Steward Health System’s Financial Woes: Massachusetts Governor Activates Incident Command Center to Maintain Stable Healthcare Markets

Steward Health System, which owns nine hospitals in Massachusetts, is facing financial difficulties and millions of dollars in debt. In response to this, the Department of Public Health has placed monitors in the hospitals since January. Governor Maura Healey’s administration has activated an incident command center as a necessary step in maintaining stable healthcare markets and ensuring patients have continued access to care. The center aims to improve communication between the state, healthcare providers, and investors to ensure that patients receive quality care during any transitions that may occur in the future. While Steward’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 remain open and operational.