DOJ Sues OhioHealth Over Anticompetitive Contracts
Justice Department and Ohio attorney general seek to block OhioHealth contract terms that allegedly prevent cheaper insurance plans and raise prices.
Overview
The Justice Department and Ohio Attorney General filed a civil antitrust lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio seeking to enjoin OhioHealth from enforcing allegedly anticompetitive contractual terms.
The complaint alleges OhioHealth has used contractual restrictions since at least 2003 to prevent insurers from offering lower-cost and innovative commercial plans that would allow patients to choose lower-price providers.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Omeed A. Assefi and Attorney General Pam Bondi said the suit aims to protect consumers and drive down healthcare costs, and the complaint notes a partnership with Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost.
OhioHealth owns or manages 16 hospitals and outpatient facilities, and Justice Department officials said OhioHealth has about a 40% market in the Columbus area.
The complaint seeks to restore competition by enabling insurers to offer budget-conscious plan options and represents the Antitrust Division's first civil enforcement action in about a year.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame the story as an enforcement-focused legal challenge by foregrounding DOJ allegations and market-share figures while downplaying defendant responses. Editorial choices—prominent DOJ quotes, mention of leadership changes, and comparison to past settlements—create a narrative of anticompetitive harm and active government scrutiny, even though quoted claims remain source content.
Sources (3)
FAQ
OhioHealth is accused of imposing contract terms like anti-steering provisions and all-or-nothing contracting that prevent insurers from offering lower-cost plans, steering patients to cheaper providers, or providing price transparency tools.
OhioHealth owns or manages 16 hospitals and outpatient facilities and holds about a 40% market share in the Columbus area, making it a dominant provider.
The U.S. Department of Justice and Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost filed the civil antitrust lawsuit, alleging violations of the federal Sherman Act and Ohio's Valentine Act.
OhioHealth primarily competes with Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and Mount Carmel Health System, owned by Trinity Health.
OhioHealth stated it has been cooperating with the DOJ, is confident in its position, and remains committed to compliance with laws, but will not comment further due to active litigation.
History
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