Baystate Health Prepares to Welcome Mercy Medical Center to Its System

This decision was made with the long-term sustainability of healthcare services in our community in mind. Like many healthcare providers, Mercy Medical Center is facing significant challenges and financial pressures. We also know the challenges to accessing health care in Western Massachusetts are significant. Longer wait times and capacity issues would negatively impact both the community and the quality of care, underscoring the importance of preserving and strengthening Mercy Medical Center’s services for the region.

It will close on November 1, 2026, subject to regulatory approval.

Yes. The hospital will become Baystate Mercy Hospital on November 1, 2026, subject to regulatory approval.

Patients will continue to access the future Baystate Mercy Hospital, its services and affiliated medical group practices in the same ways they do today. Our goal is to make this process seamless while continuing to provide compassionate care that reflects our shared commitment to excellence and enabling care to remain local for the community.

Absolutely.

We are steadfast in our commitment to delivering high -quality care and to achieving zero preventable harm to our caregivers, patients and their families by becoming a High Reliability Organization (HRO).

Yes. Continued access to Mercy’s Emergency Department for 24/7 emergent care remains vitally important for the community and Baystate Health after the transaction closes. There are 45,000 ED visits to Mercy every year and the emergency department will be staffed by Baystate’s board-certified, emergency-medicine faculty as of November 1.

Yes. Sister Caritas Cancer Center will continue providing cancer care as it joins Baystate Health on November 1. The center’s longstanding commitment to patients and families will remain an important part of cancer care in our region. Under the leadership of Dr. Agnes McAuliffe, the new Medical Director of the Sister Caritas Cancer Center at the future Baystate Mercy Hospital, the center will be part of Baystate Health’s broader cancer services program, connecting patients with an expanded network of specialists, advanced treatments and clinical trials while continuing to provide compassionate, patient-centered care close to home.

Yes, all insurance plans currently accepted will continue to be accepted after the transition. These include:

• Aetna (commercial and Medicare)
• Blue Cross Blue Shield (commercial and Medicare)
• Carelon
• Commonwealth Care Alliance
• Cigna
• Fallon Health
• Health New England (commercial, Medicare, and Medicaid)
• Mass General Brigham Health Plan
• Harvard Pilgrim
• Tufts Qualified Health Plans
• Tufts One Care
• Serenity Care
• United Healthcare
• Wellpoint
• WellSense

Yes. Mercy Medical Center is expected to become part of Baystate Health on November 1, 2026, subject to regulatory approval. Following the transition, Mercy is expected to become Baystate Mercy Hospital and integrate with Baystate Health technology systems, including a new electronic health record. MyBaystate Health is Baystate Health’s new, modernized, and secure patient portal. It will replace Mercy’s current MyChart portal. Mercy patients will need to register for a new MyBaystate Health portal account beginning November 1.

The current Mercy MyChart portal will be replaced by MyBaystate Health on November 1, 2026. Beginning November 1, Mercy patients will need to register for a new MyBaystate Health account. Current MyChart usernames and passwords will not transfer.

Mercy patients are expected to retain read-only access to historical health information in MyChart. Additional details about MyChart access will be provided when available.

They will not be available as active portals at the same time. Beginning November 1, MyBaystate Health will become the active patient portal. MyChart is expected to remain available in read-only mode for access to historical information. Features such as secure messaging, prescription requests, and appointment requests will not be available in read-only mode.

No. You will need to register for a new MyBaystate Health account beginning November 1. Your current MyChart username and password will not transfer.

As of November 1, Baystate Health will maintain all medical records for care received at Mercy, both prior to and after November 1, 2026. If you need copies of those records in the future, you can contact Baystate Health to request them. Information on how to request medical records can be found on the Baystate Health website (Patients & Visitors > Find My Medical Records)

We understand how important financial assistance is in helping you manage the cost of your care. As you transition your care to Baystate Health, eligibility for financial assistance will be determined in accordance with Baystate’s Financial Assistance Policy going forward. We encourage you to connect with our Financial Counseling team, who can help answer your questions and guide you through the process. We are here to support you and help you understand the options available. Visit our website for more information and contact numbers.