Joco Today

On Thursday, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall (R-Kansas) and Senator John Hickenlooper (D-Colorado) introduced the Patients Deserve Price Tags Act. This legislation aims to enhance transparency in healthcare costs, allowing patients to understand prices for procedures, medications, and services beforehand.

The act mandates public reporting of negotiated rates, costs, and cash prices for services at hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, imaging centers, and clinical labs. It also ensures group health plans access claims data while preventing third-party administrators from restricting data access. Providers must include a detailed itemized bill or an all-in total price for bundled items if offered as an option.

Senator Marshall stated: “Customers don’t walk into a restaurant only to find out how much the food costs when they get the bill. Patients should know the price of the service they need before they make any decisions.” He emphasized that this act will support a more competitive and affordable healthcare system.

Senator Hickenlooper added: “You wouldn’t book a flight if you couldn’t find out the ticket price until you land — or check into a hotel without knowing if you’re paying for the Ritz or a dump.” He highlighted that Americans deserve clarity on medical expenses.

Cynthia Fisher from Patients Rights Advocate praised Senators Marshall and Hickenlooper's leadership: “We applaud Senators Roger Marshall and John Hickenlooper...patients will be able to shop for the best care with protection from rampant overcharges hiding in the shadows.”

James Gelfand of ERIC noted: “Strong transparency requirements of providers...will empower workers and their families to select high quality, affordable health care.”

Kevin Lyons from New Jersey State Policemen’s Benevolent Association said: “Price transparency starts with clear, accessible information...this bill will empower patients to compare prices before they seek care.”

Sophia Tripoli from Families USA supported the legislation: "As long as big hospital corporations...continue to jack up prices year over year with no transparency or accountability."