Kaiser’s acquisition of Geisinger raises questions about the health systems it may target next.

More than a year ago, Kaiser Permanente announced the creation of a new nonprofit entity consisting of hospitals and doctors, starting with the takeover of Geisinger. This move highlighted the trend of health care companies consolidating in an industry that already exhibits high levels of consolidation. Since then, there have been no public updates on the progress of this initiative. Geisinger’s 10 hospitals and 1,700 physicians are now officially part of the group, called Risant Health. Kaiser plans to add five to six more health systems by 2028, though the identities of these organizations remain unknown.

Recent financial reports suggest that several health systems are facing challenges similar to Geisinger and may become potential targets for Kaiser. The potential acquisition of these health systems raises concerns for patients and local communities, as the impact on costs and quality of care remains unclear. The unique structure of Kaiser as both a health insurance company and provider network adds complexity to the situation.

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