AMA submission to ACCC application for authorisation (revocation and substitution) from Honeysuckle Health Pty Limited and nib health funds Limited

The AMA has made a submission to the ACCC regarding the application by Honeysuckle Health and nib for re-authorisation of their collective contracting arrangements. The AMA is not opposing continuation of the arrangement per se, but has argued the safeguards imposed during the 2021 ACCC authorisation and subsequent Tribunal settlement must be retained in enforceable form. In particular, the AMA has emphasised the importance of protecting clinical independence, patient choice, practitioner autonomy, referral freedom, appropriate data governance, and limits on insurer market power. The AMA has submitted that re-authorisation should only proceed if these protections are preserved.