Steward Health Care's Physician Group Sold to Optum Amid Regulatory Scrutiny

Steward Health Care plans to sell its doctor network to UnitedHealth's subsidiary, Collaborative Care Holdings, prompting concerns from Massachusetts officials and community leaders about the impact on the state's healthcare system. The proposed deal, which includes Steward's primary care doctors and clinicians in nine states, is subject to review by state regulators and potential antitrust scrutiny. Critics worry about the potential negative effects on Steward hospitals and the growing market power of UnitedHealth's Optum, which has been aggressively expanding its presence in Massachusetts through acquisitions.