AMA continues campaign against Honeysuckle Health authorisation

Numerous parties have joined with the AMA in speaking out against the proposed Authorisation for the buying group.

The AMA has lodged a third submission with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), opposing the Authorisation sought by Honeysuckle Health and nib to form a buying group to represent private health funds in negotiations with providers and expand its clinical partners program.

This latest submission follows the AMA’s attendance at an interested parties conference organised by the ACCC on 8 July, where numerous parties joined with the AMA in speaking out against the proposed Authorisation. Significant opposition to the proposed Authorisation has forced the ACCC to adjust its timetable for consideration of the Authorisation, which was originally due for finalisation by June. A decision is now not expected until September.

The AMA has described the proposed Authorisation as anti-competitive and opening the door to managed care.

A copy of the AMA submission can be found here.