In Terre Haute, Indiana, two rival hospitals are seeking to merge, which supporters claim will save patients money and improve health outcomes. However, similar mergers in other states have led to reports of decreased care quality. Certificates of public advantage (COPAs) allow these mergers in some states despite FTC concerns about reduced competition. The FTC is investigating the impact of hospital mergers on prices, quality, and wages. Examples in Tennessee and North Carolina show potential negative outcomes of mergers, leading to legal action. Despite claims of improved performance, concerns about quality of care remain in these consolidated hospital systems.
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Two Rival Hospitals Want To Join Forces. Will Patients Lose?
