Trump’s Expected Executive Order Will Compel Hospitals And Insurers To Disclose Health Care Costs To Public
Advocates say that President Donald Trump's expected executive order, which was first reported by The Wall Street Journal, will lift the veil of secrecy around negotiated health care prices. But the health care industry is resistant, arguing that it could cause costs to climb if some businesses learn competitors are getting bigger discounts.
The Wall Street Journal:
Trump To Issue Executive Order On Health-Care Price Transparency
President Trump plans to issue an executive order Monday to compel the disclosure of prices in health care, according to people familiar with the matter. The order will direct federal agencies to initiate regulations and guidance that could require insurers, doctors, hospitals and others in the industry to provide information about the negotiated and often discounted cost of care, sources said. Consumers and employers will benefit because pulling back the secrecy around the prices will allow them to shop for lower cost care and benefits, advocates say. (Armour, 6/20)
In other news on the administration's efforts to lower costs —
The Wall Street Journal:
Your Employee Health Plan Could Soon Look Like Your 401(k)
A landmark change will soon give more American workers control over their health-care coverage, but be warned: There are pitfalls. Beginning Jan. 1, 2020, companies can provide employees with tax-free dollars to purchase an individual policy rather than offer them a traditional group-health plan. The Trump administration laid out the final rules for the so-called Health Reimbursement Arrangements, or HRAs, just this month. (Saunders, 6/21)
