That is, Amazon may be able to build in revenue streams from individuals’ membership in One Medical completely distinct from the provision of health care – by, for example, targeting advertising of products related to health conditions.Īntitrust authorities should also evaluate the merger through the lens of the incipiency doctrine. In so doing, it may both leverage its market power in the online retail market and capitalize on unique benefits that it may accrue through data-sharing arrangements not available to other competitors. Amazon may well try to bundle membership in Prime with One Medical. Amazon has a history of tying membership in Prime, originally an annual fee shipping service, to an expanding array of services. population is currently enrolled in Amazon Prime. The merger threatens to give Amazon an unfair competitive advantage in the health care market.Īlthough post-merger Amazon would have a relatively small share of the national health care market, there is reason to fear that it will leverage its dominant role in the online retail market to gain unfair advantage in health care delivery. The specific concerns we wish to raise include the merger’s implications for fair competition, consumer data privacy, health care integrity, and worker rights. If it proves impossible to design such safeguards, then the merger should not be approved. It should not receive regulatory approval unless and until Amazon commits to robust, legally binding safeguards that protect consumers, competition, and the integrity of the health care system. We urge you to use your various authorities to investigate this merger thoroughly. This uniquely consequential merger brings with it a troubling likelihood of widespread harm and abuse, particularly with regards to market competition, consumer data privacy, the integrity of the U.S. Public Citizen writes today to express grave concerns about Amazon’s proposed acquisition of primary health care provider One Medical.
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