Story perspectives

FTC Urges Pro-Competitive Health Care Rules During OMB Review

9/9/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Federal Trade Commission urged pro-competitive health-care rules now under White House Office of Management and Budget review.
President Donald Trump proposed site-neutral Medicare payments for certain services beginning July 2026.
Health economists say vertical hospital-insurer mergers can raise prices and complications while improving operational throughput.
In July, the FTC settled with Caremark, demanding transparency and patient choice after similar Express Scripts and Optum deals.

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Story summary

The Federal Trade Commission urged pro-competitive health-care rules now under White House Office of Management and Budget review.
President Donald Trump proposed site-neutral Medicare payments for certain services beginning July 2026.
Health economists say vertical hospital-insurer mergers can raise prices and complications while improving operational throughput.
In July, the FTC settled with Caremark, demanding transparency and patient choice after similar Express Scripts and Optum deals.