Colorado Seeks Public Input on Denver Hospital Merger
The Colorado Attorney General is collecting feedback regarding a proposed joint venture between AdventHealth and Intermountain Health.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Healthcare
Live Poll
Do you believe merging local hospital systems improves care for patients in your community?
The Colorado Attorney General office has opened a public comment period regarding a proposed operational merger between AdventHealth and Intermountain Health in the Denver area. This transaction would combine the hospital operations, urgent-care centers, and medical practices of both healthcare systems.
Why it matters
The state review aims to ensure the consolidation of these medical systems complies with legal requirements and maintains access to care for the region's growing population. AdventHealth plans to lead daily operations if the merger receives approval.
AdventHealth operates 5 hospitals in the Denver area, while Intermountain Health currently runs 3 hospitals in the same market. Nationally, AdventHealth manages 2,000 care sites, and Intermountain Health maintains 34 hospitals and 400 clinics.
The players
AdventHealth
Headquartered in Altamonte Springs, Florida, this healthcare system operates approximately 2,000 care sites nationwide.
Intermountain Health
Based in Salt Lake City, Utah, this system manages 34 hospitals and employs 4,600 care providers.
Colorado Attorney General
The state's top legal official is responsible for reviewing hospital mergers to ensure legal compliance and market fairness.
The details
The proposed deal encompasses a broad network of affiliated emergency centers, urgent-care facilities, and independent medical practices throughout the Denver metro area. AdventHealth has also indicated plans to develop a new hospital site in Broomfield near Interstate 25 and Colorado Highway 7.
Timeline
March 2022: Intermountain Healthcare and SCL Health completed a merger.
Summer 2026: AdventHealth and Intermountain Health signed a letter of intent for their Denver combination.
October 2026: The Colorado Attorney General began accepting public comments on the proposal.
November 20, 2026: The deadline for members of the public to submit comments via email.
Early 2027: The anticipated closing date for the hospital transaction.
Market Landscape
This deal continues the trend of rapid healthcare consolidation in the Denver region, mirroring the structural shifts seen during previous major system mergers. The move positions the combined entity as a dominant force in the local market by integrating specialized care sites.
Residents may see changes in patient access or service delivery as the two systems integrate their Denver-area hospital operations. The ongoing review process allows community members to formally express concerns about how this consolidation could affect local healthcare quality.
The takeaway
The merger underscores a broader trend of hospital system consolidation aimed at managing care for expanding metropolitan populations. Patients should monitor state updates regarding the approval process as the 2027 closing date approaches.
Further reading
Learn more about local sector developments in our Healthcare section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by BizWest.
Live Poll
Do you believe merging local hospital systems improves care for patients in your community?
