Steward Bankruptcy FAQs
May 09, 2024Will any of the Steward hospitals have to close as part of bankruptcy?
All of the Steward hospitals in Massachusetts are open and continuing to deliver care to patients. Nothing has changed, and nothing will change immediately. At this time, we don’t know if any hospitals will close.
What does it mean to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy?
Chapter 11 provides a proven, orderly process for companies facing financial challenges – including hospitals – to address liabilities while continuing to operate and serve their various stakeholders (e.g. employees, patients, communities). The process, overseen by a judge in accordance with bankruptcy law, ensures that all creditors are treated equitably and thereby allows companies to address financial challenges more efficiently.
How does bankruptcy impact day-to-day operations at Steward hospitals?
Nothing changes immediately. Steward hospitals and outpatient facilities remain open and continue to provide patients with the care they depend on. Moreover, the Department of Public Health has monitors in place at all Steward location to assess care, equipment, and processes to maintain access to reliable care and ensure the talented workforce has what they need to do their jobs.
Will this bankruptcy filing affect my ability to get care at a Steward hospital?
All Steward hospitals are currently open and delivering care to patients as usual. Those who rely on Steward hospitals for care should continue to do so.
Will the state step in and prevent the Steward hospitals from closing? The Commonwealth has no statutory or regulatory authority to stop the closure of a facility or service line.
There is a formal closure process that a hospital must go through to evaluate the impact of closure on patients, staff, and the community. This process involves the hospital notifying DPH at least 120 days before the planned closure date. The hospital also must provide a plan that describes how certain essential services would continue to be available for the community once the hospital closes. The closure process also includes a public hearing that enables members of the community to speak about the impact of the planned closing. More information about the closure process is included on the DPH website.
Should I change my health care if I currently get care at a Steward hospital?
Steward hospitals and outpatient facilities in the Commonwealth are currently operating as usual. Commonwealth officials have had monitors at the Steward hospitals since January to make sure that the facilities have the necessary supplies, equipment, and appropriate staffing to deliver care that meets the standards required by the state. There is no need to make changes to your medical care or transfer care to another provider or hospital.
What is being done to ensure continuity of care for Steward patients?
Currently, Steward facilities are open and treating patients as usual. Commonwealth officials have been closely monitoring the situation at Steward hospitals for more than four months with the goal of preserving patient safety, protecting jobs, and ensuring access to health care across the Commonwealth. We will continue to play this role throughout the transition period.
Informed by the regional discussions and the information gathered for months, the state continues to evaluate the best way to provide inpatient care, behavioral health care, maternity care, and much needed primary and specialty outpatient services in each region where Steward has operated.
If I have upcoming appointments or procedures scheduled at a Steward hospital, should I go?
Yes, you should go. Your health care is important. Steward hospitals and providers are delivering health care and services to patients as usual. If you have any questions about your appointment, you should contact the provider directly.
I’m supposed to have a baby at a Steward Hospital in a few months?
Do I need to find another place to deliver? As of today, there is no need to transfer care to another provider or hospital. Steward hospitals and outpatient facilities in the Commonwealth are operating as usual.
If my hospital closes, and I need to transfer my care to other doctors at other hospitals, how can I be sure that any new providers will have the language assistance I need?
While there is no immediate need to transfer care, it is always your right to do so. You can contact your insurance provider to help identify an alternative provider who meets your needs. It’s important to note that all hospitals are required to provide language services. You will also need to contact your current provider to transfer your records.
I’m worried about the quality at the Steward Hospital in my town. Is it safe?
DPH has monitors in the various Steward hospitals assessing quality and safety and talking with staff to learn about any concerns they may have. These monitors are making sure that the hospitals have the supplies, equipment, and staffing needed to provide care that meets the standards of quality and safety the state requires.
Anyone who has concerns or complaints about a hospital, provider, or care received can report that concern to the DPH’s Bureau of Health Care Safety and Quality. Instructions about filing a complaint can be found on DPH’s website at File a complaint regarding a hospital. You can also call the 24-hour consumer complaint line at 800-462-5540 or 617-753-8150
