Senator Dawn Keefer (R-31) has introduced new legislation designed to improve hospital price transparency across Pennsylvania. The proposed measure seeks to make healthcare costs more accessible and understandable for patients, supporting informed decision-making and reinforcing accountability within the state’s healthcare system.
The legislation comes in response to continuing concerns that hospitals are not consistently providing clear and accurate pricing information, despite federal mandates established to address the issue. The bill specifically aims to align Pennsylvania law with national transparency standards, ensuring that patients are not blindsided by unexpected medical expenses.
Sen. Keefer’s initiative builds upon her ongoing commitment to healthcare reform and consumer empowerment. “Pricing transparency is crucial for patients to make informed decisions about their healthcare,” Keefer stated. “By holding hospitals accountable and strengthening transparency requirements, we can help reduce costs and enhance trust in our healthcare system.”
The legislation will require hospitals to publicly post standardized, easy-to-understand pricing information for common services and procedures. This will include not only the list prices but also the negotiated rates with insurance providers, thereby giving consumers a clearer picture of what they can expect to pay.
If enacted, the bill would also introduce stricter enforcement mechanisms to ensure compliance, including potential penalties for noncompliance and systematic audits to verify posted information.
The proposal is expected to gain traction as healthcare affordability and transparency remain top concerns among Pennsylvanians. Hearings and legislative discussions on the bill are anticipated in the coming weeks.
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