Antitrust Lawsuit Filed To Protect Patients, Workers, Businesses, and Doctors of Western North Carolina from HCA’s Practices

Tuesday, August 10, 2021 | | Author: Wallace & Graham, P.A. | Original Article

August 10, 2021 -- Today, a group of Western North Carolina residents filed a class-action lawsuit alleging that the out-of-state hospital conglomerate HCA Healthcare uses anti-competitive practices that cause high prices and worse quality for health care. The plaintiffs are represented by the law firms Wallace & Graham of Salisbury, NC, and Fairmark Partners of  Washington, DC. 

The complaint alleges that since HCA bought the non-profit Mission Health, it has used a  hospital monopoly in Asheville to raise prices across Western North Carolina for both inpatient and outpatient care. The lawsuit alleges that HCA uses illegal contracting and negotiating practices, does not comply with price transparency laws, and has cut access to critical rural services. 

The lawsuit further alleges that Mission is now the most expensive hospital system in the State for many procedures, with its prices routinely double the state average. Meanwhile, the complaint alleges that the quality of care has declined. 

“In the complaint, the plaintiffs allege that an out-of-state corporation has used its market power to cut quality and raise prices, harming doctors and consumers,” said Mona Lisa Wallace of  Wallace & Graham. “Mission Health was once the crown jewel of North Carolina’s healthcare system. In filing this action, the Plaintiffs seek to have HCA live up to its promises of providing  quality affordable health care in Western North Carolina.” 

“Consolidation of hospital systems is one of the biggest drivers of rising healthcare costs. The complaint alleges that, through a variety of anti-competitive practices, HCA has overcharged for health care,” said Jamie Crooks of Fairmark Partners. “Plaintiffs ask HCA to refund overcharges  and change its practices to restore a fair market for health care.” 

The complaint that was filed earlier today is available here.