"Potential $10 Billion Merger Between BJC and St. Luke's Could Spark More Healthcare Consolidation"

BJC HealthCare's plan to merge with St. Luke's Health System would create one of the largest hospital systems in the area, with over two dozen hospitals in three states. The merger comes as hospitals increasingly look to grow through consolidation. The combined organization would have more leverage in negotiations with insurers, more purchasing power for supplies, and a network to lean on during staffing shortages. The health systems have yet to work out the details and plan to have a definitive agreement by the end of the year.