TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV)—Two local hospitals will have to wait to find out if their application for a Certificate of Public Advantage will be approved.
Union Health and HCA (owners of Terre Haute Regional Hospital) filed a COPA on February 5, 2025. This was the second application filed by Union Health in the acquisition of Terre Haute Regional Hospital. The first application was withdrawn in November 2024.
The deadline for the approval or denial of the second application was June 21, 2025.
According to a news release from Union Health, “it is our understanding that the Indiana Department of Health is continuing to review the COPA application.”
Union Health stated they are “grateful that the Indiana Department of Health is being thoughtful and thorough in its review of our application for approval of a Certificate of Public Advantage for Union Hospital and Regional Hospital to collaborate on improving health care for the Wabash Valley.”
Senate Bill 119 (Public Law 100) recently reversed an earlier law that would allow a COPA. The Union Health/Regional COPA was excluded from the new law because the application was filed before May 13, 2025.
The IDOH had 120 days to make a ruling. But, according to an addendum to Senate Bill 119, the IDOH has until November 9, 2025, to make its decision.
“Our vision for the future of this community remains clear, and we continue to move forward with purpose, as we strongly believe this merger is the right and best next step for the health and well-being of our community,” Union Health stated in the news release. “While we are in this moment of waiting, our priority remains the same – to provide exceptional, compassionate service to those who rely on us for care.”
The merger has faced opposition. The Federal Trade Commission on March 21, 2025, urged the denial of the COPA. Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita issued a statement on April 17, 2025, opposing the merger.
The IDOH hosted a town hall meeting on May 1, 2025, to get public feedback in Terre Haute on the merger. At that meeting, Terre Haute Mayor Brandon Sakbun spoke in favor of the merger.
HCA told WTWO in a statement on May 13, 2025, that if the merger does not go through, they may consider closing Terre Haute Regional Hospital.
WTWO has reached out to IDOH and HCA for comment. This is a developing story that we will continue to follow and update.
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