Steward Health Care strikes deal to sell its nationwide physician network to Optum

Steward Health Care has agreed to sell its national physician network to Optum, a UnitedHealth Group subsidiary, as part of efforts to improve its financial situation. The deal requires review by the Massachusetts Health Policy Commission and could face further scrutiny from state or federal authorities. Optum is set to acquire primary care doctors and clinicians in nine states from a Steward affiliate. The transaction's impact on healthcare costs, quality, access, and equity will be closely examined. Concerns have been raised about the implications for healthcare delivery and costs in Massachusetts and nationally. This move is noted amid broader discussions on the role of for-profit companies in healthcare and their responsibility to ensure access and affordability.

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