To address concerns regarding unfair and anticompetitive practices in the healthcare industry, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the Department of Justice (DOJ), and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) have collaborated to launch an online portal called HealthyCompetition.gov. This portal allows the public to report potentially unfair and anticompetitive practices.
Going deeper
Complaints submitted through the portal will undergo a preliminary review by staff at the FTC and DOJ's Antitrust Division. If a complaint raises sufficient concern under the antitrust laws or falls within the scope of HHS authorities, it will be selected for further investigation by the appropriate agency. This may lead to the opening of a formal investigation.
The privacy and confidentiality of individuals reporting through the portal are paramount. The information provided, including any personal details, will be treated with strict confidentiality. The privacy policies governing the submission of information through the portal can be found on the DOJ and FTC websites.
What was said
FTC Chair Lina M. Khan expressed the significance of this joint initiative, stating, "All too often, we hear how unfair methods of competition and monopolistic practices may be depriving Americans of access to affordable, high-quality healthcare." This collaboration between the FTC, DOJ, and HHS will enable the agencies to hear directly from the public and take necessary actions to curb illegal business practices that harm consumers and workers.
In the know
HealthyCompetition.gov is part of the ongoing efforts by the FTC, DOJ, and HHS to promote competition in the healthcare industry. In December 2023, the agencies announced their partnership and introduced new initiatives to address concerns related to private equity and other corporations' control of healthcare. These initiatives included a joint request for information to gather insights on how corporate control impacts healthcare access and affordability.
The collaboration between these federal agencies demonstrates their commitment to ensuring every American has access to high-quality and affordable healthcare. By providing a platform for the public to report unfair practices, they try to root out behaviors that undermine healthcare delivery.
Why it matters
The launch of HealthyCompetition.gov marks a step forward in promoting fair competition within the healthcare industry. Through HealthyCompetition.gov, individuals can contribute to creating more competitive and fair healthcare markets that benefit patients, providers, payers, and wor
Farah Amod
