Demand for more accessible health care information in the United States!

In the United States, we have the right as consumers to know the costs of items before purchasing them. We are also able to compare the costs of the similar items of different brands and choose which one to buy. However, when it comes to health care, a very costly and crucial market, we are often blindsided to the costs of procedures. Typically, patients do not know the costs of necessary procedures until after they leave a health care facility. This is due to the poor health care cost transparency in the United States. Many states in the United States do not currently have any laws requiring physicians or hospital administrators to disclose the costs of their procedures to patients beforehand. Thus, patients are often mailed a surprise bill. This is especially a nuisance to those who are uninsured, low income, or have high deductible plans. Additionally, states that have transparency laws do not implement them so that patients are aware of their rights. The information is not made accessible to the public.

A bill was recently introduced to the House of Representatives pushing for transparency laws throughout the United States that would allow a patient to be able to know the cost of a procedure before the time of treatment. The bill is currently being looked into by legislators.

In 2015, a 50 state “report card” was made regarding price transparency. Grades were assigned based on premises such as the percentage of health care providers with transparent information and the accessibility of the information. 45 states failed, meaning they had little to no transparency laws. Of all 50 states, New Hampshire was the only state with an A. This information tells us that the vast majority of states either have no laws regarding the subject, or have laws but a lack of awareness among citizens, or do not make price information accessible. NH, however, has a website that allows patients to research costs of procedures in various locations and get a proper understanding of the costs by inputting their insurance.

The bill introduced to the House of Representatives does call for accessibility of this information, but does not necessarily specify the method to be used. If the United States required each state to have a website similar to NH’s, patients would be able to access the information they would like much more conveniently.

Health care costs are skyrocketing. There are very large variations of prices among health care facilities for the same procedure. Consumer-patients’ ignorance to this issue only worsens it. We must work towards protecting the citizens of this country from unaffordable health care by allowing them to explore all of their options easily.

By signing this petition, you will take this country one step closer to nationwide health care price transparency and mandatory websites to make prices accessible to the public. Please sign this petition to better our country and make it a more comfortable place for all patients. We have the right and the easy ability to be aware of prices of items in any store before we purchase them. Why don’t we have the same right and ability in a far more serious market that involves our health and quality of life?