In response to the financial troubles of the Steward health system, Massachusetts has implemented an emergency operations plan. The system is currently facing millions of dollars in debt, prompting the Department of Public Health to place monitors in the hospitals since January. The emergency plan features an incident command center aimed at improving communication between the state, healthcare providers, and investors to ensure that patients receive quality care during any transitions that may occur in the future.
Governor Maura Healey’s administration sees the activation of the incident command center as a necessary step in maintaining stable healthcare markets and ensuring patients have continued access to care. Healey has been advocating for Steward to exit Massachusetts, and while the system’s physician network has been sold to Optum Care, the sale still awaits review by the Massachusetts Health Policy Commission. Meanwhile, Steward’s nine hospitals in Massachusetts, including locations in Taunton, Brighton, Brockton, Haverhill, Methuen, Dorchester, Fall River, Ayer, and Norwood, remain open and operational.
