Submitted by Rep. Spartz’s Press Workplace

This week, Rep. Victoria Spartz (R-Ind.-05) revealed an op-ed for The Hill describing the hospital consolidation disaster engulfing the nation.

Within the op-ed, Rep. Spartz wrote, “The hospital merger development has reached untold heights, with over 1,500 mergers up to now 20 years … This lack of competitors has vital penalties for sufferers. Hospitals in extremely concentrated markets cost increased costs for medical companies and negotiate increased costs from medical health insurance suppliers, leading to increased insurance coverage premiums.

“In my dwelling state of Indiana, 91 % of the hospital market is managed by the biggest hospital programs and over half of physicians are straight employed by the biggest three hospital programs. Consequently, Indiana has the 4th highest hospital facility costs within the nation.

“Hospitals will argue that consolidation permits them to realize economies of scale and thus present higher high quality and extra coordinated care to sufferers, however latest research by Rice College and Harvard College recommend in any other case. The truth is, a 2019 New York Instances article by well being economist Austin Frakt argues that charges of mortality enhance when competitors falls. Therefore, not solely is consolidation growing the value of care, nevertheless it may very well be a matter of life or demise for sufferers.

“The federal authorities created this hospital monopoly downside, so we now have two selections – both we restore competitors by eliminating monopoly protections, or we type a whole monopoly – a full authorities takeover of well being care. I choose the previous and have launched laws to take away obstacles to competitors and make well being care extra reasonably priced for all People.”

Rep. Spartz launched a legislative package deal this yr aimed toward eradicating obstacles to competitors and making well being care extra reasonably priced for all People. The legislative texts might be seen right here and right here.

Click on right here to learn the total op-ed. For extra info, please go to spartz.home.gov.