U.S. Sen. Bernie Moreno, R-Ohio, has sent a letter demanding answers from Steward Health Care System, Medical Properties Trust, and Insight Health Systems after the abrupt closure of two hospitals in Trumbull County, and what he says is a threat to the county’s 911 dispatch center.

The letter, dated April 6, 2025, expresses “grave concerns” over the impact of the closures on Ohioans who have lost access to healthcare services. Moreno accused the companies of “predatory and potentially illegal actions.”

The closures of Trumbull Regional Medical Center and Hillside Rehabilitation Hospital followed Steward Health Care’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing and its attempt to sell the facilities. Insight Health Systems became the operator and leaseholder, while Medical Properties Trust owned the real estate.

Moreno’s letter highlights the layoffs of nearly 700 employees by Insight Health Systems in late March, and allegations that employees were not paid for work performed. He also cited information from Insight's website, which attributed the closures to “additional abrupt developments in Steward Health Care’s bankruptcy proceedings and the mounting lack of transferred dollars owed for healthcare services.”

Moreno also raised concerns over the status of the Trumbull County 911 Dispatch Center, which relies on utilities from the closed Hillside Rehabilitation Center. He said county officials have been unable to reach the companies to secure an agreement for continued utility service.

“It is vitally important that Trumbull County have a functioning 911 Dispatch Center,” Moreno wrote.

The director of the the 911 dispatch center, Tacy McDonough expressed her concerns about the uncertain future of Insight-owned facility. She hopes efforts from the commissioners will result in communication from Insight.

"We're connected to Hillside Rehab Center for electric and water, sewer, so obviously we're concerned if they don't end up getting some resolution to the issue," McDonough said. "We've been hopeful...that [the commissioners] would be able to reach out to [Insight and say, 'Hey, can you leave the electric on and just bill Trumbull County for the services that we're using until a solution is granted?' "

Moreno’s letter also referenced what he called Steward Health Care’s “nationwide predatory practices and financial missteps,” citing reports of unpaid rent and other financial issues. He noted that Medical Properties Trust was expecting significant rental income from the leases.

The senator has demanded responses within five days to several key questions, including:

  • How the companies plan to reopen the hospitals.
  • How they will assist laid-off employees.
  • How they will help patients find alternative healthcare.
  • Confirmation that they will ensure continued utility service for the 911 Dispatch Center.

Moreno also threatened to encourage law enforcement to investigate and prosecute any illegal practices, including potential Medicare fraud.

The hospital closures have drawn attention from state lawmakers as well. State Reps. Nick Santucci, R-Ohio, and Lauren McNally, D-Ohio, recently sent a letter to Insight Health Systems expressing concern about unpaid wages and the lack of notice given to employees. They also urged federal action.

Warren Mayor Doug Franklin has called for a criminal investigation into Steward Health Care, alleging Medicare/Medicaid fraud.

U.S. Rep. Dave Joyce, R-Ohio, issued a statement saying he is “working with all involved parties to rectify the situation.”