Jefferson, Lehigh Valley Health Network announce plans for major 2024 merger

PHILADELPHIA - Two major health care networks in Pennsylvania say they are planning to merge next year in a move that could provide a growing system for those needing care across the region.

Jefferson and Lehigh Valley Health Network announced Tuesday that both networks have signed a non-binding letter of intent to combine.

The merger would create "a leading regional health care system," which would include a national research university and not-for-profit expanded health plan.

If ratified, 30 hospitals and more than 700 sites of care would operate under the combined system, with more than 62,000 employed faculty, clinicians and staff.

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"The combined organization would have the ability to increase access to high-quality and affordable care, clinical research and health plan offerings and address health inequities for urban and rural communities in Eastern Pennsylvania and Southern New Jersey," Jefferson Health said in a statement.

Officials say both networks are expected to sign a definitive agreement in 2024. Until closing, both Jefferson and LVHN will operate as separate, independent entities.