BIDCO, which already includes seven hospitals and is the second-largest healthcare provider network in Massachusetts, is seeking affiliations with New England Baptist Hospital of Boston and MetroWest Medical Center of Framingham, Mass., according to the report. The healthcare providers say the proposed affiliations would improve care coordination and control costs.
However, the state Health Policy Commission said BIDCO’s further expansion could lead to increased spending through higher insurance rates and hospital prices, as well as garner the healthcare network greater market power. The commission’s analysis will take place over the next several months, according to the report.
The Health Policy Commission most recently reviewed and objected to Boston-based Partners HealthCare’s proposed acquisition of two hospital systems last year.
More articles on hospital partnerships and affiliations:
John Muir Health, San Ramon Regional partner for outpatient center
CHI Franciscan Health partners with CityMD for urgent care
Guardian Research Network expands with 4 new partner health systems
