House Committee Calls for Investigation into Impact of Consolidation on Dental and Vision Benefits

In order to ascertain the impact of consolidation and vertical integration (wherein a company oversees various phases throughout the supply chain instead of depending on external suppliers) on the provision of medical and dental care, the United States House Committee on Energy and Commerce has asked the Government Accountability Office to conduct a study focused on dental and vision benefit insurers. The study will investigate the impact of consolidation and vertical integration on consumer costs and provider fees as well whether these arrangements create loopholes to existing laws and regulations. Members of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce emphasized the importance of understanding how financial alignment between payers and providers influences healthcare incentives. This study aims to shed light on these dynamics in the context of dental and vision benefits. Click here to read more.