ST. PAUL – Minnesota Farmers Union President Gary Wertish issued the following statement calling on Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison to use his authority to prohibit California-based Sutter Health from acquiring Minnesota-based Allina Health.

“Sutter has been subject to private and public antitrust lawsuits that are part of a troubled history in California of amassing market dominance and driving up the cost of care.

“These higher prices mean higher insurance costs for patients. For individuals purchasing healthcare on the individual market, one study found that high levels of hospital concentration result in insurance premiums that are 5 percent higher than those in less concentrated areas.

“In addition to the impact Sutter’s dominance has had on the prices Californian’s pay for care, communities have had to fight to keep facilities and services from being cut, particularly those in vulnerable communities.

“While hospital consolidation has taken place largely unchallenged by state or federal authorities, your office can buck that trend and demonstrate that the monopolization of our healthcare system is not inevitable. Minn. Stat. 145D.01 grants the Minnesota Attorney General the authority to ‘bring an action in district court to enjoin or unwind a transaction.’

“It is clear to us that this merger is not in the public interest and thus the most effective course of action is to use your authority under Minnesota law to prohibit this acquisition.”

About Minnesota Farmers Union

Minnesota Farmers Union works to protect and enhance the economic interests and quality of life of family farmers and ranchers and rural communities. MFU is a nonprofit membership-based organization. Membership is open to everyone. Learn more and join at www.mfu.org and follow MFU on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.

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Minnesota Farmers Union—Standing for Agriculture, Working for Farmers