Governor Healey Takes Swift Action to Resolve Financial Issues at Steward Health System in Massachusetts

Massachusetts has taken action to address financial problems at the Steward Health System, which owns nine hospitals in the state. The system is currently facing millions in debt, prompting the Department of Public Health to install monitors in hospitals since January. In response, the state has implemented an emergency operations plan aimed at improving communication between healthcare providers and investors to ensure patients receive quality care during any transitions that may occur in the future.

Governor Maura Healey views the activation of the incident command center as a necessary step in maintaining a stable healthcare market and ensuring that patients have continuous access to care. Healey had previously pushed for Steward to leave Massachusetts, and while the system’s physician network was sold to Optum Care, the sale is still pending review by the Massachusetts Health Policy Commission. Despite this, Steward’s nine hospitals in Massachusetts, including locations in Taunton, Brighton, Brockton, Haverhill, Methuen, Dorchester, Fall River, Ayer and Norwood, are still up and running.