CADE Superintendence orders Goiás hospital association to cease collective price negotiations with health plan operators

Summary:

The Brazilian Superintendence-General of the Administrative Council for Economic Defense (Cade) has granted a preventive measure to the Association of High-Complexity Hospitals of the State of Goiu00e1s (Ahpaceg) and its associate hospitals, prohibiting them from collectively negotiating medical-hospital service prices, price adjustments, and commercial conditions with health plan operators (OPSs). The measure was taken in an investigation (Inquu00e9rito Administrativo nu00ba 08700.004116/2023-37) following a complaint by Unimed Goiu00e2nia, alleging that Ahpaceg and its associates have been engaging in collective price negotiation and imposing price changes on OPSs, which may limit competition and harm consumers. This decision is similar to a previous case in 2020, where an association of hospitals in the state of Cearu00e1 was condemned for similar practices.