AHA voices support for bill to repeal antitrust exemption for health insurers

Aug 08, 2019 - 01:58 PM
legislation update

The AHA yesterday voiced support for the Competitive Health Insurance Reform Act (H.R. 1418/S. 350), legislation that would repeal the antitrust exemption available to commercial health insurers for anticompetitive conduct. “The AHA believes that the commercial health insurance industry should be governed by the same antitrust laws and policies that apply in other sectors of our economy, including hospitals and other health care providers,” AHA said in a letter to Sen. Steve Daines, R-Mont., and Rep. Peter DeFazio, D-Ore., the lead sponsors of the legislation. “Any exemptions should be narrow and carefully tailored to achieve a pro-competitive purpose. We have previously articulated our concerns to the Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division about the abuse of market power by large commercial insurers; this remains a concern as large commercial insurers continue attempts to consolidate to the detriment of consumers.”

Related News Articles

Headline
AHA video highlights hospital-community partnerships in New Orleans 
The AHA collaborated with LCMC Health in New Orleans to spotlight innovative efforts that extend care beyond hospital walls. LCMC Health’s programs support…
Headline
Cigna announces new pricing model that would share negotiated discounts with consumers
Cigna’s Evernorth division Oct. 27 announced a new, rebate-free pharmacy benefit model, beginning in 2027, that would reduce monthly prescription drug costs by…
Chairperson's File
Chair File: Inside the Shutdown and Other Key 2025 Priorities
Public
This week brings the fourth week of the federal government shutdown as Congress has yet to pass legislation to fund the government. This shutdown is a bit…
Headline
Report finds launch prices for new drugs are significantly higher, exceed inflation
The median net launch price for 154 new drugs increased 51% between 2022 and 2024, after accounting for inflation and discounts, according to a report released…
Headline
Shutdown continues with no significant progress toward funding deal
The government shutdown is expected to continue into next week as the Senate is expected to adjourn Oct. 23 with no plans to vote this weekend. The chamber Oct…
Headline
OIG says MA, Medicaid managed care plans have limited, inaccurate behavioral health provider networks 
A report by the Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General found that many Medicare Advantage and Medicaid managed care plans…