INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) – A bill reversing the Certificate of Public Advantage (COPA) passed a senate hearing of the Health and Provider Services on February 12. If ultimately passed into law this bill could stop the acquisition of Terre Haute Regional Hospital by Union Health.
Senate Bill 119 was introduced on January 8 by State Senator Ed Charbonneau, who had championed the original bill approving the COPA.
In November, 2024, Union Health had withdrawn their first COPA. At the hearing on Wednesday, Steve Holman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Union Health, told the committee that the decision to withdraw was “in collaboration with” the Indiana Department of Health. According to Holman, they were coming up on the 120 day deadline and felt they needed to get more information.
Holman told the committee that Union Health is committed to the acquisition noting they have paid $3 million in legal fees.
A new (COPA) was filed in Union Health’s acquisition of Terre Haute Regional Hospital on February 5. Holman testified to the need in the area for the acquisition explaining that in 2024 “47 percent of our inpatient days were Medicaid. Almost half. It’s an area of poor health outcomes that we want to make transformational changes.”
Senator Charbonneau explained that a lot of new data has come out since the original bill and that is why he is seeking the reversal. The main concern being monopolies. Charbonneau provided a timeline of SB119.
“I introduced the bill on January 8, on February 5th Union Health filed a new application and on February 11th the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) sent me a letter against the COPA.
Senate committee members expressed concerns and support of the acquisition. The final vote was 7 to reverse and 4 to not reverse the legislation. The bill will need to go to the Senate for a full vote. If passed, it would take effect July 1, 2025.
Kristin Craig, President/CEO of the Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce also testified at hearing in opposition of SB119. In a statement Craig stated, “The Chamber strongly supports keeping the established COPA process in place and will continue to work with legislators in the coming works to ensure they understand the value this holds for our community.”
Representatives from the Indiana Manufacturers Association, Hoosiers for Affordable Healthcare and the Employers Forum of Indiana testified in support of SB119.
State Senator Greg Goode of Terre Haute told the committee the nearly 600 highly skilled employees of Terre Haute Regional Hospital “are hoping Regional doesn’t close it’s doors. What bothers me most is leaving the Terre Haute area with a one hospital system. An unregulated monopoly.”
