Hunterdon Health agrees to join Hackensack Meridian Health network
Taken from ROI-NJ.com
By John Harrington
October 20, 2026
Hackensack Meridian Health (HMH), New Jersey’s largest health network, and Hunterdon Health said Oct. 19 that Hunterdon Health agreed to join the HMH network.
Both organizations’ boards of trustees approved the agreement, supported by a $230 million investment commitment, and leaders from both organizations signed the accord at HMH headquarters in Iselin.
Hunterdon Health is a non-profit health care organization based in Flemington with a network of more than 30 primary and specialty practices throughout Hunterdon, Somerset, Mercer, Morris and Warren counties and the Hunterdon Medical Center, a 184-bed, not-for-profit teaching hospital.
The signing follows the organizations’ June announcement that Hunterdon Health and Hackensack Meridian Health signed a letter of intent to explore a proposed merger between the two health care organizations. At that time, the organizations said they intended to work diligently toward a definitive agreement. The accord announced on Oct. 19 completes that step and sets out the terms both organizations will follow as they seek regulatory approval.
For HMH, the tie-up fits into a broader strategy of statewide growth and transformation and an expansion into Hunterdon County. The organization has been expanding through partnerships, acquisitions, and major investments, including new facilities and research initiatives. Hunterdon Health leaders say the institution is financially strong but face increasing competition from larger operators with deeper resources.
Joining a larger system offers Hunterdon Health, one of the smallest independent health systems left in New Jersey, scale advantages while allowing Hunterdon to contribute its own strengths. In addition, HMH notes that residents in Hunterdon County sometimes must travel long distances for specialized care and joining the HMH network is intended to reduce that burden by bringing more services locally.
“Today we’re making real commitments to the people of Hunterdon County and the surrounding communities,” said Robert C. Garrett, the outgoing CEO of Hackensack Meridian Health. “Hunterdon Health has a long history of excellent, community-centered care. By investing in facilities, technology, and clinical programs, we’ll help ensure patients in this region can receive leading-edge care close to home, backed by the resources of our entire network. We look forward to welcoming Hunterdon Health’s team members, physicians, and volunteers to the HMH family.”
HMH will invest $200 million in strategic capital projects that improve access to care, including investments in Hunterdon facilities, programs, and the communities Hunterdon Health serves. HMH agreed to invest $30 million to fully fund the rollout of its Epic electronic health record across Hunterdon Health, including Hunterdon Medical Center, ambulatory sites, Hunterdon Medical Group, and participating independent physicians.
The agreement allows Hunterdon Health to retain local governance. For six years after closing, Hunterdon will keep local board oversight. A Hunterdon representative will join the HMH board of trustees, and Hunterdon representatives will serve on other HMH boards and committees. A Hunterdon Community Advisory Committee will give local input on community health needs.
The accord allows Hunterdon Medical Center to retain its own medical staff leadership and peer review. Hunterdon Medical Group will remain an employment option for physicians for at least five years. Hunterdon Health’s clinically integrated network will continue for at least five years.
The Hunterdon Healthcare Foundation will continue to operate as a separate organization. It will honor donor intent, and money raised locally will continue to support Hunterdon Medical Center and its services.
The organizations will jointly evaluate the expansion of clinical services and the ambulatory network in the Hunterdon region, as well as a physician recruitment plan.
“This agreement reflects months of careful work and a shared commitment to what matters most: our patients, our employees, our physicians, and our communities,” said Kristy Alfano, president and CEO of Hunterdon Health. “Joining Hackensack Meridian Health will strengthen our ability to invest in our people, expand services, and bring new technology and specialty expertise to our region. Just as important, the agreement keeps local leadership and community input at the heart of how Hunterdon Health serves its neighbors.”
Hunterdon’s current leadership team will continue to run day-to-day operations.