MU Health, SSM hold final open forum on possible hospital purchase

University of Missouri Health Care and SSM Health will host their third and final forum Monday on the possible transfer of ownership of SSM St. Mary’s Hospital in Jefferson City.

ABC 17 News reported in August that MU Health Care had intentions to buy St. Mary’s from SSM along with other local SSM-run properties, which would make MU Health the lone major health care provider in the Jefferson City area.

The two health systems have hosted two open forums, in Columbia and Mexico, to discuss the possible purchase while negotiations continue.

“The organizations are continuing through a period of diligence during which both systems are further defining the details of the potential transaction,” MU Health Care spokeswoman Jesslyn Chew said.

A group called the Coalition for Choice was formed to directly oppose the possible purchase. The not-for-profit claims the expansion of MU Health Care, which already owns and operate Capital Region Medical Center in Jefferson City, will raise costs for patients.

“Selling to MU Health must be off the table,” a Coalition for Choice spokeswoman said in a statement. “Hospital monopolies raise the cost of care and destroy access to small physician practices that offer patient centered care.”

For more coverage on the ongoing negotiations between MU Health Care and SSM, click here.