Update on Union Health/Terre Haute Regional Hospital merger

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — A review of Union Health’s proposed acquisition of Terre Haute Regional Hospital has begun.

Union Health signed an agreement to acquire Terre Haute Regional Hospital all the way back in September 2023. Nearly a year later, the state review process is now underway.

The Indiana Department of Health has received a complete application for Union Hospital and Terre Haute Regional Hospital to merge. Union Health president and CEO Steve Holman says there is clear evidence that the merger would improve quality of healthcare in the area.

“Could we cooperatively, collaboratively work with the Indiana Department of Public Health to create a system of care for the Wabash Valley like it’s never seen before,” Holman said. “One that’s focused on prevention, such as our program right now that’s in the Vigo County schools.”

The review will give the Department of Health a chance to make any last modifications to the proposed plan, but Holman is confident that everything will be approved.

“I believe the time that we’ve spent since September has identified the areas that the Indiana Department of Public Health sees as the real focus areas that we should have,” Holman said. “I don’t anticipate extending the timeline further than this because of all the good work and collaboration that’s been done. It’s possible, but I do think they’ll complete it within the 120 days.”

The application filed is for a Certificate of Public Advantage. This includes law written in the certificate that medical costs cannot increase due to the hospitals merging into one.

“It actually writes in protections for everyone so that doesn’t happen, and there’s price caps in that,” Holman said. “I know that’s a concern for some, but just know that it’s already taken care of.”

WTWO reached out to Regional Hospital but they were unavailable for comment.

If you would like to weigh in on the merger, the Indiana Department of Health will accept public comments on their website through September 6.

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