MSHA/Wellmont merger plans include proposed cap on rates

Bristol Herald Courier – Those working toward a merger of the region’s two health systems plan to propose a cap on rates, a Mountain States Health Alliance official said Friday.

“We are proposing the new health system put a rate cap on prices,” said Marvin Eichorn, chief operating officer of MSHA. “That [rate cap] will be in effect the whole term the COPA [certificate of public advantage] is in effect. In addition to that, we are also going to reduce our prices the first full year after the merger is completed.”

Eichorn and Bart Hove, CEO of Wellmont Health System, gave an update on the merger process during a legislative breakfast held Friday at MeadowView Conference Center in Kingsport.