Senator Goggin applauds federal rule changes to increase price transparency in health care

(ST. PAUL, MN) – Senate Republicans applauded the President on keeping his promise to increase transparency and accessibility to health care costs.

An Executive Order signed by the President last June directed various federal agencies to change rules and regulations in order to make sure information on health care costs is readily available. According to today’s press release from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Administration finalized a rule that requires “hospitals to provide patients with clear, accessible information about their ‘standard charges’” for any items or services they provide patients beginning in 2021. The Administration is also proposing a rule change for “Transparency in Coverage” that will give most people access to price and cost-sharing information from their insurer to allow for comparison and price-shopping.

Bills authored by Senator Rich Draheim (R-Madison Lake) that made the same changes to empower Minnesotans were passed and signed into law this year.

“Health care has become more complicated and challenging for the average consumer,” said Senator Mike Goggin (R- Red Wing). “We have worked to make this system better for Minnesotans by enforcing price transparency so people know what their care will cost. As the federal government takes steps to make similar improvements, we can look forward to an improved health care system that will work for everyone without wasting tax dollars on more bureaucracy. Minnesotans know what kind of care they want, and we are dedicated to ensuring they have the freedom to choose.”

The Administration provided the following resources for more information: