America's Health Insurance Plans, the national association for health insurers, has issued comments to the Federal Trade Commission and the Department of Justice regarding proposed antitrust regulation for accountable care organizations participating in the Medicare Shared Savings Plan.
In its comments, AHIP argues that the agencies should establish "more, rather than less, review" and calls upon the FTC and DOJ to lower its safety zone thresholds.
The AHIP states that providers and insurers have established numerous ACO-like arrangements for some time without any additional antitrust protections, suggesting additional protections for Medicare ACOs may be unnecessary.
AHIP worries relaxed antitrust regulations may encourage further consolidation, which has been shown by studies drive up healthcare costs, in some cases.
Read AHIP's comments on ACO antitrust guidelines (pdf).
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In its comments, AHIP argues that the agencies should establish "more, rather than less, review" and calls upon the FTC and DOJ to lower its safety zone thresholds.
The AHIP states that providers and insurers have established numerous ACO-like arrangements for some time without any additional antitrust protections, suggesting additional protections for Medicare ACOs may be unnecessary.
AHIP worries relaxed antitrust regulations may encourage further consolidation, which has been shown by studies drive up healthcare costs, in some cases.
Read AHIP's comments on ACO antitrust guidelines (pdf).
Related Articles on ACO Antitrust Issues:
ACOs: 5 Tips to Avoid Anticompetitive Behavior
AHA Issues Response to Proposed ACO Antitrust Policy, Urges IRS to Offer Guidance
AMA Issues Response to Proposed ACO Antitrust Policy