A Philadelphia U.S. District Court judge has denied a request by the Federal Trade Commission and the Pennsylvania Attorney General to grant a preliminary injunction to block the proposed merger of Einstein Healthcare Network, which operates Einstein Medical Center Montgomery in East Norriton and MossRehab and Elkins Park hospitals, into Thomas Jefferson University and Jefferson Health on antitrust grounds, writes John George for the Philadelphia Business Journal.

Jefferson operates Abington Jefferson Health and Abington-Lansdale Hospital.

In his ruling, Judge Gerald J. Pappert said the government did not present enough evidence to prove insurers would see price increases in markets where the two health systems overlap.

“The government has not met this burden,” said Pappert.

The six days of evidentiary hearings in September included witness testimony and the presentation of documentary evidence.

But the merger is still not a done deal as it is expected there will be an appeal on the ruling to a higher court.

“We are pleased that Judge Pappert has ruled in our favor, paving the way for us to become one health system,” said Jefferson and Einstein in a joint statement.

Read more about the decision at the Philadelphia Business Journal by clicking here.