State Leaders Urge Pause Before Wake Vote on WakeMed-Atrium Deal
State officials and employee advocates said the deal could raise health care costs and reduce transparency as commissioners weigh approval.
- The Wake County Board of Commissioners is expected to delay Monday's vote on the proposed takeover of WakeMed by Charlotte-based Atrium Health following public backlash over the $2 billion transaction's rapid rollout.
- North Carolina State Auditor Dave Boliek and State Treasurer Brad Briner urged the delay on Sunday, citing a lack of transparency after the deal was announced Friday; critics also argue consolidation concentrates pricing power and increases healthcare costs.
- Atrium promised a $2 billion investment, with Advocate Health CEO Eugene Woods claiming the merger would create 3,300 new healthcare jobs and expand mental health services. WakeMed currently operates three acute care hospitals with over 970 beds and 350 doctors.
- Republican Rep. Mike Schietzelt and Ardis Watkins, executive director of the State Employees Association, called for a 'transparent, deliberative process,' warning that WakeMed's negotiating independence is vital and consolidation could weaken the State Health Plan's bargaining leverage.
- While WakeMed leadership unanimously approved the combination in April, the proposal still requires board approval and regulatory scrutiny. The delay now gives stakeholders time to voice opinions on this significant shift in North Carolina's healthcare landscape.
13 Articles
13 Articles
Watauga Democrat
Atrium Health, WakeMed surprise pact draws resistance
(The Center Square) – Commissioners of a North Carolina county got immediate resistance from two members of the Council of State following a signal of intent to effectively approve the takeover of WakeMed by Atrium Health.
Vote on Atrium Health-WakeMed merger delayed in North Carolina
RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — Wake County leaders will delay a vote about a planned WakeMed and Atrium Health partnership after some North Carolina state officials over the weekend urged the Wake County Board of Commissioners to delay a scheduled Monday vote tied to the plan, according to North Carolina Treasurer Brad Briner. Commissioners were expected [...]
State officials, lawmakers press for delay on WakeMed/Atrium deal
By Michelle Crouch and Rose Hoban State and local leaders are raising red flags over a proposed combination of WakeMed Health & Hospitals with Charlotte-based Atrium Health. They want more time to scrutinize the deal, citing concerns about costs and competition. The proposal, which became public on Friday, May 1, would bring the Raleigh-based system under the control of one of the nation’s largest hospital networks. According to multiple state…
Wake commissioners could delay Atrium, WakeMed merger vote
Wake County commissioners could delay Monday’s planned vote on a merger between WakeMed and Charlotte-based Atrium Health. State Treasurer Brad Briner and state Rep. Mike Schietzelt, R-Wake, issued social media posts Sunday indicating the vote might not take place Monday. The issue appears on commissioners’ consent agenda for their regularly scheduled meeting. Meanwhile, State Auditor Dave Boliek also issued a public request Sunday for commissio…
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