OHSU-Legacy Health: Why Now?


OHSU and Legacy Health plan to join as one health care system called OHSU Health. We see this as a once-in-a-generation chance to expand access to quality care in every community. Together, we can better achieve our missions to serve the people of Oregon.

Why this proposal, and why now?

“The status quo is not working,” interim OHSU President Steve Stadum said in a recent interview.

Uniting OHSU and Legacy will meet these needs:
  • Legacy gains critical support for its finances, workforce and services.
  • OHSU expands much-desired access to its advanced and specialty care.
  • The people of Oregon have a coordinated network that provides the right care at the right place and time.

A uniquely Oregon solution

As a nonprofit, Legacy Health has a long history of public service. As a public corporation, OHSU has a mission to improve the health and well-being of Oregonians. Our new system will continue putting Oregonians first. You and your community are part of our past, present and future.

Our commitments

As part of our proposal, OHSU and Legacy are making commitments that focus on:
We’re also committing to our health care workforce.

See the goals we’re setting as part of these commitments.

Concerns and benefits

Here’s a look at key issues raised by critics and supporters of the OHSU-Legacy proposal.

 

Concerns

Critics say the proposal:
  • Will reduce health care competition. That could give patients fewer choices for care.
  • Will increase health care costs for patients and employers. Some studies show that health care costs rise after a merger. 
  • Will put health care workers at risk. Some people fear restructuring, changes to benefits, or long-term staff cuts.
  • Will put health care services at risk. Concerns include consolidation of services. There’s also concern about possible shifts in specialty care or delivery of services.
  • Will maintain or worsen disparities in access to care.
  • Gives a skewed picture of Legacy’s financial condition.
  • Needs more transparency and oversight. Concerns include how decisions will be made and how the new system will be accountable to the public.

 

Benefits

Supporters say the proposal:
  • Will increase access to health care in Oregon and southwest Washington. The new system will create a coordinated network of care and services.
  • Won’t increase the growth of health care costs. Uniting OHSU and Legacy maintains roughly the same cost growth as if they stayed separate.
  • Will protect health care workers. Three Oregon unions describe OHSU’s agreement with them as “historic.” These unions represent more than 14,000 OHSU and Legacy employees. See what they’re saying.
  • Will deliver more health care services to patients in their communities. Legacy patients will gain access to OHSU’s unique services.
  • Will improve health and well-being across the state and across a range of care. The new system will have more resources to invest in health equity.
  • Will address Legacy’s significant operating losses. These have been driven by the pandemic, declining volumes and increasing costs.
  • Is undergoing a full state review. The new system will be subject to state oversight, including yearly reports.


State review

Oregon law requires a review of the OHSU-Legacy proposal by the state’s Health Care Market Oversight program.


This review includes a public comment period. See how to comment and read public comments so far. OHSU also is accepting comments. Email us at [email protected].