Accountable Care Organizations and Antitrust Concerns

Federal Trade Commission Chairman Jon Leibowitz recently gave a speech before the American Medical Association to address the FTC’s position on the formation of accountable care organizations. As long as the government purchases the services and unilaterally sets payment levels and terms, there won’t be an antitrust issue. However, there have been discussions within the healthcare community about how ACOs can contract with payers in the private sector. The Chairman in his speech said such a transition could indeed raise competition issues, and so the FTC wants to work with healthcare providers going forward. As a result, FTC will be conducting a workshop this fall in which the public may assist with the formation of FTC’s policies on competition and reimbursement as they relate to ACOs.

Stay tuned for more details!