On 7 December 2023, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission granted authorisation to health insurer The Hospitals Contribution Fund of Australia Limited (HCF) to enter into and give effect to certain price capping provisions in agreements that it enters into with dentists who participate in its ‘More For Teeth Program’ in the same local catchment areas that it owns and operates dental clinics.
Dentists that choose to participate in HCF’s More For Teeth Program agree to cap fees for certain preventative and diagnostic services provided to HCF members so that members can receive these services on a ‘no-gap’ basis. HCF currently owns and operates 3 dental practices in areas where it has agreements with other dentists who participate in its More For Teeth Program, in Belconnen (the Australian Capital Territory), Chermside (Queensland) and Melbourne CBD (Victoria).
The ACCC granted authorisation for a period of 5 years, until 6 December 2028.
Further details about the application and determination are available on the ACCC’s public register.