The ACCC proposes to grant authorisation for 5 years 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 geographic 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 is now seeking submissions in response to the draft determination by 3 November 2023 before making its final determination. Further details about the application and how to make a submission are available on the ACCC’s public register.