LEWISBURG — Evangelical Community Hospital, Geisinger, and the Department of Justice today announced that the three parties have reached an agreement on a proposed final judgment that will allow Geisinger to maintain a minority investment in Evangelical. The judgement resolves the underlying Department of Justice lawsuit filed in August 2020.
“Evangelical can best continue to meet the needs of our community by remaining an independent, community hospital and by using Geisinger’s financial support to strengthen our facilities, technology, and services,” said Kendra Aucker, President and CEO, Evangelical Community Hospital.
Under terms of the agreement, which are pending a public comment period and final court decision in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania later this year, Geisinger would maintain a minority investment in Evangelical.
Geisinger’s investment supports Evangelical’s expansion project known as PRIME, the Patient Room Improvement, Modernization, and Enhancement project, and a renovated intensive care unit.
Today’s agreement paves the way for Evangelical services to continue at tier 1 status in the Geisinger Health Plan, meaning individuals with that coverage do not face higher out-of-pocket costs when seeking their care at Evangelical.
Aucker stressed the agreement confirms Evangelical’s independence.
About Evangelical
Evangelical is a non-profit organization that employs nearly 1,900 individuals and has more than 170 employed and non-employed physicians on staff. The Hospital is licensed to accommodate 132 overnight patients, 12 acute rehab patients and 18 bassinets. The Hospital serves residents throughout the Central Susquehanna Valley, including those living in Snyder, Union, Northumberland, and Lycoming Counties.
