Washington, D.C. – Reps. Michael Burgess (R-TX), Drew Ferguson (R-GA), and Debbie Dingell (D-MI) introduced H.R. 3284, the Providers and Payers COMPETE Act of 2023, which would mandate that the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) assess the impact of regulatory changes on Medicare payment systems, specifically regarding the consolidation of healthcare providers and payers, during the annual rulemaking process. This would lead to lower costs and improved the health care for American patients. 

"Our healthcare system demands a comprehensive examination to eliminate anti-competitive practices," said Congressman Burgess. "This legislation will empower HHS with a thorough understanding of the implications of new payment proposals, fostering a climate of competition and shielding American patients from exorbitant health care costs. By doing so, we are safeguarding both patient autonomy and financial well-being."

"It's time for us to take a close look at our nation’s health care system to ensure that anti-competitive behavior is not tolerated,” said Congressman Ferguson. “As vertical integration leads to less competition in the marketplace, patients will continue to lose the agency they once had over their health care decisions. We must put the necessary safeguards in place so patient choice is not compromised and families receive the maximum value from their health care dollars.”

“The increasing consolidation we are seeing across the health care industry drives up prices and undermines health care equity,” said Congresswoman Dingell. “This legislation will ensure that HHS fully understands the implications of new payment proposals on further consolidating the health care system, to improve competition and better protect patients from higher health care costs.” 

To read the bill text, click here.