Private Equity–Acquired Residential Treatment Facilities vs Other For-Profit Facilities

In this national secret shopper study, PE-acquired residential SUD treatment facilities reported higher daily prices than geographically matched non-PE for-profit facilities. Price differences persisted after accounting for local market factors, suggesting systematic cost differences associated with ownership structure. This study provides facility-level evidence on pricing differences by ownership type in residential SUD treatment and highlights the need for further research to understand the mechanisms underlying these differences and their implications for patients and payers.