Both health systems have had to eliminate positions at their facilities and have said that the care they provide for Medicare, Medicaid and uninsured patients have caused significant financial losses, according to the report.
Meridian employs 8,500 employees and owns four hospitals in New Jersey. Southern Ocean County Health System has 1,000 employees and owns Southern Ocean County Hospital.
It may take up to six months to finalize an agreement, according to the Asbury Park Press.
Read the Asbury Park Press’s report on the possible Southern Ocean County Health System and Meridian Health merger.
