Currently, virtually all providers and organizations in the healthcare delivery and insurance space are facing significant challenges. Leaders, and the public alike, must be cognizant of these implications, both from a public health and economic development perspective, given the size and large number of employees working in this sector in Massachusetts.
Today’s announcement that Fallon Health, headquartered in Worcester, will be acquired by Mass General Brigham Health Plan, which is based in Somerville, reflects the uncertainty and challenges in the healthcare space. We recognize that this decision by the Fallon Health Board of Directors and leadership was likely a difficult one.
Fallon Health, headquartered in downtown Worcester, employs over 1000 people and has been a cornerstone of the Central Mass economy as an employer and an anchor tenant. More importantly, for nearly 50 years, Fallon Health’s corporate leadership and its employees have been engaged partners in Central Massachusetts, involving themselves as volunteers in important local and civic organizations and issues. Their philanthropic support has been invaluable to many organizations focused on young people, senior citizens, and community health.
It is our hope that as the leaders of Fallon Health, Mass General Brigham Health, and their boards go forward with this acquisition process, in conjunction with state regulators, that Fallon Health’s community-centered mission, presence as a major employer, and philanthropic support of the Central Mass community will continue in a strong and unabated manner for decades to come.
