Marketplace®

Daily business news and economic stories

Disagreement over rule that would increase transparency in healthcare costs

A new rule would require hospitals to make public the prices for everything they charge for.

Disagreement over rule that would increase transparency in healthcare costs
Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images

A rule proposed by the Trump administration would require hospitals to reveal the the standard price for medical services, supplies and prescription drugs.

Hospitals typically negotiate these costs with insurance companies in private, leaving patients to find out the price after receiving the care. The hope is that more transparency on these negotiations might lower healthcare costs for consumers, giving them ability to choose alternative hospitals and locations.

According to Reed Abelson, who covers the business of healthcare for the New York Times, industry leaders think that if hospitals see competitors charging more the move could actually raise prices for services.

Abelson spoke with “Marketplace” host Amy Scott about how the new rule could work for patients, and what might get it stalled in court.

Related Topics

Latest Episodes

View All Shows
  • Marketplace Morning Report
    42 minutes ago
    7:18
  • Marketplace Tech
    2 hours ago
    4:17
  • Marketplace
    14 hours ago
    25:29
  • How We Survive
    17 hours ago
    14:10
  • Make Me Smart
    19 hours ago
    25:13
  • Million Bazillion
    20 hours ago
    31:13
  • This Is Uncomfortable
    2 months ago
    37:19
  • Financially Inclined
    2 months ago
    12:30
  • The Uncertain Hour
    4 months ago
    22:50
  • Corner Office from Marketplace
    5 years ago
    20:58