Comment by May 6. The Department of Justice, Department of Health and Human Services, and Federal Trade Commission seek public comment on the effects of private equity funds’ acquisition of health care providers, mergers involving providers and health systems, and private payers’ purchase of physician practices. There is concern about patients’ health, workers’ safety, quality of care, and the rising cost of health care for patients and taxpayers. The Departments are particularly interested in receiving input on the effects of consolidation on patients and health care providers, including any differences between rural and urban areas.
