Boston City Councilors Tim McCarthy and Ed Flynn announced last week that they have called for a hearing regarding the proposed 13 hospital merger of Caregroup, Inc., the parent company of Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, and Lahey Health System. If approved, the merger would be the largest in the history of Massachusetts. Moreover, Beth Israel-Lahey Health would control 1 in 3 hospitals in eastern Massachusetts and become the biggest health provider in the region.
The Department of Public Health has recommended approval of this merger, while the Health Policy Commission and Attorney General’s office have yet to weigh in on the matter.
McCarthy said, “As City Councilors, it is our job to protect and give voice to our most vulnerable constituents. This merger may or may not have a detrimental effect on our most fragile residents. Therefore, I believe that it is necessary to hear from the experts and those impacted before any decisions are finalized.”
Flynn said, “In recent years, there was significant concern from state officials, anti-trust specialists and consumer advocates related to potential hospital mergers. At that time, public discussion centered on the impact a potential merger would have in terms of increasing market power, the ability to negotiate with insurance companies and raising health care spending. Although this decision is under the purview of the Attorney General, the Department of Public Health and the Health Policy Commission, I believe it is our obligation as elected officials to allow the public to weigh in and share their concerns as well.”
“It is my hope that this hearing will allow me to learn more about how this merger would impact Tufts Medical Center and local community health centers in my district and their ability to provide access to health care for middle and low-income residents, communities of color, our seniors and the disabled.”
If you would like to provide feedback or comments, please contact Councilor Flynn’s office at 617-635-3203 or Ed.Flynn@Boston.Gov or Councilor McCarthy’s office at 617-635-4210 Timothy.McCarthy@Boston.gov.
