A non-profit organization has now formed to oppose the proposed purchase by University of Missouri Health Care of hospitals operated by SSM in Mexico and Jefferson City.
The group is called Coalition for Choice and is comprised of Mid Missourians who say they are calling for the protection of choice in healthcare.
In a news release the group says they believe the purchase would create a health care monopoly in Cole County and would be detrimental to the entire Mid-Missouri community and could also lead to one health system in Boone County.
MU Health is defending its goal of buying the hospitals, saying the merger would allow a better way to integrate the care provided within these communities to ensure patients have access to a full continuum of care.
Talks are continuing about between MU Health and SSM about the potential purchase.