Catholic-run private hospitals demand right to boycott large health insurers in funding talks

Not-for-profit hospital operators want to change the way they negotiate controversial financial deals with health insurers, including the right to collectively boycott Australia’s five largest health insurers, while private hospitals fight to survive.

Catholic Health Australia, which represents 63 private hospitals, has asked the competition watchdog to approve a new rule that would prevent Medibank Private, Bupa, NIB, HCF and HBF Health from negotiating individual funding deals with hospitals until collective talks are concluded.