WakeMed’s proposed partnership with Atrium Health faced tough questions from state leaders and concerned community members during its final listening session Thursday night.
Some worry the multi-billion-dollar merger could drive up health care costs for patients and taxpayers across North Carolina, but the people involved in the deal say it's the best move for the future of the hospital.
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Leaders say the proposed partnership between WakeMed and Atrium Health would strengthen healthcare in the Triangle for years to come. However, not everyone is convinced the merger will benefit patients.
RELATED: What to know about WakeMed’s deal with Atrium as NC officials raise alarms
WakeMed President and CEO Donald Gintzig says the partnership would allow the hospital system to expand, add more beds and continue delivering top-notch care for years to come.
As for what Atrium Health gains from the deal, Gintzig said it comes down to mission and community impact.
"They are an organization like WakeMed that is nonprofit that uses all of its resources to improve health in the community and follow its mission,” Gintzig said. “They get a chance to help us do that as a member of the family."
Thursday night’s meeting was also the first opportunity for State Health Care Plan Executive Administrator Tom Friedman to directly question WakeMed leaders about the merger. He said it was a conversation that was long overdue.
"My job is to make sure prices are affordable for state employees, teachers, and taxpayers,” Friedman said. “So, we are obviously very concerned. Atrium is one of the most expensive health systems in the state and we don't want prices to go up."
Because the State Health Care Plan charges members the same regardless of where they live, Friedman said any increase in WakeMed’s costs could impact taxpayers and state employees across North Carolina.
His official analysis estimates the merger could raise costs by $7 to $11 per member each month.
Still, Friedman said some patients worried that WakeMed could be dropped from the State Health Care Plan should not panic.
"Members next year, we have the same benefit at WakeMed as they do today,” Friedman added. “It might be a little cheaper in a couple of areas. The board hasn't voted on this yet."
WakeMed leaders say the partnership is about long-term growth and stability. The deal still requires further approval from the county, and it will be several months before the next steps.
