$100,000 pledged to Jefferson City group opposing MU Health purchase of hospital
A new nonprofit in Jefferson city aims to oppose any future expansion of MU Health Care in the state capital and according to the group, it has collected thousands of dollars.
ABC 17 News reported in August that MU Health had intent to purchase St. Mary’s hospital in Jefferson City, which is currently owned by St. Louis-based SSM Health.
The Coalition for Choice, which announced their formation last week, was created to stop the possible takeover by MU Health.
“The state takeover of healthcare,” said Hallie Gibbs, the attorney for the group. “”It may be a benefit to hospital systems to merge, but typically it’s a detriment to the patients.”
On their website, the group said it is concerned that consolidating health care providers could result in higher costs, lower quality care and, in general, negatively affect the area.
“(Jefferson City) finally got two high schools, which helps economic development, and now were going to just have one hospital system,” Gibbs said. “So here we go again, going backwards, in economic development.”
Gibbs said the coalition has about 100 supporters who have donated $20,000. He said those supporters have also pledged to give an additional $100,000, which has not yet been donated.
MU Heath Care told ABC 17 News in a statement that the purchase of St. Mary’s would help patients, including those in rural areas, access affordable treatment. The statement also said the Coalition for Choice has yet to contact them.
“Though we have not heard from this particular group, we would be more than happy to discuss any concerns and issues they may have,” the statement said.
