Long Island Anesthesiologists PLLC v. UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company of New York Inc. et al.

Why this Matters
The plaintiff, a private equity-backed anesthesiology practice, argues that efforts by a major health insurer seeking to design a provider network with more modest reimbursement rates violate federal and state antitrust laws. Studies have shown that certain private equity-backed physician practices charge substantially more than the median reimbursement rates for similar services, driving up health care costs and increasing health care premiums. In this appeal, the plaintiff seeks to overturn the district court’s decision to dismiss the case.

Potential Impact
The refusal by private equity-backed providers to engage in good faith negotiations related to high reimbursement rates could create further obstacles to lowering health care prices and premiums.