California Group Acquires Central Maine Healthcare, Plans $150M Investment

A major healthcare network serving central Maine is entering a new chapter after joining forces with a California-based organization that says it plans to invest heavily in local hospitals over the next several years.

According to the Kennebec Journal, Central Maine Healthcare, the system that includes Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston, Bridgton Hospital, and Rumford Hospital, is now part of Prime Healthcare Foundation, according to an announcement from the group.

The agreement also covers the Central Maine Heart and Vascular Institute, more than 40 physician practices, the Maine College of Health Professions in Lewiston, and LifeFlight of Maine’s central Maine base, the newspaper reported.

Prime Healthcare Foundation says it will commit $150 million over the next five years to upgrade facilities, expand services, and improve infrastructure across the system. The organization also says it plans to preserve the hospitals’ legacy while continuing to provide care locally.

The move comes after Central Maine Healthcare has faced financial challenges in recent years and had been exploring options to bring in additional funding. Leaders previously emphasized that the arrangement is a partnership rather than a traditional sale, with the new foundation stepping in as the parent organization and assuming debts and obligations.

State officials approved the deal with several conditions, including requirements that all three hospitals continue operating with no major changes to essential services and that long-term care facilities remain open.

One area still being addressed is trauma services at Central Maine Medical Center. The hospital previously suspended its trauma center designation due to high costs, but Prime says it intends to work toward restoring trauma care while continuing to support Maine’s overall emergency system.

According to the foundation, hospital names and local leadership will remain in place, and most employees are expected to stay on staff.

Local leaders say they believe the partnership will help stabilize healthcare in the region and ensure hospitals can continue serving communities across central Maine for years to come, the KJ reported.