Massachusetts Health Policy Commission

Hospitals, Payers, Consumer / Employer, Providers
Rising Healthcare costs and higher health care prices as increase in medication and prescription medications or unaffordable hospital bills represented by a Doctor stethoscope and upward arrow.

Why the CVS–Mass General Deal Would Likely Increase Spending More Than Access

A Massachusetts regulator is warning that CVS and Mass General Brigham’s proposed MinuteClinic partnership could drive up healthcare spending by at least $40 million annually, largely through steering patients into a higher-priced system. Experts said the deal might improve convenience for some patients but is unlikely to meaningfully expand access — and could ultimately strengthen market power and push costs even higher.