HCA v. Garland et al.

Why this Matters:

The plaintiff asks the court to declare that federal antitrust law establishing certain reporting and waiting period requirements do not apply to certain health care transactions approved by a state. This litigation stems from the Federal Trade Commission’s efforts to ensure that a hospital system’s acquisition of three competing hospitals in the New Orleans area followed federal antitrust procedural requirements. These requirements play an important role in allowing for investigations into potential violations of antitrust law. Evidence shows that consolidation in the health care sector can lead to higher prices for individuals with private insurance while also potentially leading to lower quality care for patients.

Potential Impact

Ensuring that mergers by health care providers comply with antitrust laws can help reduce health care prices and lower health care premiums for consumers.