Optum Care has recently struck a deal to buy Steward Health Care’s physician group in Massachusetts. The news was reported by Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass) who expressed concern over Steward’s financial instability and urged for a change in their practices. As the operator of nine healthcare facilities in Massachusetts, Steward is currently facing financial insecurity due to accumulated debt. The company was previously owned by Cerberus Capital Management, a private equity company that made significant profits from Steward.
Senator Markey emphasized the importance of maintaining healthcare access and ensuring patients and providers are the top priority. He suggested that Optum Care must demonstrate their commitment to controlling costs and prioritizing patient care. Markey also highlighted the need for healthcare reforms that prioritize patient outcomes over profit motives. As the chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Subcommittee on Primary Health and Retirement Security, he has called for Steward CEO Dr. Ralph de la Torre to testify at a congressional hearing in Boston on April 3rd.
Stewart Health Care’s financial troubles have been mounting for some time now as they struggle to keep up with their debt payments while still providing quality care to their patients. With this new deal with Optum Care, they hope to secure a more stable future for their organization while continuing to provide top-notch medical services to their clients across Massachusetts.
