The Health Policy Commission is set to discuss the recent decision made by Steward Health Care to sell its physician network in Massachusetts. The proposed sale has sparked criticism from several prominent figures, including Sen. Elizabeth Warren and House Speaker Ron Mariano.
In recent years, Steward Health Care has faced a looming financial crisis that could endanger several hospitals in the state. Governor Maura Healey described the for-profit health care system as a “house of cards and a charade.”
The upcoming meeting will not only address the sale of Stewardship Health Inc. and the Steward Health Care Network to OptumCare but also involve a vote on establishing a 2025 health care cost growth benchmark. This shift in the state’s health care landscape could have significant implications for patients and healthcare providers alike.
Last month, state health officials were informed about the proposed sale, which involves Stewardship Health Inc., the parent company of Stewardship Health Medical Group Inc. This group employs primary care physicians and clinicians across nine states, according to information provided to the Health Policy Commission.
