Senators Announce Legislative Initiative to Improve Price Transparency

Sens. Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Tom Carper (D-DE), Todd Young (R-IN) and Claire McCaskill (D-MO) are seeking guidance from health care stakeholders as they develop legislation to improve price transparency in the health care market and lower costs. In a letter yesterday to health care, patient and business groups, including the AHA, the senators request feedback by March 23 on questions ranging from what consumer price and quality information is or should be available, who should be responsible for providing and sharing price information, and how to avoid creating unnecessary or additional burdens. The senators plan to host roundtable conversations with a variety of experts in the coming weeks, and are also engaging the administration, members of Congress and governors. AHA plans to submit comments.