Hospitals are complaining about the Trump administration's latest proposed rule requiring disclosure of the prices they have negotiated with private payers. They say the burden is excessive and will undermine the ability of insurers to secure discounts for their customers. Lawsuits aimed at blocking the rule might be coming soon.
There's a sense in some quarters that the whole effort is a waste of time and resources because the complexity of providing care to patients does not lend itself to simple, consumer-friendly pricing before services are rendered. That's a mistaken sentiment. Meaningful and understandable pricing is not an impossible dream. That is certain because it already exists in small pockets throughout the United States.
Read Full Article »