MMA Urges Rigorous State Review of Proposed Healthcare Mergers

January 12, 2023

Recognizing that there are both advantages and disadvantages – for both patients and physicians – associated with mergers in the healthcare industry, the MMA this week urged Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison to rigorously review such proposals.  

Ellison held the first of four public meetings on January 10 on the proposed merger between Fairview Health Services and Sanford. His office is gathering input from the public as part of his office’s investigation of the impact of the merger under state and federal law.  

“The MMA supports a pluralistic and competitive healthcare market that delivers high-quality, affordable, accessible, and equitable care for all Minnesotans,” said the letter sent January 6 from MMA President Will Nicholson, MD. “The potential advantages of consolidation include preserving access to care, expanding access to capital for care delivery investments, generating economies of scale, and aligning and standardizing workflows and processes. Yet there are also potential disadvantages of consolidation, including higher prices, higher healthcare spending, reduced access, lower quality, and, for physicians and other healthcare providers, reduced practice options.” 

The letter goes on to urge Ellison to use “data-based scrutiny” in all investigations of mergers “to ensure that the advantages of consolidation outweigh the disadvantages.” 

The MMA did not express an “in favor of” or “opposed to” stance regarding the proposed Fairview Health Services and Sanford merger.