Samaritan & MultiCare Announce Official Date for Affiliation October 12, 2026 Samaritan Health Services and MultiCare Health System plan to begin their partnership on Nov. 1. All public agencies reviewing the affiliation have either approved the transaction or announced their intent to do so, clearing the way for Samaritan to join MultiCare, a nonprofit health system based in Washington state. Samaritan will retain its name, with a connection to MultiCare, and its local leadership and community-based governance, with a continued focus on meeting the healthcare needs of the mid-Willamette Valley and central Oregon Coast. Samaritan and MultiCare announced their intent to affiliate in 2025 following an extensive evaluation and due diligence process. The partnership will provide additional resources, expertise and investment to strengthen local healthcare and expand access to. “This milestone brings us closer to putting the investment and resources of our partnership to work for the people we serve.” said Marty Cahill, Samaritan president and CEO. “I am grateful to our employees, clinicians, board members and community partners for their dedication throughout this process. Together with MultiCare, we will build a stronger future for healthcare in our region while remaining rooted in our communities.” MultiCare has committed to investing $700 million over 10 years to increase access to care, recruit and retain providers, improve facilities and technology, and bring more services closer to home. “We look forward to investing in the future of healthcare across Samaritan’s service area and advancing our vision to be the Pacific Northwest’s highest value system of health,” said Bill Robertson, CEO of MultiCare. “Together, we can build on the strengths of both organizations and invest in the future of healthcare for the people who depend on us.” Beginning Nov. 1, teams from both organizations will work together to share expertise and begin a phased integration process. Changes will be thoughtfully planned and sequenced over time, with input from the clinicians and employees closest to the work. A locally led regional strategic planning process will help guide future investments and service priorities, informed by community needs. “Bringing healthcare organizations together is thoughtful work that happens over time,” said Florence Chang, president of MultiCare. “As our partnership begins, we look forward to listening, learning and working alongside Samaritan to identify opportunities that create lasting benefits for patients, employees and communities.” For patients, Samaritan Health Plans members and InterCommunity Health Network CCO members, the affiliation will not interrupt care or services. Patients can continue seeing their Samaritan providers, keep scheduled appointments, use Samaritan pharmacies and manage their health information through MyChart. There are no changes to the health insurance plans accepted by Samaritan Health Services, or to the types of plans offered by Samaritan Health Plans, as a result of the affiliation. For additional information and answers to frequently asked questions, visit samhealth.org/Affiliation. Questions may also be sent to [email protected].
