Wake County Commissioners to hear from WakeMed on potential merger with Atrium Health

WAKE COUNTY, N.C. (WTVD) -- Wake County Commissioners are scheduled to receive an update Tuesday on the status of the proposed merger between WakeMed and Atrium Health, a deal that has drawn scrutiny from state officials and concerns from some local physicians and patients.

The update comes after the Wake County Board of Commissioners voted last month to delay a decision on the merger by three months amid questions surrounding the proposal.

The merger would place WakeMed under Charlotte-based Atrium Health. State leaders have said the deal could increase insurance premiums by more than $100 per year if approved.

WakeMed has defended the merger, saying it would help reduce costs for supplies, medicines and equipment. Atrium Health has also pledged a $2 billion investment in the area and the creation of more than 3,000 jobs.

Despite those promises, some local physicians have voiced concerns about the potential impact of further health care consolidation.

"So I have a unique perspective and I like to think that I have the best interests of our patients and other health care workers in mind," said Dr. Joshua Ward, a physician who opposes the merger. "And I have strong concerns that a merger like this creates more consolidation, less competition, and ends up being worse for patients and health care workers overall."

SEE ALSO | WakeMed rejects UNC Health proposal, sticking with Atrium Health plan

County commissioners are scheduled to meet Tuesday afternoon to hear the latest information from WakeMed executives as discussions over the proposed merger continue.