The Influence of Consolidation on Healthcare Prices and Costs

2023 UNC Business of Healthcare Conference
Panel 1A: The Influence of Consolidation on Healthcare Prices and Costs
Consolidation is a prevailing trend across the healthcare industry. There are many forms of consolidation, and the varying approaches have impacts on healthcare prices and ultimately the cost of care. The debate between proponents of consolidation, critics, and those somewhere in between has captured the attention from regulatory bodies, such as the FTC, who are responding with heightened scrutiny towards the proliferation of consolidation in the healthcare industry. This panel will discuss how consolidation functions in the healthcare industry, the impact on healthcare prices, and the opportunities and challenges for the industry and regulators.
Moderator: Deborah Williams, Founder of Health Policy Insights
Panelists:
Stephen Harris, President of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois
David Keys, Chief Development Officer at Acadia Healthcare
Valerie Lewis, Professor of Health Policy and Management at the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health