Federal judge rejects FTC challenge of IL health systems merger

For the second time in two months, a federal court has denied a Federal Trade Commission request to stop a proposed merger, finding the agency was unlikely to succeed on the merits of its antitrust claims. The latest decision, in Illinois, paves the way for Advocate Health Care and NorthShore University HealthSystem to form Advocate NorthShore Health Partners. “Judge [Jorge] Alonso’s decision reaffirmed what we have wholeheartedly believed since day one – this merger is a big win for consumers and for health care in our country as the shift to value takes hold,” said Advocate President and CEO Jim Skogsbergh, who also serves as 2016 chairman of the AHA Board of Trustees. “We look forward to rolling up our sleeves and getting to work together to deliver on our commitment of making health care more affordable while raising the standard of care.” A federal district judge in Pennsylvania last month rejected an FTC challenge of a proposed merger between Penn State Hershey Medical Center and PinnacleHealth System.