HSC Researchers Testify at FTC Hearings

HSC Researchers Testify at FTC Hearings

Testimony
Winter/Spring 2003

Researchers from the Center for Studying Health System Change (HSC) were invited to provide testimony during the Federal Trade Commission's ongoing series of hearings on Health Care and Competition Law and Policy. The PowerPoint presentations accompanying each testimony are listed below.

The State of Competition in Local Health Care Markets

Paul Ginsburg, February 26, 2003

Paul Ginsburg delivered testimony examining the competitive landscape in local health care markets across the country. His presentation offered insights into how market dynamics were evolving and the implications for consumers and policymakers. A PowerPoint presentation accompanied this testimony, along with an associated news release and hearing transcript from the FTC.

Health Plan-Hospital Contracting in Today's Marketplace

Brad Strunk, March 27, 2003

Brad Strunk presented findings on the contractual relationships between health plans and hospitals in the contemporary marketplace. His testimony explored how these negotiations shaped costs and access for patients. A PowerPoint presentation accompanied this testimony.

Specialty Hospitals: Market Impact and Policy Implications

Cara Lesser, March 27, 2003

Cara Lesser addressed the growing influence of specialty hospitals on local health care markets and discussed the policy questions they raise. Her testimony analyzed both the competitive effects and the regulatory considerations associated with these focused facilities. A PowerPoint presentation accompanied this testimony.

Vertical and Horizontal Integration in the Community Tracking Study Markets

Robert Hurley, April 9, 2003

Robert Hurley provided testimony on patterns of vertical and horizontal integration observed in the markets tracked by the Community Tracking Study. His analysis explored the consolidation trends among health care organizations and their competitive consequences. A PowerPoint presentation and FTC hearing transcript accompanied this testimony.

Health Plans' Use of Quality Incentives and Information

Findings from the 2002-03 Community Tracking Study Site Visits

Glen Mays, May 30, 2003

Glen Mays testified on how health plans were employing quality incentives and information-sharing strategies, drawing on evidence gathered during the 2002-03 Community Tracking Study site visits. His presentation examined the extent to which insurers were using these tools to promote better care delivery and whether such approaches were translating into measurable improvements. A PowerPoint presentation accompanied this testimony.

Sources and Further Reading

Health Affairs — Competition in Health Insurance and Health Care Markets — Peer-reviewed research on local health care market competition and consolidation trends discussed in the FTC hearings testimony.

Robert Wood Johnson Foundation — HSC Research on Local Health Care Market Competition — RWJF-funded Community Tracking Study findings on how hospital consolidation and health plan market dynamics were shaping costs and access.

Kaiser Family Foundation — Hospital Consolidation and Competition — KFF analysis of hospital merger trends, market concentration, and their effects on health care pricing and access.

Commonwealth Fund — Hospital Market Competition, Costs, and Quality — Research examining the relationship between hospital competition levels and both cost and quality outcomes for patients.

Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality — Hospital Competition Research — AHRQ research on how market competition among hospitals and health plans affects the quality and cost of care.