Just one day before the Wake County Board of Commissioners meets to decide the fate of WakeMed, county and state leaders have spoken out about the proposed Atrium Health merger.

Commissioners express reservations

Commissioner Vickie Adamson (District 7) announced she will vote “no” on the amendment that would allow WakeMed to join Atrium Health. In a statement she said, “After much consideration and prayer, I intend to vote no… I am very concerned about costs increasing if WakeMed merges with Atrium. I don’t have confidence that amending the transfer agreement in this way won’t directly lead to increased health care cost.” Adamson added that the rushed timeline prevented thorough review and public input, which she views as undemocratic.

Commissioner Tara Waters (District 5), whose district includes WakeMed’s Raleigh campus, noted she has heard resident feedback and worries about the complex legal and healthcare language in the revised deal. While she did not specify how she will vote, Waters said, “It’s an important decision and one that I will do thoughtfully, prayerfully, and with the citizens of Wake County in mind.”

Governor Stein does not oppose the revised deal

Governor Josh Stein issued a statement saying he does not oppose the combination after Atrium Health added several revisions. The governor highlighted a $150 million community contribution, stronger charity‑care protections, and a clarified $2 billion investment over 15 years. Stein also noted his request that Atrium cap price increases at WakeMed to no more than 1.5 times the annual Medicare increase for the next five years, which Atrium agreed to.

Stein praised Atrium’s commitment to fully fund the investment, raise the minimum indigent‑care contribution from 4.8 percent to 8 percent of adjusted revenue, and create the $150 million community fund. He said, “Because Atrium has addressed a number of concerns about the deal’s impact on North Carolinians, I do not oppose the combination.”

Labor and advocacy groups remain skeptical

The Triangle Central Labor Council, representing more than 20,000 union members, reiterated serious concerns about the transfer of WakeMed to Atrium Health. Advocacy groups warned that a larger Atrium could “squeeze more money out of us,” emphasizing the need for continued vigilance on cost and worker impacts.

The commissioners’ vote on Monday will determine whether the revised agreement moves forward, shaping the future of healthcare delivery in Wake County.

Original reporting: WRAL Raleigh — read the source article.