MONDAY, Nov. 18, 2019 (HealthDay News) — New rules requiring hospitals and insurers to disclose the actual prices for common tests and procedures before they are performed have been proposed by the Trump Administration.
White House officials said the objective is to encourage competition and reduce costs, but the changes are strongly opposed by the health care industry and could be challenged in court, the Associated Press reported.
“This shadowy system has to change,” Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar said. “The patient has to be in control.”
Disclosure requirements for hospitals would take effect in 2021, but the timing is unclear for insurers. Doctors are not directly affected by the new rules, the AP reported.
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