A recent report has revealed that the majority of hospitals in Montana are failing to comply with a federal price transparency rule aimed at making healthcare costs more accessible for patients. The rule, introduced by the Trump administration in 2021, requires hospitals to publicly post prices for the 300 most common procedures to enable patients to shop around for care, similar to how they might compare prices for everyday items like groceries.
According to the Patient Rights Advocate, a non-profit organization focused on price transparency in healthcare, only 12% of hospitals in Montana are fully adhering to the federal rule. While many non-compliant hospitals are still listing prices online, the information is often unclear, particularly when it comes to showing the costs for specific insurance plans. This lack of transparency leaves patients in the dark about their potential out-of-pocket expenses, leading to uncertainty and the possibility of unexpected medical bills.
Cynthia Fisher, the founder of Patient Rights Advocate, criticized the Biden administration for its lack of enforcement of the rule. She argued that the failure to properly implement and enforce the transparency requirement leaves patients vulnerable to price gouging. Fisher likened the situation to a gas station not displaying prices until after a customer has already filled up their tank—only to find out they’ve been charged significantly more than expected.
“Prices can vary by thousands of dollars between hospitals, and patients can end up with surprise bills,” Fisher said. “If you went to the gas station across the street, could you imagine having to pay 30 times more for a gallon of gas? That’s what’s happening in healthcare today.”
The federal rule was designed to give patients the tools to make more informed decisions about their healthcare, potentially fostering greater competition among hospitals and lowering costs. However, the lack of clear price transparency has raised concerns about the effectiveness of the policy, especially in states like Montana, where many hospitals have not fully complied.
Fisher expressed hope that the incoming administration under former President Donald Trump will prioritize enforcement of the rule, urging stricter regulations to hold hospitals accountable for price transparency. By pushing for more transparency, Fisher believes that hospitals could be forced to become more competitive, ultimately benefiting patients and potentially reducing healthcare costs.
While the rule’s future remains uncertain, one thing is clear: the push for greater transparency in healthcare pricing continues to gain momentum, with advocates pushing for reforms that can help patients avoid the financial pitfalls of surprise medical bills.
