There is widespread agreement that the issue of price transparency is a real problem in the U.S.
Sadly, countless Americans have found themselves facing crushing bills due to unanticipated medical billing, even those with health insurance. In fact, over half of Americans say they have received a surprise medical bill.
Those who unexpectedly receive these bills have no choice but to pay them, even if it means devastating financial consequences like failing to pay the rent or mortgage, or filing for bankruptcy.
The White House has a proposal that would boost price transparency in health care in order to prevent Americans from receiving exorbitant medical bills. The plan would arm patients with better information about healthcare price which would empower them to shop and plan for their care and ultimately would lead to lower out-of-pocket costs.
Currently, our health sector also lacks competition. This plan will also introduce more competition into the healthcare marketplace which will encourage providers to compete with one another and bring costs down for everyone.
In order to put patients first and make health care more affordable for everyone, we must work to offer Americans greater freedom to choose the health plans and services that are right for them and provide them with the price information they need to shop and plan wisely. That’s why we need price transparency in health care now.
But we need your help.
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is currently seeking public comments on the new proposal until May 3rd. If you have a story to share or would like to issue comments about the lack of price transparency, please click HERE to submit them to HHS before the deadline.