Governor Maura Healey’s administration has taken action to address the financial troubles of Steward health system, which owns nine hospitals in Massachusetts. The system is currently facing millions of dollars in debt, prompting the Department of Public Health to place monitors in the hospitals since January.
In response to this crisis, an incident command center has been set up with the aim of improving communication between the state, healthcare providers, and investors to ensure that patients receive quality care during any transitions that may occur in the future. This emergency plan will help maintain stable healthcare markets and ensure patients have continued access to care.
The governor has been advocating for Steward to exit Massachusetts, but while the sale of its physician network to Optum Care still awaits review by the Massachusetts Health Policy Commission, Steward’s nine hospitals in Massachusetts remain open and operational. These locations include Taunton, Brighton, Brockton, Haverhill, Methuen, Dorchester, Fall River, Ayer and Norwood.