See press release below:
BOSTON – Boston City Councilors Tim McCarthy and Ed Flynn announced this week that they have called for a hearing regarding the proposed 13 hospital merger of Caregroup, Inc., the parent company of Beth Israel Deaconness 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,” said Flynn. “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 community health centers in my district and their ability to provide access to health care for middle and low-income residents, as well as our communities of color.”
If you would like to provide feedback or comments, please contact Councilor Flynn’s office at 617-635-3203 or [email protected] or Councilor McCarthy’s office at 617-635-4210 [email protected].
Weighing in on Healthcare M&A ……glad it’s at the top of the list. I’m sure you city counselors are fully informed and qualified to make a sound opinion. Meanwhile…bullets are flying left & right in the public housing complexs, local businesses are being robbed & transit has never been worse.
You comment negatively about Ed on everything he does. We understand you don’t like him @not so new to the hood. You made it clear on the 25 articles about ed when you comment on them negatively. Grow up. Ed’s a stand up guy. All he wants is to make the PUBLIC as in US RESIDENTS HAPPY. Get a life. We all know your sitting in your fat a** waiting for an article about ed so you can comment on it.
I bet if there was a robbery and ed saved a critical person you would say he should let the EMTS do it. Lol you would definitely do that
Have a good one “not so new”
Thank you! He comments negatively on everything! #Sad
Couldn’t be farther from the truth. I comment positively on new development, local political actions that clearly benefit the entire community, and a host of other things. It just so happens that more times than not, I disagree with the opinion or action(s) taken that the blog outlines.
It may be due to the fact that these blogs are written by the same person, with similar themes and bias in their writings.
Why don’t you start your own website? You are very critical of this one. Better yet, why don’t you pitch some story ideas and write for me? But you’d have to reveal who you are.
Healthcare M&A is happening all across the country. There are tons of debt laden operators that will go defunct without an acquisition.
My point is that city counselors shouldn’t have the time and definitely don’t have the expertise to evaluate whether this is good for the community or not.
If you read the statement it states that he wants to hold a hearing with EXPERTS and those impacted. The councilors role is not to be an expert in every filed but to facilitate getting the information out in front so they can make proper judgments about how best to handle issues they are not experts in.
And the EXPERTS all ready gave it the thumbs up. Counselors getting involved is essentially a shakedown.
@notsonewtothehood
How about you make your own blog. Just type it in Microsoft word because no one wants to hear your opinion.
Thank you
Everyone