		2,304,087		$	6.78	8.2 years	$	12
Exercisable at September 30, 2021		733,162		$	6.79	7.0 years	$	4

Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock, Activity

Restricted stock outstanding under the 2009 Plan as of September 30, 2021, and changes during each of the three-month periods following December 31, 2020, was as follows:

				Weighted-
				Average Grant
	Shares			Date Fair Value
Unvested at December 31, 2020		4,555,735		$	4.84
Granted		2,829,250			7.97
Vested		(2,264,992	)		4.70
Forfeited		(37,334	)		4.94
Unvested at March 31, 2021		5,082,659			6.65
Granted		30,000			16.18
Vested		(17,335	)		3.48
Forfeited		(47,670	)		6.81
Unvested at June 30, 2021		5,047,654			6.72
Granted		—			—
Vested		—			—
Forfeited		(84,338	)		6.61
Unvested at September 30, 2021		4,963,316			6.72

Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock Units, Activity

RSUs outstanding under the 2009 Plan as of September 30, 2021, and changes during each of the three-month periods following December 31, 2020, was as follows:

				Weighted-
				Average Grant
	Shares			Date Fair Value
Unvested at December 31, 2020		613,739		$	4.89
Granted		173,664			8.81
Vested		(247,164	)		4.81
Forfeited		—			—
Unvested at March 31, 2021		540,239			6.19
Granted		—			—
Vested		—			—
Forfeited		—			—
Unvested at June 30, 2021		540,239			6.19
Granted		—			—
Vested		—			—
Forfeited		—			—
Unvested at September 30, 2021		540,239			6.19

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Acquisitions and Divestitures (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2021

Acquisitions And Divestitures [Abstract]

Schedule of Divestitures

The following table provides a summary of hospitals that the Company divested during the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and the year ended December 31, 2020:

			Licensed
Hospital	Buyer	City, State	Beds	Effective Date
2021 Divestitures:
Lea Regional Medical Center	Covenant Health System	Hobbs, NM	84	January 1, 2021
Tennova Healthcare - Tullahoma	Vanderbilt University Medical Center	Tullahoma, TN	135	January 1, 2021
Tennova Healthcare - Shelbyville	Vanderbilt University Medical Center	Shelbyville, TN	60	January 1, 2021
Northwest Mississippi Medical Center	Delta Health System	Clarksdale, MS	181	February 1, 2021
AllianceHealth Midwest	SSM Health Care of Oklahoma	Midwest City, OK	255	April 1, 2021
2020 Divestitures:
Berwick Hospital Center	Fayette Holdings, Inc.	Berwick, PA	90	December 1, 2020
Brownwood Regional Medical Center	Hendrick Health System	Brownwood, TX	188	October 27, 2020
Abilene Regional Medical Center	Hendrick Health System	Abilene, TX	231	October 27, 2020
San Angelo Community Medical Center	Shannon Health System	San Angelo, TX	171	October 24, 2020
Bayfront Health St. Petersburg	Orlando Health, Inc.	St. Petersburg, FL	480	October 1, 2020
Hill Regional Hospital	AHRK Holdings, LLC	Hillsboro, TX	25	August 1, 2020
St. Cloud Regional Medical Center	Orlando Health, Inc.	St. Cloud, FL	84	July 1, 2020
Northern Louisiana Medical Center	Allegiance Health Management, Inc.	Ruston, LA	130	July 1, 2020
Shands Live Oak Regional Medical Center	HCA Healthcare, Inc. (“HCA”)	Live Oak, FL	25	May 1, 2020
Shands Starke Regional Medical Center	HCA	Starke, FL	49	May 1, 2020
Southside Regional Medical Center	Bon Secours Mercy Health System	Petersburg, VA	300	January 1, 2020
Southampton Memorial Hospital	Bon Secours Mercy Health System	Franklin, VA	105	January 1, 2020
Southern Virginia Regional Medical Center	Bon Secours Mercy Health System	Emporia, VA	80	January 1, 2020

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Long-Term Debt (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2021

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Schedule of Debt

Long-term debt, net of unamortized deferred debt issuance costs, consists of the following (in millions):

	September 30,			December 31,
	2021			2020
6⅞% Senior Notes due 2022	$	—		$	126
6¼% Senior Secured Notes due 2023		—			95
8⅝% Senior Secured Notes due 2024		—			1,033
6⅝% Senior Secured Notes due 2025		1,462			1,462
8% Senior Secured Notes due 2026		2,101			2,101
8% Senior Secured Notes due 2027		700			700
5⅝% Senior Secured Notes due 2027		1,900			1,900
6⅞% Senior Notes due 2028		767			767
6% Senior Secured Notes due 2029		900			900
4¾% Senior Secured Notes due 2031		1,095			—
9⅞% Junior-Priority Secured Notes due 2023		—			1,769
8⅛% Junior-Priority Secured Notes due 2024		—			1,348
6⅞% Junior-Priority Secured Notes due 2029		1,775			—
6⅛% Junior-Priority Secured Notes due 2030		1,440			—
ABL Facility		—			—
Finance lease and financing obligations		279			239
Other		37			26
Less:  Unamortized deferred debt issuance costs and note premium		(445	)		(250	)
Total debt		12,011			12,216
Less: Current maturities		(35	)		(123	)
Total long-term debt	$	11,976		$	12,093

Junior-Priority Secured Notes at 6.875% Due 2029 | Senior Secured Notes

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Schedule of Early Redemption Prices on Notes

At any time and from time to time on or after April 15, 2024, CHS may redeem the 6⅞% Junior-Priority Secured Notes due 2029 in whole or in part, upon not less than 15 nor more than 60 days’ prior written notice at a redemption price equal to the percentage of principal amount set forth below plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on the 6⅞% Junior-Priority Secured Notes due 2029 redeemed, to, but excluding, the applicable date of redemption, if redeemed during the twelve-month period beginning on April 15 of the years indicated below:

Period	Redemption Price
April 15, 2024 to April 14, 2025		103.438	%
April 15, 2025 to April 14, 2026		101.719	%
April 15, 2026 to April 14, 2029		100.000	%

Senior Secured Notes at 4.75% due 2031 | Senior Secured Notes

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Schedule of Early Redemption Prices on Notes

At any time and from time to time on or after February 15, 2026, CHS may redeem the 4¾% Senior Secured Notes due 2031 in whole or in part, upon not less than 15 nor more than 60 days’ prior written notice at a redemption price equal to the percentage of principal amount set forth below plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on the 4¾% Senior Secured Notes due 2031 redeemed, to, but excluding, the applicable date of redemption, if redeemed during the twelve-month period beginning on February 15 of the years indicated below:

Period	Redemption Price
February 15, 2026 to February 14, 2027		102.375	%
February 15, 2027 to February 14, 2028		101.583	%
February 15, 2028 to February 14, 2029		100.792	%
February 15, 2029 to February 14, 2031		100.000	%

Junior-Priority Secured Notes at 6.125% Due 2030 | Senior Secured Notes

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Schedule of Early Redemption Prices on Notes

At any time and from time to time on or after April 1, 2025, CHS may redeem the 6⅛% Junior-Priority Secured Notes due 2030 in whole or in part, upon not less than 15 nor more than 60 days’ prior written notice at a redemption price equal to the percentage of principal amount set forth below plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on the 6⅛% Junior-Priority Secured Notes due 2030 redeemed, to, but excluding, the applicable date of redemption, if redeemed during the twelve-month period beginning on April 1 of the years indicated below:

Period	Redemption Price
April 1, 2025 to March 31, 2026		103.063	%
April 1, 2026 to March 31, 2027		101.531	%
April 1, 2027 to March 31, 2030		100.000	%

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Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2021

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Schedule of Estimated Fair Value of Financial Instruments, by Balance Sheet Grouping

The fair value of financial instruments has been estimated by the Company using available market information as of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, and valuation methodologies considered appropriate. The estimates presented in the table below are not necessarily indicative of amounts the Company could realize in a current market exchange (in millions):

	September 30, 2021				December 31, 2020
	Carrying		Estimated Fair		Carrying		Estimated Fair
	Amount		Value		Amount		Value
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	1,294	$	1,294	$	1,676	$	1,676
Investments in equity securities		126		126		129		129
Available-for-sale debt securities		169		169		110		110
Trading securities		12		12		12		12
Liabilities:
6⅞% Senior Notes due 2022		—		—		125		125
6¼% Senior Secured Notes due 2023		—		—		95		99
8⅝% Senior Secured Notes due 2024		—		—		1,025		1,080
6⅝% Senior Secured Notes due 2025		1,432		1,532		1,427		1,543
8% Senior Secured Notes due 2026		2,077		2,229		2,074		2,275
8% Senior Secured Notes due 2027		692		767		692		760
5⅝% Senior Secured Notes due 2027		1,816		1,997		1,809		2,048
6⅞% Senior Notes due 2028		759		739		758		618
6% Senior Secured Notes due 2029		859		957		857		973
4¾% Senior Secured Notes due 2031		1,090		1,107		—		—
9⅞% Junior-Priority Secured Notes due 2023		—		—		1,756		1,861
8⅛% Junior-Priority Secured Notes due 2024		—		—		1,336		1,408
6⅞% Junior-Priority Secured Notes due 2029		1,621		1,781		—		—
6⅛% Junior-Priority Secured Notes due 2030		1,350		1,401		—		—
ABL Facility and other debt		35		35		23		23

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Fair Value (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2021

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis

The following table sets forth, by level within the fair value hierarchy, the financial assets and liabilities recorded at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 (in millions):

	September 30, 2021		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Investments in equity securities	$	126	$	126	$	—	$	—
Available-for-sale debt securities		169		—		169		—
Trading securities		12		—		12		—
Total assets	$	307	$	126	$	181	$	—

	December 31, 2020		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Investments in equity securities	$	129	$	129	$	—	$	—
Available-for-sale debt securities		110		—		110		—
Trading securities		12		—		12		—
Total assets	$	251	$	129	$	122	$	—

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Leases (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2021

Leases [Abstract]

Components of Lease Cost and Rent Expense

The components of lease cost and rent expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020 are as follows (in millions):

	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
Lease Cost	2021			2020			2021			2020
Operating lease cost:
Operating lease cost	$	49		$	50		$	147		$	152
Short-term rent expense		22			27			70			80
Variable lease cost		5			9			17			20
Sublease income		(1	)		(1	)		(3	)		(4	)
Total operating lease cost	$	75		$	85		$	231		$	248
Finance lease cost:
Amortization of right-of-use assets	$	2		$	2		$	6		$	8
Interest on finance lease liabilities		2			2			5			6
Total finance lease cost	$	4		$	4		$	11		$	14

Supplemental Balance Sheet Information Related to Leases

Supplemental balance sheet information related to leases was as follows (in millions):

	Balance Sheet Classification	September 30, 2021			December 31, 2020
Operating Leases:
Operating Lease ROU Assets	Other assets, net	$	667		$	642
Finance Leases:
Finance Lease ROU Assets	Property and equipment
	Land and improvements	$	8		$	8
	Buildings and improvements		173			134
	Equipment and fixtures		14			8
	Property and equipment		195			150
	Less accumulated depreciation and amortization		(51	)		(46	)
	Property and equipment, net	$	144		$	104
Current finance lease liabilities	Current maturities of long-term debt	$	9		$	5
Long-term finance lease liabilities	Long-term debt		112			74

Supplemental Cash Flow and Other Information Related to Leases

Supplemental cash flow information related to leases for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020 is as follows (in millions):

	Nine Months Ended September 30,
Cash flow information	2021		2020
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:
Operating cash flows from operating leases (1)	$	149	$	141
Operating cash flows from finance leases		5		6
Financing cash flows from finance leases		4		5
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new finance lease liabilities		46		22
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities		118		119

(1) Included in the change in other operating assets and liabilities in the condensed consolidated statement of cash flows.

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Stockholders' Deficit (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2021

Equity [Abstract]

Schedule of Stockholders' Deficit

The following schedule presents the reconciliation of the carrying amount of total equity, equity attributable to the Company’s stockholders, and equity attributable to noncontrolling interests as of September 30, 2021, and during each of the three-month periods following December 31, 2020 (in millions):

				Community Health Systems, Inc. Stockholders
	Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest			Common Stock		Additional Paid-In Capital			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Income)			Accumulated Deficit			Noncontrolling Interest			Total Stockholders’ Deficit
Balance, December 31, 2020	$	484		$	1	$	2,094		$	(13	)	$	(3,707	)	$	87		$	(1,538	)
Comprehensive income (loss)		21			—		—			(3	)		(64	)		8			(59	)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests		(12	)		—		—			—			—			(9	)		(9	)
Dispositions of less-than-wholly owned business		(7	)		—		—			—			—			—			—
Noncontrolling interest in acquired entity		2			—		—			—			—			—			—
Adjustment to redemption value of redeemable    noncontrolling interests		(7	)		—		7			—			—			—			7
Cancellation of restricted stock for tax withholdings    on vested shares		—			—		(4	)		—			—			—			(4	)
Share-based compensation		—			—		8			—			—			—			8
Balance, March 31, 2021		481			1		2,105			(16	)		(3,771	)		86			(1,595	)
Comprehensive income		24			—		—			1			6			7			14
Distributions to noncontrolling interests		(31	)		—		—			—			—			(14	)		(14	)
Purchase of subsidiary shares from noncontrolling    interests		(2	)		—		—			—			—			—			—
Other reclassifications of noncontrolling interests		1			—		(1	)		—			—			—			(1	)
Adjustment to redemption value of redeemable    noncontrolling interests		25			—		(25	)		—			—			—			(25	)
Share-based compensation		—			—		5			—			—			—			5
Balance, June 30, 2021		498			1		2,084			(15	)		(3,765	)		79			(1,616	)
Comprehensive income		20			—		—			1			110			14			125
Contributions from noncontrolling interests		1			—		—			—			—			—			—
Distributions to noncontrolling interests		(19	)		—		—			—			—			(10	)		(10	)
Purchase of subsidiary shares from noncontrolling    interests		(13	)		—		9			—			—			—			9
Adjustment to redemption value of redeemable    noncontrolling interests		6			—		(6	)		—			—			—			(6	)
Share-based compensation		—			—		5			—			—			—			5
Balance, September 30, 2021	$	493		$	1	$	2,092		$	(14	)	$	(3,655	)	$	83		$	(1,493	)

The following schedule presents the reconciliation of the carrying amount of total equity, equity attributable to the Company’s stockholders, and equity attributable to the noncontrolling interests as of September 30, 2020, and during each of the three-month periods following December 31, 2019 (in millions):

				Community Health Systems, Inc. Stockholders
	Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest			Common Stock		Additional Paid-In Capital			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss			Accumulated Deficit			Noncontrolling Interest			Total Stockholders’ Deficit
Balance, December 31, 2019	$	502		$	1	$	2,008		$	(9	)	$	(4,218	)	$	77		$	(2,141	)
Comprehensive income		8		—		—				2			18			8			28
Distributions to noncontrolling interests		(22	)	—		—			—			—				(8	)		(8	)
Purchase of subsidiary shares from noncontrolling    interests		(1	)	—			(1	)	—			—			—				(1	)
Other reclassifications of noncontrolling interests		8		—		—			—			—				(8	)		(8	)
Adjustment to redemption value of redeemable    noncontrolling interests		7		—			(7	)	—			—			—				(7	)
Cancellation of restricted stock for tax withholdings    on vested shares	—			—			(1	)	—			—			—				(1	)
Share-based compensation	—			—			2		—			—			—				2
Balance, March 31, 2020		502			1		2,001			(7	)		(4,200	)		69			(2,136	)
Comprehensive income		7		—		—				2			69			16			87
Distributions to noncontrolling interests		(17	)	—		—			—			—				(10	)		(10	)
Purchase of subsidiary shares from noncontrolling    interests		(1	)	—			1		—			—			—				1
Other reclassifications of noncontrolling interests		1		—			—		—			—				—		—
Adjustment to redemption value of redeemable    noncontrolling interests		(3	)	—			3		—			—			—				3
Share-based compensation	—			—			3		—			—			—				3
Balance, June 30, 2020		489			1		2,008			(5	)		(4,131	)		75			(2,052	)
Comprehensive income (loss)		23		—		—				—			112			(8	)		104
Distributions to noncontrolling interests		(20	)	—		—			—			—				(7	)		(7	)
Purchase of subsidiary shares from noncontrolling    interests		(2	)	—			—		—			—			—				—
Dispositions of less-than-wholly owned hospital		(15	)	—			—		—			—				—			—
Adjustment to redemption value of redeemable    noncontrolling interests		6		—			(6	)	—			—			—				(6	)
Share-based compensation	—			—			3		—			—			—				3
Balance, September 30, 2020	$	481		$	1	$	2,005		$	(5	)	$	(4,018	)	$	60		$	(1,957	)

Schedule of Impact of Noncontrolling Interest to Stockholders' Deficit

The following schedule discloses the effects of changes in the Company’s ownership interest in its less-than-wholly-owned subsidiaries on Community Health Systems, Inc. stockholders’ deficit (in millions):

	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	September 30,				September 30,
	2021		2020		2021		2020
Net income attributable to Community Health Systems,    Inc. stockholders	$	111	$	112	$	52	$	200
Transfers to the noncontrolling interests:
Net increase in Community Health Systems,    Inc. paid-in-capital for purchase of    subsidiary partnership interests		9		—		9		—
Net transfers to the noncontrolling interests		9		—		9		—
Change to Community Health Systems, Inc. stockholders'    deficit from net income attributable to    Community Health Systems, Inc. stockholders and    transfers to noncontrolling interests	$	120	$	112	$	61	$	200

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Earnings Per Share (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2021

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Schedule of Components of Denominator for Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share

The following table sets forth the components of the denominator for the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share for net income attributable to Community Health Systems, Inc. common stockholders:

	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	September 30,				September 30,
	2021		2020		2021		2020
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding — basic		127,077,786		115,015,460		126,638,291		114,764,050
Effect of dilutive securities:
Restricted stock awards		2,652,676		500,857		2,249,117		205,600
Employee stock options		795,471		2,193		698,941		890
Other equity-based awards		359,206		122,342		299,602		41,662
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding — diluted		130,885,139		115,640,852		129,885,951		115,012,202

Schedule of Antidilutive Securities

	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	September 30,				September 30,
	2021		2020		2021		2020
Dilutive securities outstanding not included in the computation    of earnings per share because their effect is antidilutive:
Employee stock options and restricted stock awards		748,002		1,846,026		784,752		3,673,618

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Contingencies (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2021

Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Reconciliation of the Beginning and Ending Liability Balances in Connection with Probable Contingencies

The table below presents a reconciliation of the beginning and ending liability balances (in millions) during the nine months ended September 30, 2021, with respect to the Company’s determination of the contingencies of the Company in respect of which an accrual has been recorded. The liability as of September 30, 2021 is comprised of individually insignificant amounts for various matters.

Summary of Recorded Amounts

	Probable
	Contingencies
Balance as of December 31, 2020	$	11
Expense		1
Reserve for insured claim		(1	)
Cash payments		(1	)
Balance as of September 30, 2021	$	10

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Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Details)			1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended	17 Months Ended
	Jul. 01, 2020 Item	Jan. 01, 2020 Item	Apr. 30, 2020 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2021 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2021 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2021 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2020 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2021 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2020 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2020 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2021 USD ($)
Cost of Revenue, Policy [Abstract]
Corporate office costs				$ 56,000,000			$ 41,000,000	$ 168,000,000	$ 136,000,000
Third Party Reimbursement [Abstract]
Amounts due to third party payors				111,000,000				111,000,000		$ 98,000,000	$ 111,000,000
Amounts due from third party payors				109,000,000				109,000,000		136,000,000	109,000,000
Net Operating Revenues, Policy [Abstract]
Charity care services charges excluded from net operating revenues				215,000,000			285,000,000	659,000,000	751,000,000
Value of charity care services at the Company's standard charges included in contractual allowances				25,000,000			36,000,000	77,000,000	90,000,000
Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets
Gain (loss) on disposition of business								(24,000,000)	(48,000,000)
Impairment of long-lived assets sold								29,000,000
Divestiture related expenses								3,000,000
Goodwill allocated to facilities disposed of				7,000,000				7,000,000			7,000,000
CARES Act
Medicare Accelerated Payments [Abstract]
Medicare accelerated payments received under the Cares Act			$ 1,200,000,000	0				0
Medicare accelerated payments under cares act				814,000,000				814,000,000			814,000,000
Medicare accelerated payments, recouped subject to the aforementioned repayment terms				249,000,000				249,000,000			249,000,000
CARES Act | Accrued Liabilities and Other
Medicare Accelerated Payments [Abstract]
Medicare accelerated payments under cares act				814,000,000				814,000,000			814,000,000
CARES Act | Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
Medicare Accelerated Payments [Abstract]
Medicare accelerated repayment under cares act								$ 18,000,000		77,000,000
Medicare accelerated percentage of repayment will occur through an automatic recoupment								25.00%
Medicare accelerated percentage of recoupment will increase								50.00%
Medicare accelerated payments interest rate from the date letter was issued								4.00%
CARES Act | Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act
COVID-19 Pandemic [Abstract]
Percentage of maximum accelerated payment								100.00%
Medicare accelerated and advance payment program period								6 months
Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund (the "PHSSEF" or “Provider Relief Fund”) | CARES Act | Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act
COVID-19 Pandemic [Abstract]
CARES Act, PPPHCE Act of 2020 Aid, amount, CAA and ARPA								$ 178,000,000,000
CARES Act and PPPHCE Act Funds [Abstract]
Payments through the PHSSEF and various state and local programs										705,000,000	$ 709,000,000
Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund (the "PHSSEF" or “Provider Relief Fund”) | CARES Act | Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act | Operating Costs and Expenses
CARES Act and PPPHCE Act Funds [Abstract]
Payments through the PHSSEF and various state and local programs				$ 19,000,000	$ 1,000,000	$ 82,000,000	$ 0	102,000,000	448,000,000	$ 601,000,000
Adjustment for Carrying Value of Other Long-Lived Assets at Underperforming Hospitals
Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets
Impairment and gain (loss) on sale of businesses, net									74,000,000
Hospitals Sold or Deemed Held for Sale
Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets
Gain (loss) on disposition of business								$ 8,000,000	73,000,000
Number of hospitals sold | Item	1	3
Hospitals Sold or Deemed Held for Sale | Certain Hospitals
Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets
Gain (loss) on disposition of business									(43,000,000)
Hospitals Closed
Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets
Gain (loss) on disposition of business									(3,000,000)
Shared Service Center
Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets
Gain (loss) on disposition of business									$ (1,000,000)

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Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies - Schedule of Net Operating Revenues (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Health Care Organization, Receivable and Revenue Disclosures [Line Items]
Net operating revenues	$ 3,115	$ 3,126	$ 9,135	$ 8,670
Medicare
Health Care Organization, Receivable and Revenue Disclosures [Line Items]
Net operating revenues	653	723	1,988	2,086
Medicaid
Health Care Organization, Receivable and Revenue Disclosures [Line Items]
Net operating revenues	412	419	1,223	1,167
Managed Care and Other Third Party Payors
Health Care Organization, Receivable and Revenue Disclosures [Line Items]
Net operating revenues	2,010	1,967	5,845	5,425
Self-Pay
Health Care Organization, Receivable and Revenue Disclosures [Line Items]
Net operating revenues	$ 40	$ 17	$ 79	$ (8)

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Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation - Additional Information (Details)			3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
	Mar. 01, 2021 USD ($) Director shares	Mar. 01, 2020 USD ($) Director shares	Sep. 30, 2021 USD ($) $ / shares shares	Jun. 30, 2021 shares	Mar. 31, 2021 shares	Sep. 30, 2020 USD ($) shares	Sep. 30, 2021 USD ($) Item $ / shares shares	Sep. 30, 2020 USD ($) Item $ / shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Employee service share-based compensation, unrecognized compensation costs on nonvested awards			$ 29,000,000				$ 29,000,000
Employee service share-based compensation total compensation cost not yet recognized, period for recognition							25 months
Employee service share-based compensation, nonvested awards, modifications to awards | Item							0	0
Aggregate intrinsic value of options exercised			0			$ 0		$ 0
Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Aggregate intrinsic value of options exercised							$ 1,000,000
Employee Stock Option
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Employee service share-based compensation total compensation cost not yet recognized, period for recognition							25 months
Employee service share-based compensation, unrecognized compensation costs on nonvested stock options			$ 5,000,000				$ 5,000,000
Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award, options, grants in period | shares			0		749,250	0
Weighted-average grant date fair value of stock options | $ / shares							$ 6.22	$ 3.17
Share Price | $ / shares			$ 11.70				$ 11.70
Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Employee service share-based compensation total compensation cost not yet recognized, period for recognition							24 months
Employee service share-based compensation, unrecognized compensation costs on nonvested awards other than options			$ 24,000,000				$ 24,000,000
Restricted Stock, Performance-Based Units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation arrangement by payment award, performance objective measurement period							3 years
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation, number of grants | shares					173,664
Number of directors elected to defer the receipt of RSUs granted | Director	4	5
Restricted Stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation arrangement award vesting rights							one-third increments on each of the first three anniversaries of the award date
Share-based compensation, number of grants | shares				30,000	2,829,250
Plan 2009
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation arrangement award vesting rights							one-third increments on each of the first three anniversaries of the award date
Contractual term of option granted							10 years
Unissued common stock reserved for grants | shares			12,614,521				12,614,521
Plan 2009 | Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) | Non-management Directors
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation, number of grants | shares	19,296	34,483
Fair value of units granted	$ 170,000	$ 170,000
Performance-Based Awards Granted On March 1, 2018 | Restricted Stock, Performance-Based Units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation arrangement award vesting rights, percentage	200.00%

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Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation - Schedule of Share-based Compensation Expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]
Effect on income before income taxes	$ (5)	$ (3)	$ (18)	$ (8)
Effect on net income	$ (4)	$ (2)	$ (14)	$ (6)

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Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation - Schedule of Share-based Payment Awards, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions (Details) - Employee Stock Option	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expected volatility		73.50%
Expected volatility, minimum	84.30%
Expected volatility, maximum	88.90%
Expected term		6 years
Risk-free interest rate		1.00%
Risk-free interest rate, minimum	0.30%
Risk-free interest rate, maximum	0.90%
Minimum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expected term	3 years
Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expected term	6 years

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Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation - Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity (Details) - Employee Stock Option - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2021	Mar. 31, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Beginning Balance, Shares	2,306,087	2,328,421	1,817,525
Granted, Shares	0		749,250	0
Exercised, Shares			(65,165)
Forfeited and cancelled, Shares	(2,000)	(22,334)	(173,189)
Ending Balance, Shares	2,304,087	2,306,087	2,328,421
Exercisable, Shares	733,162
Beginning of Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 6.79	$ 6.96	$ 8.77
Granted, Weighted Average Exercise Price			8.81
Exercised, Weighted Average Exercise Price			4.97
Forfeited and Cancelled, Weighted Average Exercise Price	17.95	24.23	34.66
End of Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price	6.78	$ 6.79	$ 6.96
Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 6.79
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	8 years 2 months 12 days
Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	7 years
Outstanding, Aggregate Intrinsic Value as of June 30, 2021	$ 12
Exercisable, Aggregate Intrinsic Value as of June 30, 2021	$ 4

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Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation - Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock, Activity (Details) - Restricted Stock - $ / shares	3 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2021	Mar. 31, 2021
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Beginning Balance, Unvested Shares	5,047,654	5,082,659	4,555,735
Granted, Shares		30,000	2,829,250
Vested, Shares		(17,335)	(2,264,992)
Forfeited, Shares	(84,338)	(47,670)	(37,334)
Ending Balance, Unvested Shares	4,963,316	5,047,654	5,082,659
Beginning of Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 6.72	$ 6.65	$ 4.84
Granted, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value		16.18	7.97
Vested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value		3.48	4.70
Forfeited, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	6.61	6.81	4.94
End of Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 6.72	$ 6.72	$ 6.65

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Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation - Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock Units, Activity (Details) - Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) - $ / shares	3 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2021	Mar. 31, 2021
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Beginning Balance, Unvested Shares	540,239	540,239	613,739
Granted, Shares			173,664
Vested, Shares			(247,164)
Ending Balance, Unvested Shares	540,239	540,239	540,239
Beginning of Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 6.19	$ 6.19	$ 4.89
Granted, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value			8.81
Vested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value			4.81
End of Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 6.19	$ 6.19	$ 6.19

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Acquisitions and Divestitures - Acquisitions - Additional Information (Details) $ in Millions		3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Jul. 30, 2021 USD ($) Hospital	Sep. 30, 2021 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2021 USD ($)
Acquisitions and Divestitures [Line Items]
Proceeds from sale of investments in unconsolidated affiliates			$ 110
Pre tax gain on sale of investments		$ 26	26
Two Hospitals in Macon Georgia
Acquisitions and Divestitures [Line Items]
Effective Date	Jul. 30, 2021
Number of hospitals sold | Hospital	2
Percentage of ownership interest sold	38.00%
Proceeds from sale of investments in unconsolidated affiliates	$ 110
Pre tax gain on sale of investments		$ 26	26
Physician Practices Clinics and Other Ancillary Businesses
Acquisitions and Divestitures [Line Items]
Business acquisition, cost of acquired entity, purchase price			$ 3

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Acquisitions and Divestitures - Schedule of Divestitures (Details) - Item	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Lea Regional Medical Center
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of licensed beds	84
Effective Date	Jan. 01, 2021
Tennova Healthcare - Tullahoma
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of licensed beds	135
Effective Date	Jan. 01, 2021
Tennova Healthcare - Shelbyville
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of licensed beds	60
Effective Date	Jan. 01, 2021
Northwest Mississippi Medical Center
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of licensed beds	181
Effective Date	Feb. 01, 2021
Berwick Hospital Center
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of licensed beds		90
Effective Date		Dec. 01, 2020
Brownwood Regional Medical Center
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of licensed beds		188
Effective Date		Oct. 27, 2020
Abilene Regional Medical Center
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of licensed beds		231
Effective Date		Oct. 27, 2020
San Angelo Community Medical Center
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of licensed beds		171
Effective Date		Oct. 24, 2020
Bayfront Health St. Petersburg
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of licensed beds		480
Effective Date		Oct. 01, 2020
Hill Regional Hospital
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of licensed beds		25
Effective Date		Aug. 01, 2020
Alliance Health Midwest
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of licensed beds	255
Effective Date	Apr. 01, 2021
St. Cloud Regional Medical Center
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of licensed beds		84
Effective Date		Jul. 01, 2020
Northern Louisiana Medical Center
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of licensed beds		130
Effective Date		Jul. 01, 2020
Shands Live Oak Regional Medical Center
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of licensed beds		25
Effective Date		May 01, 2020
Shands Starke Regional Medical Center
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of licensed beds		49
Effective Date		May 01, 2020
Southside Regional Medical Center
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of licensed beds		300
Effective Date		Jan. 01, 2020
Southampton Memorial Hospital
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of licensed beds		105
Effective Date		Jan. 01, 2020
Southern Virginia Regional Medical Center
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of licensed beds		80
Effective Date		Jan. 01, 2020

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Income Taxes - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Effective income tax rate	6.50%	13.50%	47.50%	(669.70%)
Income tax refunds (payments), net	$ (1,000,000)	$ (3,000,000)	$ (3,000,000)	$ (2,000,000)
Federal | Tax Year 2014
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Open tax year			2014
Federal | Tax Year 2015
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Open tax year			2015
Federal | Tax Year 2018
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Open tax year			2018
Maximum
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Unrecognized benefit that would affect the effective tax rate	1,000,000		$ 1,000,000
Amount of interest and penalties included in liabilities for uncertain tax positions	$ 1,000,000		$ 1,000,000

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Long-Term Debt - Schedule of Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt and lease obligations	$ 12,011	$ 12,216
Less: Unamortized deferred debt issuance costs and note premium	(445)	(250)
Less: Current maturities	(35)	(123)
Total long-term debt	11,976	12,093
Senior Secured Notes | Senior Secured Notes at 6.25%, Due 2023
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt and lease obligations		95
Senior Secured Notes | Senior Secured Notes at 8.625%, Due 2024
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt and lease obligations		1,033
Senior Secured Notes | Senior Secured Notes at 6.625% Due 2025
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt and lease obligations	1,462	1,462
Senior Secured Notes | Senior Secured Notes at 8%, Due 2026
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt and lease obligations	2,101	2,101
Senior Secured Notes | Senior Secured Notes at 8% Due 2027
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt and lease obligations	700	700
Senior Secured Notes | Senior Secured Notes at 5.625% due 2027
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt and lease obligations	1,900	1,900
Senior Secured Notes | Senior Secured Notes at 6% due 2029
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt and lease obligations	900	900
Senior Secured Notes | Senior Secured Notes at 4.750% due 2031
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt and lease obligations	1,095
Senior Notes | Senior Notes at 6.875%, Due 2022
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt and lease obligations		126
Senior Notes | Senior Notes at 6.875% Due 2028
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt and lease obligations	767	767
Junior-Priority Secured Notes | Junior-Priority Secured Notes at 8.125% Due 2024
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt and lease obligations		1,348
Junior-Priority Secured Notes | Junior-Priority Secured Notes at 6.875% Due 2029
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt and lease obligations	1,775
Junior-Priority Secured Notes | Junior-Priority Secured Notes at 9.875% Due 2023
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt and lease obligations		1,769
Junior-Priority Secured Notes | Junior-Priority Secured Notes at 6.125% Due 2030
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt and lease obligations	1,440
Finance Lease and Financing Obligations
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt and lease obligations	279	239
Other
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt and lease obligations	$ 37	$ 26

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Long-Term Debt - Schedule of Debt (Parenthetical) (Details)						9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	May 19, 2021	Mar. 01, 2021	Feb. 09, 2021	Feb. 02, 2021	Jan. 28, 2021	Sep. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Senior Notes | Senior Notes at 6.875%, Due 2022
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage		6.875%					6.875%
Debt instrument, maturity year		2022					2022
Senior Notes | Senior Notes at 6.875% Due 2028
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage						6.875%	6.875%
Debt instrument, maturity year						2028	2028
Senior Secured Notes | Senior Secured Notes at 6.25%, Due 2023
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage					6.25%		6.25%
Debt instrument, maturity year					2023		2023
Senior Secured Notes | Senior Secured Notes at 8.625%, Due 2024
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage			8.625%				8.625%
Debt instrument, maturity year			2024				2024
Senior Secured Notes | Senior Secured Notes at 6.625% Due 2025
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage						6.625%	6.625%
Debt instrument, maturity year						2025	2025
Senior Secured Notes | Senior Secured Notes at 8%, Due 2026
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage						8.00%	8.00%
Debt instrument, maturity year						2026	2026
Senior Secured Notes | Senior Secured Notes at 8% Due 2027
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage						8.00%	8.00%
Debt instrument, maturity year						2027	2027
Senior Secured Notes | Senior Secured Notes at 5.625% due 2027
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage						5.625%	5.625%
Debt instrument, maturity year						2027	2027
Senior Secured Notes | Senior Secured Notes at 6% due 2029
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage						6.00%	6.00%
Debt instrument, maturity year						2029	2029
Senior Secured Notes | Senior Secured Notes at 4.750% due 2031
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage			4.75%			4.75%
Debt instrument, maturity year			2031			2031
Junior-Priority Secured Notes | Junior-Priority Secured Notes at 9.875% Due 2023
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage				9.875%			9.875%
Debt instrument, maturity year				2023			2023
Junior-Priority Secured Notes | Junior-Priority Secured Notes at 8.125% Due 2024
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage							8.125%
Debt instrument, maturity year							2024
Junior-Priority Secured Notes | Junior-Priority Secured Notes at 6.875% Due 2029
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage				6.875%		6.875%
Debt instrument, maturity year				2029		2029
Junior-Priority Secured Notes | Junior-Priority Secured Notes at 6.125% Due 2030
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage	6.125%					6.125%
Debt instrument, maturity year	2030					2030

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Long-Term Debt - 6.25% Senior Secured Notes, Due 2023 - Additional Information (Details) - Senior Secured Notes - Senior Secured Notes at 6.25%, Due 2023 - USD ($) $ in Millions		12 Months Ended
	Jan. 28, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument stated interest rate	6.25%	6.25%
Debt instrument, maturity year	2023	2023
Debt instrument, redemption value	$ 95

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Long-Term Debt - 6.875% Junior-Priority Secured Notes, Due 2029 - Additional Information (Details) - Junior-Priority Secured Notes - USD ($) $ in Millions		9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Feb. 02, 2021	Sep. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Junior-Priority Secured Notes at 6.875% Due 2029
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, offering date		Feb. 02, 2021
Debt instrument aggregate principal amount	$ 1,775
Debt instrument stated interest rate	6.875%	6.875%
Debt instrument, maturity date	Apr. 15, 2029
Debt instrument, maturity year	2029	2029
Minimum period notice for redemption of debt	15 days
Maximum period notice for redemption of debt	60 days
Debt instrument redemption price percentage	100.00%
Debt instrument optional redemption date	Apr. 15, 2024
Debt instrument redemption description		plus a “make-whole” premium, as described in the indenture governing the 6⅞% Junior-Priority Secured Notes due 2029.
Junior-Priority Secured Notes at 6.875% Due 2029 | Redeem Up to 40% Principal Amount Prior to April 15, 2024
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument redemption price percentage	106.875%
Debt instrument optional redemption date	Apr. 15, 2024
Maximum principal redeemable using proceeds from a public equity offering, as a percentage of principal amount	40.00%
Junior-Priority Secured Notes at 9.875% Due 2023
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument stated interest rate	9.875%		9.875%
Debt instrument, maturity year	2023		2023

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Long-Term Debt - Schedule of Early Redemption Prices 6.875% Junior-Priority Secured Notes due 2029 (Details) - Junior-Priority Secured Notes at 6.875% Due 2029 - Junior-Priority Secured Notes	Feb. 02, 2021
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument redemption price percentage	100.00%
Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period One
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument redemption price percentage	103.438%
Debt Instrument, Redemption Period, Start Date	Apr. 15, 2024
Debt Instrument, Redemption Period, End Date	Apr. 14, 2025
Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Two
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument redemption price percentage	101.719%
Debt Instrument, Redemption Period, Start Date	Apr. 15, 2025
Debt Instrument, Redemption Period, End Date	Apr. 14, 2026
Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Three
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument redemption price percentage	100.00%
Debt Instrument, Redemption Period, Start Date	Apr. 15, 2026
Debt Instrument, Redemption Period, End Date	Apr. 14, 2029

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Long-Term Debt - 4.750% Senior Secured Notes, Due 2031 - Additional Information (Details) - Senior Secured Notes - USD ($) $ in Millions		9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Feb. 09, 2021	Sep. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Redeem All or portion 100% Principal Amount Prior to February 15, 2026
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument stated interest rate	4.75%
Debt instrument, maturity year	2031
Debt instrument redemption description		plus a “make-whole” premium, as described in the indenture governing the 4¾% Senior Secured Notes due 2031
Debt instrument optional redemption date	Feb. 15, 2026
Minimum period notice for redemption of debt	15 days
Maximum period notice for redemption of debt	60 days
Debt instrument redemption price percentage	100.00%
Senior Secured Notes at 4.750% due 2031
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, offering date	Feb. 09, 2021
Debt instrument aggregate principal amount	$ 1,095
Debt instrument stated interest rate	4.75%	4.75%
Debt instrument, maturity date	Feb. 15, 2031
Debt instrument, maturity year	2031	2031
Debt instrument redemption description		The 4¾% Senior Secured Notes due 2031 bear interest at a rate of 4.750% per year payable semi-annually in arrears on February 15 and August 15, commencing on August 15, 2021.
Debt instrument optional redemption date	Feb. 15, 2026
Minimum period notice for redemption of debt	15 days
Maximum period notice for redemption of debt	60 days
Senior Secured Notes at 4.750% due 2031 | Redeem up to 10% Principal Amount Prior to February 15, 2026
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument redemption description		plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any. In addition, any time prior to February 15, 2026, but not more than once during each twelve-month period
Debt instrument redemption price percentage	103.00%
Maximum principal redeemable using proceeds from a public equity offering, as a percentage of principal amount	10.00%
Senior Secured Notes at 4.750% due 2031 | Redeem up to 40% Principal Amount Prior to February 15, 2024
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument stated interest rate	4.75%
Debt instrument, maturity year	2031
Debt instrument optional redemption date	Feb. 15, 2024
Debt instrument redemption price percentage	104.75%
Maximum principal redeemable using proceeds from a public equity offering, as a percentage of principal amount	40.00%
Senior Secured Notes at 8.625%, Due 2024
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument stated interest rate	8.625%		8.625%
Debt instrument, maturity year	2024		2024
Debt instrument redemption date	Feb. 09, 2021

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Long-Term Debt - Schedule of Early Redemption Prices on 4.750% Senior Notes due 2031 (Details) - Senior Secured Notes - Senior Secured Notes at 4.750% due 2031	Feb. 09, 2021
Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period One
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument redemption price percentage	102.375%
Debt Instrument, Redemption Period, Start Date	Feb. 15, 2026
Debt Instrument, Redemption Period, End Date	Feb. 14, 2027
Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Two
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument redemption price percentage	101.583%
Debt Instrument, Redemption Period, Start Date	Feb. 15, 2027
Debt Instrument, Redemption Period, End Date	Feb. 14, 2028
Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Three
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument redemption price percentage	100.792%
Debt Instrument, Redemption Period, Start Date	Feb. 15, 2028
Debt Instrument, Redemption Period, End Date	Feb. 14, 2029
Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Four
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument redemption price percentage	100.00%
Debt Instrument, Redemption Period, Start Date	Feb. 15, 2029
Debt Instrument, Redemption Period, End Date	Feb. 14, 2031

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Long-Term Debt - 6.875% Senior Notes, Due 2022 - Additional Information (Details) - Senior Notes - Senior Notes at 6.875%, Due 2022 - USD ($) $ in Millions		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 01, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage	6.875%	6.875%
Debt instrument, redemption value	$ 126
Debt instrument, maturity year	2022	2022

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Long-Term Debt - 6.125% Junior-Priority Secured Notes, Due 2030 - Additional Information (Details) - Junior-Priority Secured Notes - Junior-Priority Secured Notes at 6.125% Due 2030 - USD ($) $ in Millions		9 Months Ended
	May 19, 2021	Sep. 30, 2021
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, offering date	May 19, 2021
Debt instrument aggregate principal amount	$ 1,440
Debt instrument stated interest rate	6.125%	6.125%
Debt instrument, maturity date	Apr. 01, 2030
Debt instrument, maturity year	2030	2030
Debt instrument, frequency of periodic payment		The 6⅛% Junior-Priority Secured Notes due 2030 bear interest at a rate of 6.125% per year payable semi-annually in arrears on April 1 and October 1, commencing on October 1, 2021
Debt instrument optional redemption date	Apr. 01, 2025
Minimum period notice for redemption of debt	15 days
Maximum period notice for redemption of debt	60 days
Debt instrument redemption price percentage	100.00%
Debt instrument redemption description		plus a “make-whole” premium, as described in the indenture governing the 6⅛% Junior-Priority Secured Notes due 2030.
Redeem up to 40% Principal Amount Prior to May 15, 2024
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument optional redemption date	May 15, 2024
Debt instrument redemption price percentage	106.125%
Maximum principal redeemable using proceeds from a public equity offering, as a percentage of principal amount	40.00%

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Long-Term Debt - Schedule of Early Redemption Prices 6.125% Junior-Priority Secured Notes due 2030 (Details) - Junior-Priority Secured Notes at 6.125% Due 2030 - Junior-Priority Secured Notes	May 19, 2021
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument redemption price percentage	100.00%
Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period One
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument redemption price percentage	103.063%
Debt Instrument, Redemption Period, Start Date	Apr. 01, 2025
Debt Instrument, Redemption Period, End Date	Mar. 31, 2026
Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Two
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument redemption price percentage	101.531%
Debt Instrument, Redemption Period, Start Date	Apr. 01, 2026
Debt Instrument, Redemption Period, End Date	Mar. 31, 2027
Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Three
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument redemption price percentage	100.00%
Debt Instrument, Redemption Period, Start Date	Apr. 01, 2027
Debt Instrument, Redemption Period, End Date	Mar. 31, 2030

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Long-Term Debt - Other Debt - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Apr. 03, 2018
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest paid on borrowings	$ 268,000,000	$ 279,000,000	$ 572,000,000	$ 765,000,000
ABL Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity	836,000,000		836,000,000		$ 1,000,000,000.0
Line of credit facility, excess availability	728,000,000		728,000,000
Line of credit outstanding amount	0		0
ABL Facility | ABL Facility Customary Covenants
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity	95,000,000		$ 95,000,000
Debt instrument variable interest rate			10.00%
ABL Facility | Letter of Credit
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of credit outstanding amount	$ 108,000,000		$ 108,000,000
Reduction in letters of credit			$ 42,000,000

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Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Schedule of Estimated Fair Value of Financial Instruments, by Balance Sheet Grouping (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Carrying Amount
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 1,294	$ 1,676
Investments in equity securities	126	129
Available-for-sale debt securities	169	110
Trading securities	12	12
Carrying Amount | Senior Secured Notes | Senior Secured Notes at 6.25%, Due 2023
Liabilities:
Notes payable, fair value disclosure		95
Carrying Amount | Senior Secured Notes | Senior Secured Notes at 8.625%, Due 2024
Liabilities:
Notes payable, fair value disclosure		1,025
Carrying Amount | Senior Secured Notes | Senior Secured Notes at 6.625% Due 2025
Liabilities:
Notes payable, fair value disclosure	1,432	1,427
Carrying Amount | Senior Secured Notes | Senior Secured Notes at 8%, Due 2026
Liabilities:
Notes payable, fair value disclosure	2,077	2,074
Carrying Amount | Senior Secured Notes | Senior Secured Notes at 8% Due 2027
Liabilities:
Notes payable, fair value disclosure	692	692
Carrying Amount | Senior Secured Notes | Senior Secured Notes at 5.625% due 2027
Liabilities:
Notes payable, fair value disclosure	1,816	1,809
Carrying Amount | Senior Secured Notes | Senior Notes at 6% Due 2029
Liabilities:
Notes payable, fair value disclosure	859	857
Carrying Amount | Senior Secured Notes | Senior Secured Notes at 4.750% due 2031
Liabilities:
Notes payable, fair value disclosure	1,090
Carrying Amount | Senior Notes | Senior Notes at 6.875%, Due 2022
Liabilities:
Notes payable, fair value disclosure		125
Carrying Amount | Senior Notes | Senior Notes at 6.875% Due 2028
Liabilities:
Notes payable, fair value disclosure	759	758
Carrying Amount | Junior-Priority Secured Notes | Junior-Priority Secured Notes at 9.875% Due 2023
Liabilities:
Notes payable, fair value disclosure		1,756
Carrying Amount | Junior-Priority Secured Notes | Junior-Priority Secured Notes at 8.125% Due 2024
Liabilities:
Notes payable, fair value disclosure		1,336
Carrying Amount | Junior-Priority Secured Notes | Junior-Priority Secured Notes at 6.875% Due 2029
Liabilities:
Notes payable, fair value disclosure	1,621
Carrying Amount | Junior-Priority Secured Notes | Junior-Priority Secured Notes at 6.125% Due 2030
Liabilities:
Notes payable, fair value disclosure	1,350
Carrying Amount | ABL Facility and Other Debt
Liabilities:
Notes payable, fair value disclosure	35	23
Estimated Fair Value
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	1,294	1,676
Investments in equity securities	126	129
Available-for-sale debt securities	169	110
Trading securities	12	12
Estimated Fair Value | Senior Secured Notes | Senior Secured Notes at 6.25%, Due 2023
Liabilities:
Notes payable, fair value disclosure		99
Estimated Fair Value | Senior Secured Notes | Senior Secured Notes at 8.625%, Due 2024
Liabilities:
Notes payable, fair value disclosure		1,080
Estimated Fair Value | Senior Secured Notes | Senior Secured Notes at 6.625% Due 2025
Liabilities:
Notes payable, fair value disclosure	1,532	1,543
Estimated Fair Value | Senior Secured Notes | Senior Secured Notes at 8%, Due 2026
Liabilities:
Notes payable, fair value disclosure	2,229	2,275
Estimated Fair Value | Senior Secured Notes | Senior Secured Notes at 8% Due 2027
Liabilities:
Notes payable, fair value disclosure	767	760
Estimated Fair Value | Senior Secured Notes | Senior Notes at 6% Due 2029
Liabilities:
Notes payable, fair value disclosure	957	973
Estimated Fair Value | Senior Secured Notes | Senior Secured Notes at 4.750% due 2031
Liabilities:
Notes payable, fair value disclosure	1,107
Estimated Fair Value | Senior Notes | Senior Notes at 6.875%, Due 2022
Liabilities:
Notes payable, fair value disclosure		125
Estimated Fair Value | Senior Notes | Senior Secured Notes at 5.625% due 2027
Liabilities:
Notes payable, fair value disclosure	1,997	2,048
Estimated Fair Value | Senior Notes | Senior Notes at 6.875% Due 2028
Liabilities:
Notes payable, fair value disclosure	739	618
Estimated Fair Value | Junior-Priority Secured Notes | Junior-Priority Secured Notes at 9.875% Due 2023
Liabilities:
Notes payable, fair value disclosure		1,861
Estimated Fair Value | Junior-Priority Secured Notes | Junior-Priority Secured Notes at 8.125% Due 2024
Liabilities:
Notes payable, fair value disclosure		1,408
Estimated Fair Value | Junior-Priority Secured Notes | Junior-Priority Secured Notes at 6.875% Due 2029
Liabilities:
Notes payable, fair value disclosure	1,781
Estimated Fair Value | Junior-Priority Secured Notes | Junior-Priority Secured Notes at 6.125% Due 2030
Liabilities:
Notes payable, fair value disclosure	1,401
Estimated Fair Value | ABL Facility and Other Debt
Liabilities:
Notes payable, fair value disclosure	$ 35	$ 23

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Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Schedule of Estimated Fair Value of Financial Instruments, by Balance Sheet Grouping (Parenthetical) (Details)						9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	May 19, 2021	Mar. 01, 2021	Feb. 09, 2021	Feb. 02, 2021	Jan. 28, 2021	Sep. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Senior Notes | Senior Notes at 6.875%, Due 2022
Fair Value Balance Sheet Grouping Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Debt instrument stated interest rate		6.875%					6.875%
Debt instrument maturity year		2022					2022
Senior Notes | Senior Notes at 6.875% Due 2028
Fair Value Balance Sheet Grouping Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Debt instrument stated interest rate						6.875%	6.875%
Debt instrument maturity year						2028	2028
Senior Secured Notes | Senior Secured Notes at 6.25%, Due 2023
Fair Value Balance Sheet Grouping Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Debt instrument stated interest rate					6.25%		6.25%
Debt instrument maturity year					2023		2023
Senior Secured Notes | Senior Secured Notes at 8.625%, Due 2024
Fair Value Balance Sheet Grouping Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Debt instrument stated interest rate			8.625%				8.625%
Debt instrument maturity year			2024				2024
Senior Secured Notes | Senior Secured Notes at 6.625% Due 2025
Fair Value Balance Sheet Grouping Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Debt instrument stated interest rate						6.625%	6.625%
Debt instrument maturity year						2025	2025
Senior Secured Notes | Senior Secured Notes at 8%, Due 2026
Fair Value Balance Sheet Grouping Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Debt instrument stated interest rate						8.00%	8.00%
Debt instrument maturity year						2026	2026
Senior Secured Notes | Senior Secured Notes at 8% Due 2027
Fair Value Balance Sheet Grouping Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Debt instrument stated interest rate						8.00%	8.00%
Debt instrument maturity year						2027	2027
Senior Secured Notes | Senior Secured Notes at 5.625% due 2027
Fair Value Balance Sheet Grouping Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Debt instrument stated interest rate						5.625%	5.625%
Debt instrument maturity year						2027	2027
Senior Secured Notes | Senior Notes at 6% Due 2029
Fair Value Balance Sheet Grouping Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Debt instrument stated interest rate						6.00%	6.00%
Debt instrument maturity year						2029	2029
Senior Secured Notes | Senior Secured Notes at 4.750% due 2031
Fair Value Balance Sheet Grouping Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Debt instrument stated interest rate			4.75%			4.75%
Debt instrument maturity year			2031			2031
Junior-Priority Secured Notes | Junior-Priority Secured Notes at 9.875% Due 2023
Fair Value Balance Sheet Grouping Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Debt instrument stated interest rate				9.875%			9.875%
Debt instrument maturity year				2023			2023
Junior-Priority Secured Notes | Junior-Priority Secured Notes at 8.125% Due 2024
Fair Value Balance Sheet Grouping Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Debt instrument stated interest rate							8.125%
Debt instrument maturity year							2024
Junior-Priority Secured Notes | Junior-Priority Secured Notes at 6.875% Due 2029
Fair Value Balance Sheet Grouping Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Debt instrument stated interest rate				6.875%		6.875%
Debt instrument maturity year				2029		2029
Junior-Priority Secured Notes | Junior-Priority Secured Notes at 6.125% Due 2030
Fair Value Balance Sheet Grouping Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Debt instrument stated interest rate	6.125%					6.125%
Debt instrument maturity year	2030					2030

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Fair Value - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair value, assets, level 1 to level 2 transfers, amount	$ 0	$ 0
Fair value, assets, level 2 to level 1 transfers, amount	0	0
Fair value, liabilities, level 1 to level 2 transfers, amount	0	0
Fair value, liabilities, level 2 to level 1 transfers, amount	$ 0	$ 0

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Fair Value - Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis (Details) - Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in equity securities	$ 126	$ 129
Available-for-sale debt securities	169	110
Trading securities	12	12
Total assets	307	251
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in equity securities	126	129
Total assets	126	129
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale debt securities	169	110
Trading securities	12	12
Total assets	$ 181	$ 122

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Leases - Components of Lease Cost and Rent Expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Leases [Abstract]
Operating lease cost	$ 49	$ 50	$ 147	$ 152
Short-term rent expense	22	27	70	80
Variable lease cost	5	9	17	20
Sublease income	(1)	(1)	(3)	(4)
Total operating lease cost	75	85	231	248
Finance lease cost:
Amortization of right-of-use assets	2	2	6	8
Interest on finance lease liabilities	2	2	5	6
Total finance lease cost	$ 4	$ 4	$ 11	$ 14

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Leases - Supplemental Balance Sheet Information Related to Leases (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Operating Leases:
Operating Lease ROU Assets	$ 667	$ 642
Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible Enumeration]	us-gaap:OtherAssets	us-gaap:OtherAssets
Finance Leases:
Property and equipment	$ 9,536	$ 9,352
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	(4,168)	(4,030)
Property and equipment, net	5,368	5,322
Current finance lease liabilities	$ 9	$ 5
Finance Lease, Liability, Current, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible Enumeration]	us-gaap:DebtCurrent	us-gaap:DebtCurrent
Long-term finance lease liabilities	$ 112	$ 74
Finance Lease, Liability, Noncurrent, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible List]	Long-term debt	Long-term debt
Finance Lease ROU Assets
Finance Leases:
Property and equipment	$ 195	$ 150
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	(51)	(46)
Property and equipment, net	144	104
Finance Lease ROU Assets | Land and Improvements
Finance Leases:
Property and equipment	8	8
Finance Lease ROU Assets | Building and Improvements
Finance Leases:
Property and equipment	173	134
Finance Lease ROU Assets | Equipment and Fixtures
Finance Leases:
Property and equipment	$ 14	$ 8

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Leases - Supplemental Cash Flow and Other Information Related to Leases (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Leases [Abstract]
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities: Operating cash flows from operating leases	$ 149	$ 141
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities: Operating cash flows from finance leases	5	6
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities: Financing cash flows from finance leases	4	5
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new finance lease liabilities	46	22
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities	$ 118	$ 119

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Stockholders' Deficit - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Equity [Abstract]
Capital stock, shares authorized	400,000,000
Common stock, shares authorized	300,000,000	300,000,000
Preferred stock, shares authorized	100,000,000	100,000,000
Common stock, par value per share	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, par value per share	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0
Amount available for dividend payments, stock repurchases at period end	$ 200

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Stockholders' Deficit - Schedule of Stockholders' Deficit (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2021	Mar. 31, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2020	Mar. 31, 2020
Equity, beginning balance	$ (1,616)	$ (1,595)	$ (1,538)	$ (2,052)	$ (2,136)	$ (2,141)
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests, beginning balance			484
Comprehensive income (loss)	125	14	(59)	104	87	28
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(10)	(14)	(9)	(7)	(10)	(8)
Purchase of subsidiary shares from noncontrolling interests	9				1	(1)
Other reclassifications of noncontrolling interests		(1)				(8)
Adjustment to redemption value of redeemable noncontrolling interests	(6)	(25)	7	(6)	3	(7)
Cancellation of restricted stock for tax withholdings on vested shares			(4)			(1)
Share-based compensation	5	5	8	3	3	2
Equity, ending balance	(1,493)	(1,616)	(1,595)	(1,957)	(2,052)	(2,136)
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests, ending balance	493
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests (Non- Equity)
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests, beginning balance	498	481	484	489	502	502
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest	20	24	21	23	7	8
Contributions from redeemable noncontrolling interests	1
Distributions to redeemable noncontrolling interests	(19)	(31)	(12)	(20)	(17)	(22)
Purchase of subsidiary shares from noncontrolling interests	(13)	(2)		(2)	(1)	(1)
Dispositions of less-than-wholly owned business			(7)	(15)
Noncontrolling interest in acquired entity			2
Other reclassifications of noncontrolling interests		1
Other reclassifications of redeemable noncontrolling interests					1	8
Adjustment to redemption value of redeemable noncontrolling interests	6	25	(7)	6	(3)	7
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests, ending balance	493	498	481	481	489	502
Common Stock
Equity, beginning balance	1	1	1	1	1	1
Equity, ending balance	1	1	1	1	1	1
Additional Paid-in Capital
Equity, beginning balance	2,084	2,105	2,094	2,008	2,001	2,008
Purchase of subsidiary shares from noncontrolling interests	9				1	(1)
Other reclassifications of noncontrolling interests		(1)
Adjustment to redemption value of redeemable noncontrolling interests	(6)	(25)	7	(6)	3	(7)
Cancellation of restricted stock for tax withholdings on vested shares			(4)			(1)
Share-based compensation	5	5	8	3	3	2
Equity, ending balance	2,092	2,084	2,105	2,005	2,008	2,001
Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss
Equity, beginning balance	(15)	(16)	(13)	(5)	(7)	(9)
Comprehensive income (loss)	1	1	(3)		2	2
Equity, ending balance	(14)	(15)	(16)	(5)	(5)	(7)
Accumulated Deficit
Equity, beginning balance	(3,765)	(3,771)	(3,707)	(4,131)	(4,200)	(4,218)
Comprehensive income (loss)	110	6	(64)	112	69	18
Equity, ending balance	(3,655)	(3,765)	(3,771)	(4,018)	(4,131)	(4,200)
Noncontrolling Interest
Equity, beginning balance	79	86	87	75	69	77
Comprehensive income (loss)	14	7	8	(8)	16	8
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(10)	(14)	(9)	(7)	(10)	(8)
Other reclassifications of noncontrolling interests						(8)
Equity, ending balance	$ 83	$ 79	$ 86	$ 60	$ 75	$ 69

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Stockholders' Deficit - Schedule of Impact of Noncontrolling Interest to Stockholders' Deficit (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Equity [Abstract]
Net income attributable to Community Health Systems, Inc. stockholders	$ 111	$ 112	$ 52	$ 200
Net increase in Community Health Systems, Inc. paid-in-capital for purchase of subsidiary partnership interests	9		9
Net transfers to the noncontrolling interests	9		9
Change to Community Health Systems, Inc. stockholders' deficit from net income attributable to Community Health Systems, Inc. stockholders and transfers to noncontrolling interests	$ 120	$ 112	$ 61	$ 200

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Earnings Per Share - Schedule of Components of Denominator for Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share (Details) - shares	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Effect of dilutive securities:
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding — basic	127,077,786	115,015,460	126,638,291	114,764,050
Restricted stock awards	2,652,676	500,857	2,249,117	205,600
Employee stock options	795,471	2,193	698,941	890
Other equity-based awards	359,206	122,342	299,602	41,662
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding — diluted	130,885,139	115,640,852	129,885,951	115,012,202

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Earnings Per Share - Schedule of Antidilutive Securities (Details) - shares	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Employee stock options and restricted stock awards excluded from computation of earnings per share amount	748,002	1,846,026	784,752	3,673,618

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Contingencies - Schedule of Reconciliation of the Beginning and Ending Liability Balances in Connection with Probable Contingencies (Details) - Pending Litigation [Member] - Other Probable Contingencies [Member] $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021 USD ($)
Loss Contingency Accrual [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	$ 11
Expense	1
Reserve for insured claim	(1)
Cash payments	(1)
Ending Balance	$ 10

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Subsequent Events - Additional Information (Details) $ in Millions	Oct. 01, 2021 USD ($) Item	Sep. 30, 2021 USD ($)
CARES Act
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Medicare accelerated payments outstanding | $		$ 814
Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Number of hospitals owned and leased by the Company	83
Number of general acute care hospitals	81
Number of stand alone rehabilitation or psychiatric hospitals	2
Subsequent Event | CARES Act
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Medicare accelerated repayment | $	$ 814