HCA Healthcare targeted in latest antitrust lawsuit

The plaintiffs are seeking refunds for overages charged, as well as a change in the health care system’s practices and pricing.

Has our country reached a tipping point in its tolerance for rampant consolidation and monopolistic behavior in the health care industry? Following last week’s news about the Department of Justice’s interest in UnitedHealth’s acquisition of Change Healthcare, we’re also seeing greater pushback at a regional level. In North Carolina, HCA Healthcare, the country’s largest for-profit health care operator, is facing a class-action lawsuit. Among a long list of grievances, the suit alleges that HCA-owned MIssion Health used its monopoly power to increase prices, insurance rates and deductibles throughout its services area.

“An out-of-state corporation has used its market power to cut quality and raise prices,” said attorney Mona Lisa Wallace. “Mission Health was once the crown jewel of North Carolina’s healthcare system. In filing this action, the Plaintiffs seek to have HCA live up to its promises of providing affordable health care in Western North Carolina.”