US: Mass AG Healey sues to block hospital merger

Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey made it clear Monday (Jan. 26) that she doesn’t like the proposed merger of the giant Partners HealthCare System with South Shore Hospital in Weymouth and two other community hospitals north of Boston.

The proposed is a merger of the giant Partners HealthCare System with South Shore Hospital in Weymouth and two other community hospitals north of Boston.

The deal was explicitly endorsed by her predecessor, Martha Coakley. Critics of the arrangement include the state Health Policy Commission. They say it will allow the giant to become even bigger, making medical care more expensive for everyone in Eastern Massachusetts.

The actual decision about whether to approve the deal that’s on the table rests with Superior Court Judge Janet L. Sanders. Even if the judge turns down the current proposal, Partners could try to push forward with the South Shore merger and attempt to survive an antitrust challenge from the attorney general.

Full Content: The Boston Globe

Want more news? Subscribe to CPI’s free daily newsletter for more headlines and updates on antitrust developments around the world.