FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact: Laura Wareck | (978) 660-9587

Boston, MA (July 18, 2017) - Marlishia Aho, Massachusetts Regional Communications Manager of 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East, issued the following statement in response to the Health Policy Commission’s (HPC) Cost Market Impact Report (CMIR) report on the proposed BI/Lahey/Seacoast merger:

“The HPC’s preliminary CMIR report on the proposed Beth Israel, Lahey and Seacoast merger raises deep concerns about access and cost. If approved, this merger will reinforce patterns of segregated care, resulting in the lowest mix of Medicaid discharges and making it more difficult for patients from diverse racial and socioeconomic backgrounds to access quality and affordable care.

The absence of a formal commitment and plan by Beth Israel, Lahey and Seacoast to ensure they do not raise prices undermines their pledge of equitable and affordable care for all. The merger could also negatively impact neighboring low-cost, quality community hospitals and place additional financial strains on the healthcare system. In the interest of best protecting employees, patients and local communities, this merger needs more scrutiny.”

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Representing nearly than 60,000 healthcare workers throughout Massachusetts and over 450,000 workers across the East Coast, 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East is the largest and fastest-growing healthcare union in America. Our mission is to achieve affordable, high quality healthcare for all. 1199SEIU is part of the 2.1 million member Service Employees International Union.