1. United States
2. Ore.
3. Letter

The proposed merger between OHSU and Legacy Health raises significant concerns about reduced competition, higher costs, and lower quality care for patients. While the healthcare systems claim this deal will improve services and expand access, corporate consolidation in the hospital industry has consistently led to the opposite – higher prices for consumers with little improvement in quality or outcomes. As one of Oregon's largest employers, the combined system's market dominance could allow it to raise rates exorbitantly, burdening families and businesses with inflated healthcare costs. Furthermore, job cuts and eroded working conditions often follow major mergers, jeopardizing the livelihoods of the frontline providers who deliver vital care. For these reasons, I urge you to closely scrutinize this merger and prioritize the interests of patients, workers, and community members over the profit motives driving corporate consolidation. Healthcare should be a public good, not an engine for amassing market power and shareholder wealth at the public's expense. Reject this merger to protect affordable, high-quality care in our state.