Story perspectives

Lawmakers Push Bill to Curb Insurer Clinic Ownership

9/18/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Democratic lawmakers, including Sen. Jeff Merkley and Sen. Elizabeth Warren, proposed the Patients Over Profits Act to stop large health insurers from owning medical clinics in Oregon.
The bill seeks to eliminate conflicts of interest that may restrict patient choices and raise costs.
Optum, a UnitedHealth Group subsidiary, faced criticism after acquiring local clinics, resulting in provider exits and access issues.
The legislation mandates insurers to divest from clinics and bans federal contracts with those owning medical providers.
Oregon's Health Care Market Oversight program, initiated in 2021, regulates health care consolidation and enforces ownership rules.

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Story summary

Democratic lawmakers, including Sen. Jeff Merkley and Sen. Elizabeth Warren, proposed the Patients Over Profits Act to stop large health insurers from owning medical clinics in Oregon.
The bill seeks to eliminate conflicts of interest that may restrict patient choices and raise costs.
Optum, a UnitedHealth Group subsidiary, faced criticism after acquiring local clinics, resulting in provider exits and access issues.
The legislation mandates insurers to divest from clinics and bans federal contracts with those owning medical providers.
Oregon's Health Care Market Oversight program, initiated in 2021, regulates health care consolidation and enforces ownership rules.