TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — With the community comment period open for the proposed acquisition of Terre Haute Regional Hospital by Union Health, we’re learning more about concerns from some in the community and trying to learn more about what impact the proposed acquisition could have on local healthcare.
It’s important to look at all sides as this is a new concept in Vigo County and Indiana.
“This could be devastating to Vigo County to have a one hospital town,” said Phil Deckert, a Terre Haute resident who serves as a Power of Attorney and caretaker.
Deckert said he’s concerned about the possible acquisition of Regional Hospital by Union Health, “Let’s not put a monopoly and put everything in one basket, where that’s the only option you have.”
Christopher Garmon, a professor of Health Administration in the Department of Public Affairs at the University of Missouri Kansas City, published a study in 2022 in The Journal of Law and Economics on Certificates of Public Advantage (COPAs) and Hospital Mergers.
In a statement to WTWO, Garmon said, “When hospital mergers lead to the consolidation of services, that often leads to lower costs for the merged hospitals. The relevant question IDOH and the community should ask is: “Will those cost savings be passed on to patients through lower prices, or will Union Health alone benefit from them by keeping their prices the same (or increasing the prices)?”
A statement from Union Health to WTWO said in part, “The Certificate of Public Advantage (COPA) is designed to protect consumers. Union Health has entered into this COPA agreement with IDOH’s oversight.”
In reference to concerns over cost, Union Health said in part, “Under the COPA statute, post-merger, Union Health will not be allowed to increase charges more than the Consumer Price Index.”
So, what should a concerned citizen do during this public comment period? Garmon says, ‘If there is one question, I would hope the IDOH would consider, it’s this: After the merger, what incentive does Union Health have to follow through on the promises it is making now?”
As a concerned citizen, Deckert thinks people should have a choice when it comes to health care, “People want a second option. If you don’t like a diagnosis the doctor gives you, you can go and get a second opinion from another doctor.”
Garmon said it could take at least five years after a merger for data on cost, access, and quality of care.
Union Health’s full response to our questions can be read below:
Today, out of 92 counties, Vigo County ranks 63rd least healthy in the state of Indiana. Union Health recognizes that without a bold approach to community health, we will continue to suffer from a general health crisis. We must address basic health needs that cause chronic illnesses related to diseases and conditions such as obesity, heart disease, stroke, infant mortality and mental health disorders.
It is also important to understand the Certificate of Public Advantage (COPA) is designed to protect consumers. Union Health has entered into this COPA agreement with IDOH’s oversight. The reality is health care costs are regulated by the federal government. For example, more than 70 percent of the patients we serve receive either Medicaid or Medicare benefits.
We view the COPA process as an innovative way to work collaboratively with the Indiana Department of Health to make sure the citizens of the Wabash Valley gain all of the benefits, without any of the drawbacks of a typical hospital merger, like higher prices. In fact, under the COPA statute, post-merger, Union Health will not be allowed to increase charges more than the Consumer Price Index.
Union Health
Anyone who wants to either voice their concerns about the proposed merger or share their support is asked to complete the simple public comment form at this link.
